An English Summer 50

 

A peculiarity, of the Scilly tidal flows, has been Stargazer's saving grace overnight. The waters of the Celtic Sea, English Channel and Atlantic Ocean mingle, amid the Isles. Causing the currents, in the inter-island sounds, to change direction midway through the local tidal cycle. Not at high and low waters, as they do elsewhere.

Yesterday, we re-anchored (see post 49) off Church Quay (far left of picture). With the deeper water already occupied, by other boats, I had to improvise. If we were to swing inshore at low water, we would ground. Thanks to the quirk of the currents, we got through last night's and this morning's low waters, without doing so.

However, a strong east wind could pin us back, against the tide, holding Stargazer in among the shoals. In which case we would ground at low water. So far we have been fortunate. The forecast forty knot easterly blow has been more of a stiff force six, gusting seven, within the shelter of the sound. Stargazer has therefore lain to the current, rather than the wind, at low water. However, it is clear that we will need to find deeper water, before the full spring tides, on Sunday and Monday (with their reduced low water depths).

Church Quay is the high water landing, for Bryher. The only landing, until Anneka's Quay was built. Time is tight, access to it is limited, by the height of the tide. Guests, from the Hell Bay hotel, gather, their baggage piled alongside them, as Firethorn arrives to carry them home. Tractors stand, at the ready on the sand, waiting for the throng to board.

No sooner has the Firethorn left, than Lyonesse Lady, the island supply vessel, arrives; laden with all manner of essentials.

Swiftly, her cargo is unloaded. . . .

. . . .and the eager tractors back in, to collect it..

A fishing boat, hovering unnoticed, seizes the opportunity of an empty quay. She alights, in a flurry, like a swooping seagull.

Nets and gear are hastily manhandled aboard.

Then she is gone. Whilst she still has the tide.

Stargazer too is watching for her tide. Once the Tresco flats have covered, this evening, we will sail south, to seek a more secure anchorage. By then the wind is forecast to be from the north or north east. Giving us a downwind course, which will reduce the apparent wind speed. That change, in wind direction, also creates fresh options, for sheltered anchorages to explore.

PS: All pictures from more clement days.