Friday 14 September 2012
Who says that we over catered!
This is how much food is left after the trip!
Vanessa and I have challenged ourselves to see how long we can live on this!
Vanessa and I have challenged ourselves to see how long we can live on this!
Tuesday 11 September 2012
Statistics
Timing has never been my strong point.
Only I could have decided to sail around Britain during the wettest Summer on record!
Add to that the fact that I missed: Abigail's A levels, the first British winner of the Tour de France and the greatest Olympics/Paralympics ever - and you get my point!
Never the less, I would not have changed anything and have no regrets.
A few people have asked me about the statistics of the trip, so here they are:
Distance: 2,392.8 nautical miles
Sailing: 198.5 hours
Motoring: 340.75 hours
Days at Sea: 70
Days smoke alarm went off: 70!
Days Captain Rusty went missing at food time: 70!
Days emergency light fell in water: 70!
Days Captain Rusty retied fenders: 70!
Days giving TLC to engine: 70!
Non sailing days:
Waiting for weather; 36 Changeover/Olympics: 20
Average Speed: 4.4 knots
(speed is always surprisingly slow - you could jog around faster!)
Moorings (sailing days):
Marina: 35 nights
Pontoons: 4 nights
Buoys: 15 nights
Anchor: 6 nights
Wall: 4 nights
Canal: 4 nights
Cups of tea: 1,000
Kettle boils: 1,500
Fuel: 170 litres
Miles carrying Jerry Can: Too many!
Gas: 6 x 4.5kg bottles
Weather Forecast Checks: Thousands
Shipmates: 14
Only I could have decided to sail around Britain during the wettest Summer on record!
Add to that the fact that I missed: Abigail's A levels, the first British winner of the Tour de France and the greatest Olympics/Paralympics ever - and you get my point!
Never the less, I would not have changed anything and have no regrets.
A few people have asked me about the statistics of the trip, so here they are:
Distance: 2,392.8 nautical miles
Sailing: 198.5 hours
Motoring: 340.75 hours
Days at Sea: 70
Days smoke alarm went off: 70!
Days Captain Rusty went missing at food time: 70!
Days emergency light fell in water: 70!
Days Captain Rusty retied fenders: 70!
Days giving TLC to engine: 70!
Non sailing days:
Waiting for weather; 36 Changeover/Olympics: 20
Average Speed: 4.4 knots
(speed is always surprisingly slow - you could jog around faster!)
Moorings (sailing days):
Marina: 35 nights
Pontoons: 4 nights
Buoys: 15 nights
Anchor: 6 nights
Wall: 4 nights
Canal: 4 nights
Cups of tea: 1,000
Kettle boils: 1,500
Fuel: 170 litres
Miles carrying Jerry Can: Too many!
Gas: 6 x 4.5kg bottles
Weather Forecast Checks: Thousands
Shipmates: 14
Sunday 9 September 2012
Recollections of a crew-member
I have received the following email “It is now time to reveal my true identity … the mystery follower from Russia is none other zan me, Aleksandr, from Compare ze Meerkats.com. Yes it’s true. I haff been following you throughout your journey and I am pleased to announce zat ve will be adding to our cuddly toy collection, of, yes, zat’s right, Capitan Rusty…”
So that mystery’s solved.
But there are continuing mysteries such as: Where did Rusty go when it was time to cook? How clean can one person get the bilges? Is it possible that the engine contains Rusty’s DNA? How many people in Britain live in marinas? How can weather reports become compulsive listening?
The highlight has to be our visit to Whitby’s wand (sorry, pipe) shop. Much talk of pipe-lore and “The pipe chooses the smoker”. Incompatible pipes flew across the emporium, wrest from Rusty’s hand by invisible forces, as he stabbed the air with it to make a point. But eventually he settled on dragon heartstring and elder and became a great wizard. Actually I think I might be getting confused.
I’ll miss our evenings together watching quarter of a film (three times) on your laptop until it crashed. I won’t miss how cold it was on my first week. I’ll miss our conversations and shared experiences and stunning views. I’ll miss hearing your anecdotes (mind you, once I’d heard them 3 times that’s probably enough). But most of all I’ll miss us wrestling bare-chested on the cabin floor. I think I’m getting confused again.
Amy (daughter) keeps referring to you as “Dad’s bezzy” when I say “When I was on the boat with Captain Rusty…”. I really enjoyed my time on Crusoe Too and am glad to be numbered among the few. Here’s to the next adventure…
So that mystery’s solved.
But there are continuing mysteries such as: Where did Rusty go when it was time to cook? How clean can one person get the bilges? Is it possible that the engine contains Rusty’s DNA? How many people in Britain live in marinas? How can weather reports become compulsive listening?
The highlight has to be our visit to Whitby’s wand (sorry, pipe) shop. Much talk of pipe-lore and “The pipe chooses the smoker”. Incompatible pipes flew across the emporium, wrest from Rusty’s hand by invisible forces, as he stabbed the air with it to make a point. But eventually he settled on dragon heartstring and elder and became a great wizard. Actually I think I might be getting confused.
I’ll miss our evenings together watching quarter of a film (three times) on your laptop until it crashed. I won’t miss how cold it was on my first week. I’ll miss our conversations and shared experiences and stunning views. I’ll miss hearing your anecdotes (mind you, once I’d heard them 3 times that’s probably enough). But most of all I’ll miss us wrestling bare-chested on the cabin floor. I think I’m getting confused again.
Amy (daughter) keeps referring to you as “Dad’s bezzy” when I say “When I was on the boat with Captain Rusty…”. I really enjoyed my time on Crusoe Too and am glad to be numbered among the few. Here’s to the next adventure…
Saturday 8 September 2012
What next?
A few people have asked me if I will carry on Blogging.
I am not really planning to do much, but I will put a final blog on with all the statistics from the trip e.g. Mileage, days at sea etc.
Watch out over the next few days.
I have been looking at the destinations of the Blog followers.
All the usual places as you would expect but I would live to know who has been following in Russia?
I am not really planning to do much, but I will put a final blog on with all the statistics from the trip e.g. Mileage, days at sea etc.
Watch out over the next few days.
I have been looking at the destinations of the Blog followers.
All the usual places as you would expect but I would live to know who has been following in Russia?
Friday 7 September 2012
Homeward Bound
Well that's it. A fantastic trip and a brilliant experience - something that will live with me forever.
Most common question; 'Was it all that you expected it to be?'
Simple (but maybe boring answer;) 'Yes!'
Considering the complicated logistics - changing crew every week - and the time pressures that imposed, things went remarkably smoothly overall.
There have been lots of round Britain sailors but I bet that very few trips, if any, have involved weekly crew changes.
The trip took 3 years to prepare for and I have to say that the effort that I put into the planning has paid off.
Not only the route and the built in time contingency, but the equipment on the boat. I had everything that was ever needed, although I might not always remember! ( I found the dustpan and brush yesterday Barry!)
The typical conversation went like this;
Shipmate: 'It would be really useful if you had an "x" on the boat, to help us do "y".'
Me: 'Do you know what, I think that I may have one of those.'
I would then search around the various cupboards and find the object in question. Good planning, terrible memory!
The logistics were also made easier because the Shipmates were all reliable and flexible. I expected a few cry offs and travel problems, but everyone was brilliant.
The Shipmates were also great on the boat. Everyone was committed to the trip and did more than their fair share - especially in the galley! No bust ups, no big issues, all making it simple and enjoyable for me.
I have to say that it was not easy changing crew each week, but that was not down to individuals. It was more about establishing a routine with each person - mooring the boat, sailing skills, living - and then having to start from scratch again the next week.
No big drama but in the ideal world I would have had fewer changes I think.
Overall I was also really pleased with my sailing skills. Lots of very challenging navigation and difficult weather, but we completed each leg safely and no major dramas.
I was only really worried twice - not bad in 18 weeks sailing!
However the real star of the trip was Crusoe Too. We did 10 years worth of sailing in 4 months, with no major breakages. Not bad for a 30 year old boat.
This was in part down to all the hard work in preparation that Paul and Carol kindly did.
It was also down to the quality of the boat build and design.
As you know, I always like chatting up the old boys in the various harbours. They always ask me about the boat.
Old boy: 'Nice boat, what make is she?'
Me: 'Moody 29'
Old boy: 'Ah, thought so. Good solid make.'
And to think - if I had never broken my arms in that Penny Farthing race, then I would never have bought Crusoe Too (too long a story to explain here!)
The biggest revelation to me was the reliability of the engine. We had to use it a lot, and often in situations where it's failure would have resulted in disaster.
Entering the harbours at Lossiemouth and Wells Next The Sea were especially nasty and if the engine had failed, then we would have been wrecked.
I have to confess that I never have faith in mechanical things, yet it confounded my pessimism and chugged on for 337 hours.
It may have been underpowered, wept diesel and bled oil, but it always started first time and never missed a beat. My Bukh DV20 was the true hero of the trip!
Ok, enough ramblings for one day.
The final thing is to thank everyone.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me but especially to the Shipmates; I could not have done the trip without you.
Big thanks also to Tom and Mom - it was very special to sail with you both.
But the main thanks have to go to Vanessa and Abigail.
Despite it being Abigail's A level year, she sacrificed having her Dad around to support her during her exams. Thank you so much Abs; but no, I am not buying you a handbag as a reward!
Most of all though I have to thank Vanessa. Words can not express how much I owe her - she really is an amazing person. She will kill me if I get mushy here, but all I will say is that she has my love for ever.
Must go now, need to find a job!
Most common question; 'Was it all that you expected it to be?'
Simple (but maybe boring answer;) 'Yes!'
Considering the complicated logistics - changing crew every week - and the time pressures that imposed, things went remarkably smoothly overall.
There have been lots of round Britain sailors but I bet that very few trips, if any, have involved weekly crew changes.
The trip took 3 years to prepare for and I have to say that the effort that I put into the planning has paid off.
Not only the route and the built in time contingency, but the equipment on the boat. I had everything that was ever needed, although I might not always remember! ( I found the dustpan and brush yesterday Barry!)
The typical conversation went like this;
Shipmate: 'It would be really useful if you had an "x" on the boat, to help us do "y".'
Me: 'Do you know what, I think that I may have one of those.'
I would then search around the various cupboards and find the object in question. Good planning, terrible memory!
The logistics were also made easier because the Shipmates were all reliable and flexible. I expected a few cry offs and travel problems, but everyone was brilliant.
The Shipmates were also great on the boat. Everyone was committed to the trip and did more than their fair share - especially in the galley! No bust ups, no big issues, all making it simple and enjoyable for me.
I have to say that it was not easy changing crew each week, but that was not down to individuals. It was more about establishing a routine with each person - mooring the boat, sailing skills, living - and then having to start from scratch again the next week.
No big drama but in the ideal world I would have had fewer changes I think.
Overall I was also really pleased with my sailing skills. Lots of very challenging navigation and difficult weather, but we completed each leg safely and no major dramas.
I was only really worried twice - not bad in 18 weeks sailing!
However the real star of the trip was Crusoe Too. We did 10 years worth of sailing in 4 months, with no major breakages. Not bad for a 30 year old boat.
This was in part down to all the hard work in preparation that Paul and Carol kindly did.
It was also down to the quality of the boat build and design.
As you know, I always like chatting up the old boys in the various harbours. They always ask me about the boat.
Old boy: 'Nice boat, what make is she?'
Me: 'Moody 29'
Old boy: 'Ah, thought so. Good solid make.'
And to think - if I had never broken my arms in that Penny Farthing race, then I would never have bought Crusoe Too (too long a story to explain here!)
The biggest revelation to me was the reliability of the engine. We had to use it a lot, and often in situations where it's failure would have resulted in disaster.
Entering the harbours at Lossiemouth and Wells Next The Sea were especially nasty and if the engine had failed, then we would have been wrecked.
I have to confess that I never have faith in mechanical things, yet it confounded my pessimism and chugged on for 337 hours.
It may have been underpowered, wept diesel and bled oil, but it always started first time and never missed a beat. My Bukh DV20 was the true hero of the trip!
Ok, enough ramblings for one day.
The final thing is to thank everyone.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me but especially to the Shipmates; I could not have done the trip without you.
Big thanks also to Tom and Mom - it was very special to sail with you both.
But the main thanks have to go to Vanessa and Abigail.
Despite it being Abigail's A level year, she sacrificed having her Dad around to support her during her exams. Thank you so much Abs; but no, I am not buying you a handbag as a reward!
Most of all though I have to thank Vanessa. Words can not express how much I owe her - she really is an amazing person. She will kill me if I get mushy here, but all I will say is that she has my love for ever.
Must go now, need to find a job!
Thursday 6 September 2012
Week 18 - Thursday - Circumnavigation
Well technically I have completed the circumnavigation; I crossed my outward track at Abersoch last night.
We are on a mooring buoy in the bay, exactly 4 months after that soul destroying first day. If you remember, - Rob, Paul and I had to turn back due to bad weather, only to then have to bail out the flooded bilges.
The first day; we has sailed for 10 hours- only to end up 5 miles from Pwllheli! By far the worst part of the trip, but at least we got it out of the way early!
Mom and I left Aberystwyth yesterday in sunny, calm conditions. However after two hours, contrary to the forecast, the wind picked up to Force 5, on the nose. We then had a further 8 hours bashing into big waves, reducing our speed to less than 3 knots. Very frustrating and we had to endure a 10 hour day to cover just 30 miles!
Mother Nature showing who is boss for a final time i suppose; to stop me feeling too smug!
Mom learnt to steer the boat in these rough conditions and did a great job - but found that she could not steer and talk at the same time!
One last hop of 5 miles today, then home on Friday. Not sure how I feel yet, it will take a while to sink in!
We are on a mooring buoy in the bay, exactly 4 months after that soul destroying first day. If you remember, - Rob, Paul and I had to turn back due to bad weather, only to then have to bail out the flooded bilges.
The first day; we has sailed for 10 hours- only to end up 5 miles from Pwllheli! By far the worst part of the trip, but at least we got it out of the way early!
Mom and I left Aberystwyth yesterday in sunny, calm conditions. However after two hours, contrary to the forecast, the wind picked up to Force 5, on the nose. We then had a further 8 hours bashing into big waves, reducing our speed to less than 3 knots. Very frustrating and we had to endure a 10 hour day to cover just 30 miles!
Mother Nature showing who is boss for a final time i suppose; to stop me feeling too smug!
Mom learnt to steer the boat in these rough conditions and did a great job - but found that she could not steer and talk at the same time!
One last hop of 5 miles today, then home on Friday. Not sure how I feel yet, it will take a while to sink in!
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Week 18 - Wednesday - Aberystwyth
It was a fast passage to Aberystwyth yesterday, helped in the last 2 hours by a strong Northerly wind.
Things were getting a bit lively, when I had a 'fly past' from 2 dolphins. They then proceeded to escort me up to the harbour entrance; never had a guard of honour like that before!
I tried to take photos one handed but it was too rough and I needed the other hand for the tiller!
Before entering the harbour I had to rig the fenders and mooring line - not easy on your own when the boat is pitching around. Maybe I do need a crew after all!
I was here in time to meet Mom at the station. She is going to sail with me for the last few days.
Her brief from the family; 'make sure that he goes into the marina at Pwllheli, rather than carrying on around Britain again!'
One classic from Mom yesterday. She is well know for going into the wrong toilets in pubs, restaurants and public places. Many a man has been put off his stride as she enters the Gents Loo instead of the Ladies. I particularly remember an incident at Porthmadog in 1974!
Well she did a new one at Wetherspoons last night. She went off to find the Ladies and ended up in the kitchen!
Probably off to Abersoch today for a final night at anchor, before completing the whole adventure tomorrow.
Things were getting a bit lively, when I had a 'fly past' from 2 dolphins. They then proceeded to escort me up to the harbour entrance; never had a guard of honour like that before!
I tried to take photos one handed but it was too rough and I needed the other hand for the tiller!
Before entering the harbour I had to rig the fenders and mooring line - not easy on your own when the boat is pitching around. Maybe I do need a crew after all!
I was here in time to meet Mom at the station. She is going to sail with me for the last few days.
Her brief from the family; 'make sure that he goes into the marina at Pwllheli, rather than carrying on around Britain again!'
One classic from Mom yesterday. She is well know for going into the wrong toilets in pubs, restaurants and public places. Many a man has been put off his stride as she enters the Gents Loo instead of the Ladies. I particularly remember an incident at Porthmadog in 1974!
Well she did a new one at Wetherspoons last night. She went off to find the Ladies and ended up in the kitchen!
Probably off to Abersoch today for a final night at anchor, before completing the whole adventure tomorrow.
Tuesday 4 September 2012
Week 18 - Tuesday - Fishguard
A 04:30 start this morning to beat the tide into Aberystwyth. Misty, cold and wet today but Captain Rusty feels good.
Finally did some thinking last night ( about time you might say!) and I am ready to come home now. I will leave the 'captain' behind on Crusoe Too but will visit him when I can!
I am 2 miles offshore in pouring rain and a fly has just landed on the boat. How does that happen!
Anyway, time to eat a bacon butty.
Finally did some thinking last night ( about time you might say!) and I am ready to come home now. I will leave the 'captain' behind on Crusoe Too but will visit him when I can!
I am 2 miles offshore in pouring rain and a fly has just landed on the boat. How does that happen!
Anyway, time to eat a bacon butty.
Monday 3 September 2012
Week 18 - Monday - Skomer Island
Who would have thought it - and these are words that may not have been uttered before - Milford Haven was beauriful last night!
I stole (borrowed!) a mooring buoy in Dale, which looks down the huge natural harbour towards Milford Haven.
Now it may be they have the biggest oil and gas terminals in the country here and that by day they are a blot on the landscape, but at night they are lit up.
Combine that with a full moon, lovely anchorage and no wind - what do you get - a beautiful sight.
The pictures won't do it justice, but hopefully give you a flavour.
Fog and little wind today - much more peaceful than yesterday. Off to Fishguard at the moment, just approaching the infamous Ramsey Sound. I hope that I got the tides right; if not I will be going backwards very soon!
I stole (borrowed!) a mooring buoy in Dale, which looks down the huge natural harbour towards Milford Haven.
Now it may be they have the biggest oil and gas terminals in the country here and that by day they are a blot on the landscape, but at night they are lit up.
Combine that with a full moon, lovely anchorage and no wind - what do you get - a beautiful sight.
The pictures won't do it justice, but hopefully give you a flavour.
Fog and little wind today - much more peaceful than yesterday. Off to Fishguard at the moment, just approaching the infamous Ramsey Sound. I hope that I got the tides right; if not I will be going backwards very soon!
Sunday 2 September 2012
Week 18 - Sunday
Tenby was a lovely place but I can see why it is not a yacht Mecca!
Both nights at anchorage were uncomfortable - even though the bay is very sheltered. Last night beat even St Ives for rollyness(!); stuff started falling off shelves onto me in my bunk!
This morning was an early start to catch the tide and has turned out to be one of those classically miserable sailing days. Drizzle, strong headwinds and big waves.
These sort of days always follow the same pattern.
1) After 30 minutes you start to feel fed up and start justifying why it would be sensible to turn back!
2) You then give yourself a stern talking to about cowardice and character building etc.
3) You then agree with yourself to ride it out a little longer.
4) The boat is handling the weather, so you start to feel more comfortable.
5) You switch into survival mode; brain to neutral and get on with it.
6) Eventually the weather improves and you wonder what you ever worried about!
However today had a sting in the tail.
I had 2 hours of the biggest waves that I have experienced in Crusoe Too. The wind and tide were pushing in different directions, leading to big seas.
There were a couple of waves that I thought we would not actually get over the top of!
Put it this way - this was the first time in 18 weeks that I have mentally rehearsed a Mayday call!
I decided to cut short the trip, and am now hiding near Milford Haven in a lovely place called Dale.
Not how I had envisaged my first day on my own!
I did wonder if I was more or less anxious because I was on my own. Although it would have been good to share the experience, I think that I would have been more concerned - having to worry about someone else too.
Anyway, hopefully it will be better tomorrow - off to Fishguard.
Both nights at anchorage were uncomfortable - even though the bay is very sheltered. Last night beat even St Ives for rollyness(!); stuff started falling off shelves onto me in my bunk!
This morning was an early start to catch the tide and has turned out to be one of those classically miserable sailing days. Drizzle, strong headwinds and big waves.
These sort of days always follow the same pattern.
1) After 30 minutes you start to feel fed up and start justifying why it would be sensible to turn back!
2) You then give yourself a stern talking to about cowardice and character building etc.
3) You then agree with yourself to ride it out a little longer.
4) The boat is handling the weather, so you start to feel more comfortable.
5) You switch into survival mode; brain to neutral and get on with it.
6) Eventually the weather improves and you wonder what you ever worried about!
However today had a sting in the tail.
I had 2 hours of the biggest waves that I have experienced in Crusoe Too. The wind and tide were pushing in different directions, leading to big seas.
There were a couple of waves that I thought we would not actually get over the top of!
Put it this way - this was the first time in 18 weeks that I have mentally rehearsed a Mayday call!
I decided to cut short the trip, and am now hiding near Milford Haven in a lovely place called Dale.
Not how I had envisaged my first day on my own!
I did wonder if I was more or less anxious because I was on my own. Although it would have been good to share the experience, I think that I would have been more concerned - having to worry about someone else too.
Anyway, hopefully it will be better tomorrow - off to Fishguard.
Saturday 1 September 2012
Week 18 - Saturday - Tenby
Today is the start of my last week, and I have just seen Griff off to the train station.
I am on my own now for a few days, working my way up to Aberystwyth to meet Mom on Tuesday.
The idea is that I will have a few days of contemplation, to think deeply about my future and the meaning of life.
In reality I will probably just sail, and catch up on some sleep!
I am on my own now for a few days, working my way up to Aberystwyth to meet Mom on Tuesday.
The idea is that I will have a few days of contemplation, to think deeply about my future and the meaning of life.
In reality I will probably just sail, and catch up on some sleep!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)