Page 13 - Yachter Spring/Summer 2022

beaches and stunning views.The Scillies are a magical cruising destination.
The time had come to return eastwards. We departed northwards via Round Island, in big seas, having a fast sail to The Helford accompanied by several pods of dolphins. After a flying visit to St. Mawes, we sailed
to Fowey, where Guy’s cousin has a house. Was there anything we particularly wanted? Oh yes – a bath please! Not only did I get my lovely bath but also pink champagne to help - heaven! Off we set to Dartmouth with not a breath of wind.As we motored across Bigbury Bay we started to discuss
the timings for leaving Dartmouth to pass Portland Bill with a fair tide.The timings were not ideal, so we carried on overnight across Lyme Bay, on a glassy moonlit sea, sometimes accompanied by dolphins.
At 02.00 the Maersk Iowa, a 61,000 ton Container Ship (which we had tracked on AIS) called us on Channel 16, to advise that if we held our course and speed (5 knots), she would alter course to pass astern of us at 15 knots. A comfort to see that AIS works so well and the Rules of the Road observed by even the biggest ships.
The West Country and The Scillies
are wonderful but coming home to the Beaulieu River reminded us that we have our own bit of heaven right here!
Zoë Darby
LOOKING FORWARD
TO 2022!
The 2021 Cruising season was a great success! All the rallies met our expectations with healthy attendances and fortunate weather.We were possibly the first to pass the gate in St Peter Port and were not put off by
the summer gales that stormed through, hitting the West Country.
The sun shone brightly on Chichester, Portsmouth,Yarmouth and Bembridge rallies.Thanks to the clubs, restaurants, marina managers and harbour masters who make our rallies such a success behind the scenes. Mostly, thanks to the Cruising Crews who joined in the fun and frolics.
We have a core schedule for 2022 already in the books starting with the Frostbite, followed by the Medina, the Solent, Suppers, Beaches and Barbeques. St Peter Port is already booked for July and we are hoping to introduce new initiatives to appeal to a wide range of sailing interests.The Bulletin has been
a useful source of information and GroupMe has been useful for rallies.
We hope to encourage more Cruisers to join us on rallies, but also to share their own plans and join up with others over the season.Already the sun is setting later, so we can start dusting off the ropes and airing out the cockpits to plan for further adventures afloat.
Laurie Bates
Captain of Cruising
Photos: Mark Wilton and Laurie Bates
CRUISING REPORTS 13