Author: Experience Sailing

Today we set sail for the far off island called Sark. The ship’s clock was showing 4′ o clock and it was still dark outside. We could see a glimmer of light on the horizon and soon we had set our sails and the day began.

The sails were stretched out and the wind was strong and steady. We followed a straight line towards our destination.

We had some early morning visitors – a pod of dolphins came to swim alongside. They had such fun darting from side to side and disappearing underneath and out the other side. It was a joy to behold.

Halfway through the day we crossed the lanes used by cargo ships. They come from America and Asia and they carry big boxes of goods for people living in Europe. Perhaps you are waiting for a parcel carried on one of these ships?

We sailed all the way to Sark and only had to turn once to miss the Island of Guernsey. Then we dropped the anchor in a sheltered cove after travelling 100 miles. A long day sailing.

To get ashore we need to get lots of gear ready. Hats and gloves, life jackets, waterproof bags, oars, engine and beach shoes. We were excited to explore the narrow streets and shoreline.

Once ashore, we climbed up the steep hill and looked out over the bay. Children were playing in the sand and one dog on the beach was wearing a bowtie on its harness.

We ate a Cornish pasty from the village bakery and it was delicious. Then an ice cream to finish. They say smugglers once roamed the streets and ran up and down the alleys hiding from the policemen.

Then we explored the shore and found lots of sea creatures and different types of seaweed in the rock pools.

What a great day ashore.

In the distance a large ship comes around the headland and slows down as it approaches the bay. And then a small boat appears and goes alongside to let a person jump aboard at sea level. This person is a Ship’s Pilot and has to help the ship’s captain steer the vessel safely into the harbour. Every day and night on every large boat keeps the pilots very busy.

Then we could hear people talking and so we looked all around. A group of canoes came closer to the yacht and everyone had a fishing line to catch fish. What a funny thing to do from such a tiny boat.

We were at anchor and spent most of the day learning how everything works. Sometimes we had to get a book out and read the instructions but eventually everything was working properly.

At the end of the day we inflated the rubber dinghy and set it afloat on the water. Tomorrow we will explore ashore.

The boat is ready to go and all the lines are released from the shore. Slowly we motor out of the harbour and the wide open sea appears before us. Grey clouds and grey seas ahead and now we can raise the sails to catch the winds that take us on our voyage.

The waves are choppy and make all sorts of shapes as they form together and then disappear under the boat.

Look there is a gannet fly low down between the waves looking for a fish to catch.

And also two shearwaters flying together low over the surface.

After a long day sailing we arrived in a sheltered bay and the boat rocked gently as the sun went down

Our journey begins with a new day on a new boat and a wide open sea. The winds will decide where we go to and the compass will keep us on the right track.

The sailing boat sits on the water ready to go to sea and the horizon stretches out in front with all the wonderful sights to discover

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A loud TOOT TOOT made everyone jump as the fine old steam engine GOLIATH pulled out of the station. Our arrival at the seaside town of Dartmouth was a happy moment and then we walked down to the big sailing boat afloat in the harbour.

Tomorrow we will untie all the ropes and sail away out to sea. And we will discover all the beautiful creatures flying above or swimming in the water. Enjoy our journey…