08:00 Slipped lines and motored out through a harbour which was still asleep.
We were determined that today we would leave Start Point behind us even if we have to use the motor. Hoorah, overnight, Nature gave us a helping hand because the wind had veered by 30°. Sails were raised and we pointed straight towards our Nemesis and beyond.
The navigator is responsible for setting a course to go from A to B. Like everything in life, it’s never in a straight line, but is adjusted through necessity or just a thought. Today’s technology offers everything in detail from vector lines, depth readings, and distance calculators. However an experienced navigator uses Nature for backup. Distance at sea can be measured by sight, sounds or smell :-
- 1 NM Our nose smells the scent in the wind such as cut grass or FYM.
- 3 NM Horizon. For example you can see waves breaking on the shoreline only within 3 nautical miles.
- 5 NM A single house becomes distinctive.
- 12 – 15 NM Our eyes lose colour definition and land turns grey.
- 25 NM Fluffy clouds rise above the coastline
- Close by – a reflection on the surface. For example, navigation lights have a reflection on the surface. Or waves are heard breaking on the shore.
We left Start Point to starboard and continued for another 10 NM because of necessity. If we turned anytime sooner, we would head straight into the shore. The navigator calculated a layline using wind, tide and distance to reach our destination on the next tack.
When the wind blows over the surface it creates wavelets, then waves and then a swell is formed. When wind goes against a tide, then the seas become choppy and confused. Our yacht sailed along and took everything in its stride, through the choppy waters and up and over the swells. After the tack, we set our course to Cawsand Bay and on arrival, set the anchor down in 7m.
We spent the evening preparing for tomorrow. The wind was forecast to be light, and so we raised the code 0 head sail into position. Not for the faint hearted, it is huge and is designed to catch the lightest winds.
Postscript from yesterday…
Zzzz
Experience Sailing 