BSA Report Anodyne Plymouth 19-21 Nov 2010  – report by Don Hirst

Skipper : Bill Thomas  . Crew: Nick Kinsley  , Chris Baxendale  , Don Hirst  and Joe Buxton  .

The crew of “Anodyne  ” a Bavaria 36 assembled Friday afternoon and joined the crew of Gweilo for a night of socialising. First port of call was “The Dolphin” before moving on to “The Mediterranean restaurant”; they had a good range of food, including Greek. A very merry band returned to the yachts.

You will recall the week prior to the cruise the BBC had forecast everything from F8 to F2, Rain or Showers with a wide range of temperatures, a wee challenge for the Skippers.

Saturday dawned fine promising an idyllic sail. The plan was to sail to the Eddystone via the Eastern Channel and return to the Yealm. Dinner was pre-booked at “The Ship”, Noss Mayo. We set sail with a single reef in the main and full Genoa. The east wind strengthened beyond Plymouth Breakwater, we put in a 2nd reef with corresponding reduction of Genoa. The wind increased further with strong gusts round Wembury Point. Dinghy sailing tactics were employed, playing the main during strong gusts to reduce the disturbance to the delicate Chateau Tesco on board. As we left the land effects behind the wind became a steady F6. While we were contemplating reducing sail further, a steering problem was suspected. We felt it prudent to return to Drake Island for lunch and to investigate the steering. No faults were found, loss of steerage was attributed to the boat slowing down as it went into the wind to reduce sail. Fortified by an excellent lunch we set out for the Yealm and tied up at the visitor’s pontoon. Gweilo joined us and the crews were ferried to the steps opposite the pontoon by dinghy. The meal at “The Ship” was very good. On our return to the yachts socialising continued aboard Gweilo.

Sunday was calm. We motored into Wembury bay. The wind filled in to a very gentle sailing breeze as we made our way back to Drake Island where we practiced coming up to a buoy under sail, using jib only, then main only. Not quite so easy with wind nearly 180 degrees to tide and an inlet opposite causing the wind to veer at the last moment. The exercise was completed successfully without transferring any gel coat onto the buoy and was a very good confidence builder. We returned to QAB and refuelled at QAB (NB. The pumps are open until 17.30 in winter.)

The crew thank Bill for an enjoyable and educational trip. A skipper with the patience of Job while putting the crew through their paces. We also thank the Skipper and crew of Gweilo for their good company and hospitality.