The Star and Garter extra specials

For the second evening the delivery crew are having a tough time choosing between the £5 extra specials on the menu in this fine establishment in Falmouth. This is our reward for a tough 95 mile delivery sail from Exmouth in heavy weather. We have repaired all the damage and done some of the outstanding jobs, so the toilet no longer sloshes water around the heads, the main water tank is fixed and we have the auto pilot and fishfinder back in action. Just the masthead light to do when Kate is feeling brave.
The weather is due to moderate tomorrow so we will head off in the morning to catch the tide at the Lizard. Then we plan to round Land's End on the inner passage and head up to Wales. Lori is going to Skipper the trip as part of her Yachtmaster training miles, so has worked out a passage plan.
Now we are off to hear the Sea Shanty Festival. Last night the Exmouth Shanty men were in full cry, just like home! Tough old life this...

Loading up the ship for Departure

Ignoring the few last minute glitches tonight has been exciting as we have put our kit bags on board and everything is ready except the fresh supplies. Needless to say I have lost a set of keys in a fluster, but Graham has prepared a robust passage plan and we are well prepared for the gale to come on Friday. We will leave without Dave as he is up north for the day but hopes to catch us up later on.
Just a small matter of finishing work and saying goodbye to the family now. Let the adventure begin!

Sunset

It was an eerie sky as the weather to come was colouring the clouds. By the time we reached Teignmouth it was dark and we were all in lifejackets and safety gear. Much tea was drunk and all were cheerful. It bodes well for the great trip north!

Training Weekend at Brixham

Steve and Andy drove down on Saturday morning and met us for elevenses. We then had a gentle day out showing them the ropes. We even tried out the oars in a quiet spell at Lympstone. After wending our way out of the Exe we reached across to Brixham. Steve and Andy realised sailing is actually very easy and the sailors exaggerate the difficulty hugely. The lure of steak and chips saw us landing at the Yacht Club and enjoying a tasty meal. By sunset we were on our way home and had a practice of night sailing. Kelly and Ian got some time on the helm, and Andy had a go too. We crept up the Exe in the dark and tied up at 2.30am before the rain and gales blew in. All in all a successful mission even if Beeline played a few tricks on me with unexpected leaks and missing lights.

Progress

After a busy weekend Beeline now has fully functioning rowing equipment which is to be tested tomorrow, thanks to the Exeter Rowing Club who lent us the oars and outriggers. We had to scale down the riggers as they would have dragged in the water but the gates fit nicely between the tiller and the winches.
The lifejackets all now sport whistles lights and crutch straps and are up to charter coding standard, as is the safety gear (liferaft sling throwing line and horseshoe buoy)
The depth sounder was proving hard to fix so in a burst of Ellen McArthur DIY I have fitted a whole new Fishfinder system with colour pictures of the river bed and little fish with numbers on. Thanks Dave R for your help with the wiring.
Next task is to sort out the ration packs and fill the water tanks. If all goes well we will be ready to move West next weekend. The weather is looking good even if the wind is a bit light.

Numero Uno

It's official! Beeline takes the number one spot on the entry list. At least we have won the alphabetical race.

Today I have been going through the safety equipment list checking we have all we need. The liferaft arrives on Friday and so far the shopping list includes one extra bucket, two spare waterproof torches and a whistle.

The other challenge is rowing gear. I am hoping to acquire two sculls/oars/blades from the Exeter Rowing Club, the longer the better seems to be the principle. Then we can start some rowing training along with our keel hoisting on our way home from racing. We will be super fit by next month!