An English Summer 79

 

The fishing fleet's plans are dictated by weather and tide. As too are Stargazer's.

The wind has swung, from the seasonal west or southwest, to an unusual north or northeast. And is set to remain there, for as long as the forecasts can predict. Well through September.

The course to Chichester, our putative next landfall, lies directly to the north east . Into the eye of this wind. Where a sailing vessel cannot go. Were the breeze looking likely to revert, to its prevailing direction, within a few days, simply waiting for it to do so, whilst enjoying the delights of a deserted St Peter Port, would be an attractive option. But there is no such indication.

A morning at the chart table has generated Plan B. With some tidal assistance (arriving on an east bound tide), Stargazer should be able to lay Poole, in a tack or four. We visited Studland Bay, on our outbound trip. Studland will, in any case, be exposed in this wind direction. So this is Stargazer's cue to renew her acquaintance with the anchorages of South Deep. 

Our departure time will be dictated by depth of water on the St Peter Port cill and the turn of the tide, in the Alderney Race. For northbound vessels, happily, these coincide.

Today the wind has a whistle to it. It is blowing a six (twenty five knots) or more. Add in five knots of apparent wind, as we beat into it, and another six or seven knots, due to the accelerative effect of the Alderney Race. . . .and the decision is easy. To stay alongside and make our passage preparations.

Cooking gas and diesel were taken care of on arrival. Water is straight forward, alongside with a hosepipe to hand. With a choice of food shops, a short stroll along the quay, I have fully restocked Stargazer's fridge and lockers. Memories of our sixty four days, between alongside berths, prompting me to take full advantage, of St Peter Port's easily accessed amenities.

Tomorrow still looks blowy. Thursday's forecast is looking promising, for a passage south. There is water enough, to float Stargazer over the cill, from zero seven thirty. Giving us an estimated time of arrival, off Brownsea Island, of around zero two hundred on Friday. If the skies are clear, we will have a moon to light our way, through the hours of darkness.