Homeward bound

Tue 4 Jul

  • The tide starts to flow east at 08:30
  • Low water Dartmouth at 16:30
  • Winds NW 5kts increasing to 12kts
  • Sea state smooth
  • Moon waxing crescent

We dropped anchor at 08:30 to catch the tide and motored slowly across the harbour entrance. Normally we are keeping a watch for lobster pots (small buoys floating that foul the steering gear).

Today though we were surrounded by naval vessels and although we all need to follow the mariner’s rights of way, sometimes it was better to give them space.

Closest point of approach CPA 0.38NM in ONE minute. We had the right of way!
HMS Tyne & HMS Scott to avoid

Initially the winds were so light that the water surface had a glassy sheen. Slowly it increased and tiny ripples appeared on the surface, then wavelets.

Surface wave pattern as winds increase

The head sail was raised and we were moving away from naval activities. Our homeward passage would be gentle and sedate as the tide lifted LA towards Dartmouth.

One big sail on flat seas
‘Chicken and egg’ salad

Winds abated and our destination was in view. Motored the last stretch.

Silhouette on smooth surface

16:30 Arrived in the entrance of Dartmouth harbour at low water to avoid the strong ebbing flow of the River Dart. We followed the leading marks around the bends and prepared the fenders and lines for docking.

Leading marks for a safe arrival
Lines and fenders at the ready

17:15 Attached to the pontoon. Meal prepared earlier en passage and we relaxed after a successful day of smooth sailing.

Curry
Route home

Passage trip was 7:45:hr and the distance trip was 34.8NM. However the DSTWTR (distance through water) was only 31.8NM. Yes we were carried 3NM by the tide – a free ride thanks to the moon 🌒

No rocking tonight. Until tomorrow “good night” zzzzz