The lock to Padstow did not open until 20:30, so we had plenty of time to anchor at a nearby beach and eat.
Paul has grown to really love anchoring during his week on the boat!
Before deploying the anchor, 30m of chain has to be pulled out of a narrow pipe and layed out (flaked) on deck. This has to be done neatly, to prevent the chain from snagging. It is a tedious and frustrating task, as the chain sticks in the pipe and also snakes across the deck. Once the anchor has been deployed and then raised, you have to patiently feed the chain back down the
pipe.
His 'love' of the process comes from the fact that I have asked him to flake out the chain, in preparation, a number of times, only to then pick up a buoy and render his efforts as wasted!
That said though, he is now the neatest flaker ever to set sail!
At 19:15 we set off to join the race to Padstow. This involved lots of boats, all rushing down a narrow, sand banked river towards the harbour.
Each boat had the same issue; padstow is the only safe harbour nearby to ride out the coming storm. Failing to get a mooring is not an option!
The radio crackled into life, as the first boat called the Harbour Master to check they there was space for then.
This sparked a panic with every boat then calling in, all quoting various times/dates that they had made bookings.
The ever patient Harbour Master just calmly repeated the same thing over and over; 'don't worry, there is lots of space.'
No one was totally satisfied but we all carried on, lining up in the same way that we British do in a supermarket - no queue jumping.
Finally the lock traffic lights turned green and with relief we all entered and found a berth, as promised.
Relieved, we are all now sitting here in a beautiful harbour, but with pouring rain and strong winds.
Based on the forecast for the next few days, I am going to get to know Padstow very well I think!
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