Salcombe wakes up early and the harbour area is full of boating activities. From paddle boarding and canoeing to water taxis and dinghies. It was time to navigate through the plethora of small craft and onto the town pontoon to refill our water tanks.
We glided out into the main channel and slowly motored down the Kingsbridge Estuary and passed the grand properties that make up the priciest seaside spot in the UK.
The harbour entrance was met with choppy seas, and we crossed the Bar (a shallow sandbank across the entrance) with 1.8 metres to spare below the keel. Our sails were set to cross Bigbury Bay towards Cawsand Bay, close hauled and best to windward. Two tacks, and we sailed straight into the sheltered anchorage.
The Phoenix is a square-rigged 2 masted brigantine with 12 sails. Phoenix was used as the ship Retribution in the Hornblower Series 3. And she sailed straight behind Liquid Asset and anchored nearby.
It was time to plan our passage, given our position, the weather, and our ambitions. Strong winds were forecast, and safe havens were picked out. Although our ambitions were checked, new anchorages were identified along the rugged Cornish coast. Happy days.
Experience Sailing 