An English Summer 61

 

The air is still and clear. The day in pin sharp focus.

New Grimsby Sound lies unnaturally still. (Stargazer centre left, bows on, to the right of the larger of the three blue hulled motor vessels).

The stillness of daybreak, as the fishing fleet put to sea. . . . .

. . . . has developed into a shimmering summer's day. 

I walk up to King Charles' Castle, on the north tip of Tresco, in search of a waft of afternoon sea breeze.

Beyond Kettle Point, it darkens the sea, as it marches in.

Bringing with it, the schooner rigged sail training vessel, Spirit of Falmouth. She anchors with Hangman's Rock to her south and the cliffs of Bryher to her west, opposite Cromwell's Castle. A location chosen to provide protection, from the forty eight hour blow, arriving overnight.

The forecasts agree that the winds will rise, from the southwest through to west, from midnight, and blow until midnight on Friday. Estimates of strength vary from force seven to force eight. 

I have rigged a new anchor snubber aboard Stargazer. The one used to ride out storm Evert, is reduced to two thirds thickness, in its central portion. Whether through stretch or chafe it is hard to know.