Tuesday 6 July
In the clear light of the morning the drama of the last 12 hours became apparent – three anchorages, two dragging anchors as winds increased and tides turned and we slipped back a total distance of 450 ft (albeit during the anchor watches under control!)
The sun appeared again and, even though we experienced high winds in a truly shelter spot, the alternative was a force 8 out at sea with 3 metre high waves. Even a seal came to the surface behind the boat to check all was well.
Editor’s note
Victualling for two weeks out at sea means no access to takeaway service or popping out for that missing ingredient . So our choices of meal become limited and inventive with no apologies for what is to follow…
The Joy of Sailing
As the stormy weather abated, winds dropped to a steady SW F5 and a swell of just 2 metre. Now is the time to go out to sea and head east.
Light Breeze produce waves as wavelets (ripples on the surface). Moderate Breeze (F4) produce waves that we all recognise. Fresh Breeze (F5) produce waves with breakers on top. Any stronger and we do not go out; the spray flys off the tops with streaking behind. Swells are created from far off winds and sweep across the oceans. Today we have all three combined – wavelets on waves on top of swells.
A course from Falmouth to Plymouth was set and the helmsman sailed to the compass by following the needle between 70 and 80 degree. The head sail was shortened to 3 reefs and the mainsail stayed down. The swell was ‘only’ six feet high. The wind blew from the SW and passed across the starboard quarter and filled our small sail for the next 6 hours.
The rhythm settled into 8 second phases as Liquid Asset rode the seas. The swell came from behind and lifted all 7 tonne up to its crest with ease before moving away and we fell back into the trough. A few breakers were seen around and eventually one would arrive underneath. They came with added noise and spray underneath just like on the seashore. And then into another trough and the white spume vanished. Back and forth, up and down, side to side and the helmsman concentrated all the time on the needle and his sail.
Cawsands Bay anchorage
18:00 We anchored in Cawsands Bay in the lee of Rame Head once again and waves refracted around the headland to rock us gently into the evening light.
Experience Sailing 