07:30 Slipped the mooring line and motored past Cromwell’s Castle and the outer edges of this protected Sound. The Celtic Sea opened out and we met the gentle Atlantic swell. The course was shaped around the top of the islands, and then eastwards towards the Lizard avoiding Wolf Rock.
Forecast westerlies F3-5, backing F2. Drizzle and fog patches later.
Actual TWS 13.7 kts :: TWD 257°M
Our best option was to raise Code 0 headsail and catch as much wind as possible. This meant sailing south of the shipping lanes and Wolf Rock. Only two large vessels were identified on the chart screen and they would pass at a safe distance.
There are strict international ‘rules of the road’ regulating vessels at sea. We could see we were following a reciprocal course to a sailing yacht. Miles and miles of open seas, yet we were heading straight towards each other. The wind was on our starboard quarter and hence we were the standing vessel for others to avoid in this instance. Holding our line was part of the deal. Have they seen us, but of course. Will they adjust ? When ? What if ?
The Belgian yacht turned with a few moments to spare and we carried on sailing.
A fin breaks the surface and within minutes we were surrounded by a pod of about 20 dolphins. They played for about 10 minutes and perhaps taught the kids to ride the bow wave. Who knows. Video to follow…
Marguerite and Liquid Asset were sailing in the same direction but getting closer. We were the overtaking vessel and so a slight adjustment was made in plenty of time to pass behind. No angst this time.
Today was all about sailing east to get around the Lizard Point.
After 11hr40min, average speed, 5.6 kts and 65.7 NM, we arrived at the Helford River anchorage. Anchor set in 5.6m with a fall of 4m. The drizzle and low clouds closed around us. Marguerite anchored close by.
Zzzz
Experience Sailing 