Editor’s note
Website construction on a sailing boat has many challenges. Week #1 page is perhaps too large for building purposes and navigation. Let’s make a change and build new pages daily.
Helford Village Store – an extreme shopping experience
After a quiet night, the winds steadily increased to force 4 then force 5. Liquid Asset held fast at anchor however she swayed from side to side as the winds swept over the decks and whistled through the shrouds. Our sheltered spot was not as expected. Although safe it was time to move but not before a shopping trip. Some basics were low and we had a shop close by.
The dingy was prepared and a crew member (wearing waterproofs and life jacket) was dispatched into the choppy waters. Spray from the waves flew up into the air and showered down into the dingy. The gusty winds came head on and slowed the journey down – time seemed to go backwards. At last, now in the lee of the opposite foreshore, everything calmed down and the shopping trip was completed. The return journey was straightforward with prevailing winds coming from behind…
Shopkeeper’s closing gambit “Would you like a local Cornish Pasty for your lunch?” Reply “ Yes please, make that two”
Carrick Roads – an extreme sailing experience
14:45 Winds force 5, gusting force 6 and it was time to move to quieter waters. The head sail was raised with three reefs – a handkerchief’s worth! Although the waves were choppy, the sea was flat and the prevailing wind was from behind. And not unexpectedly, the 7 tonne yacht sped across the water like a flying boat reach maximum speeds of 8.8 kts.
And rounding Pendennis Point we arrived in the not so sheltered Carrick Roads where all kinds of sailing craft were ‘flying’ back and forth. Cruisers, yachts, sailboards and dingy crowded out our passage from port, starboard and straight ahead. It was just crazy until we reached the far end when the winds eased and the small craft gradually melted away.
16:40 Anchor set down in 4.9 metre surrounded on each side by thick woodland where curlew, owls and grey heron live. All was quiet again and we settled into the peace of this magical spot.
River Fal anchorage – Google Earth
Link to #2 Monday
Experience Sailing 