Fair winds

31.12.13: Poole Harbour.




It is New Year's Eve. An auspicious rainbow arcs across the sky above the boatyard.




The sun breaks through accentuating the white of candy floss clouds and warming the winters day.




The autumn winds have been as tempestuous as this summer's winds were fair. This year Stargazer will not be toasting the New Year at anchor. She will remain on her berth.




The barometer is falling and another winter storm will roll in tonight. Severe gale 9 warns the VHF. Craft of all kinds are making for the shelter of the harbour.




As the sun sets on 2013 a 'jolie brise' from the south west ruffles an aubergine black sea enticingly.




I stand on the beach hypnotised by the soft lullaby of lapping waves whilst my mind's eye transports me back to summer seas....




......and playful porpoises.




To wild and craggy Atlantean anchorages...




.... shared with patient, stalking, herons.




To snug sea lochs.....




........shared with sunbathing seals.




To the tranquility.....




.....and grandeur of the Emerald Isle.




To Belle Ille and friends made at anchor there - fellow lovers of scenery roughly hewn from the rock of Biscay by the majestic breakers of the restless Atlantic Ocean.




To the mystery of enigmatic seafarers who travelled these seas in the mists of time, their passage marked by standing stones.




The sun dips below the horizon. In the twilight I picture the warm sun and blue seas of unexplored shores. I ponder the endless possibilities of 2014...and dream of fair winds.

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Location:Poole Harbour, United Kingdom

Into The Mystic Cruise 2013 - update 78

Thr 12.9.13: Poole
HD highlights from the passage home:




Drifting conditions, off Black Rock. The ebb carries us out of Falmouth; as the dawn mist burns off.




We ghost our way to the Eddystone. A breeze pipes up, and we romp into...




...Salcombe.




For the first time, on this cruise, we pay for a mooring; to give ourselves a prime spot.(Stargazer is behind the sail).




To one side; the houses of Salcombe, climb the rocky valley side, in neat, disciplined rows.




To the other, sun (and wind) lovers are at play, on the golden beaches, of East Portlemouth. Above them, lush green woodland straggles skyward.




I take the ferry to East Portlemouth, and walk the Coast Path...




...out to Prawle Point.




I'm watching the forecasts. We sail on the promise of a north west 4, increasing to 5.




Its a marginal 4 off Start Point. Out in Lyme Bay the 5 fills in, and builds to more of a 6, off Portland Bill. (It was dark by then - so no pictures!)




We fly down to Poole, urged on by wind and tide. Our SOG peaks at 12 knots. In the early hours we anchor under the lee of Brownsea Castle.




After some sleep, and a good hot meal; I take Stargazer up to Poole Quay...



....and home.
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Location:Woodlands Avenue,Bournemouth,United Kingdom

Into The Mystic Cruise 2013 - update 77

Tue 10.9.13: Poole




I wake to a sunny morning and still water, below Brownsea Castle.




We catch the 15.30 Bridge lift...




...up into Holes Bay...




...and return Stargazer to her home berth.




I dash over to the yard chandlery, before it closes, for a tube of Sikaflex sealant. Tomorrow's job is to reseat the anchor windlass. The onions, for last night's 'Tilman Stew,' were ready salted (and a trifle spongey)!
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Location:Woodlands Avenue,Bournemouth,United Kingdom

Update 76 part 2

Blood Alley, Poole Harbour.




15 miles out from Start Point, the forecast northwesterly 5 arrives; as if a switch has been thrown. Down comes the Cruising Chute, and in go two reefs to the main. We're off Portland Bill as the sun sets; bounding over short, steep, English Channel seas. The tide speeds us down to Anvil Point - a dark silhouette against the lights of Bournemouth seafront; with the lighthouse beckoning us in. We anchor under the lee of Brownsea Island, at 01.30.
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Location:United Kingdom

Into The Mystic Cruise 2013 - update 76

Mon 9.9.13: Southpool Creek, Salcombe.




The forecast is a bit all over the place. It feels like a good passage making day, though! We're making for Brownsea Island, in Poole Harbour. Expect to be in around 03.00 Tuesday.

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Location:Cliff Road,Salcombe,United Kingdom

Into The Mystic Cruise 2013 - update 75

Sun 8.9.13: Southpool Creek, Salcombe.




I had intended to sail for Poole, today. The morning forecast, of light and variable winds, through Lyme Bay, deters me. (In the event we've had a squally SW 4-5 here....)




In jest, I ask the Berthing Master if there's a discount, for no wind. He offers me a free night, on the mooring. My decision, to stay another day, is made.




Fleets of Devon Yawls, Solos and National 12's weave through the slumbering cruisers; racing hard.




In the still of the morning, tomorrow's racers train, under the verandah of Salcombe Yacht Club (the red building, on the left).




If there's breeze, tomorrow: we'll leave at 09.00; round Start Point, on the eastbound tide; dip into Lyme Bay, out of the worst of the westbound tide; and catch the new eastbound tide, off Portland Bill, for a slingshot into Poole. ETA 02.00 Tuesday.
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Location:Cliff Road,Salcombe,United Kingdom

Into The Mystic Cruise 2013 - update 74

Sat 7.9.13 Southpool Creek, Salcombe.




I eat my picnic, out on Prawle Point.




I've walked the Coast Path, past deserted beaches...




.....and the old coastguard lookout.




The cliff tops are alive with wild colour.




Nature has sculpted Easter Island heads, from the living rock.




I share the view, back to Bolt Head, with them.

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Location:United Kingdom

Into The Mystic Cruise 2013 - update 73

Fri 6.9.13: Southpool Creek, Salcombe.




The lush green hillsides, and...




...golden sands, of East Portlemouth.




A Devon cream tea, aboard Stargazer: Devon clotted cream and scones; Irish homemade raspberry jam; and the last of my French coffee - from last year's cruise.




A run ashore, to the colourful cottages...




...and steep, winding alleys, of Salcombe.


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Location:Cliff Road,Salcombe,United Kingdom