Training TripPlymouth

Dufour 34 Plymouth Yacht Haven

Skipper Jeff Birkin  BSA

Crew Jeff Woolmer  BSA

Morley Potter  Bath Sailing Club

Pete Chamen  Bath Sailing Club

This was my second trip aboard Celtic Flame II  as instructor covering for someone else. GSA arranged the trip for Morley and Pete to sample the boat so they were keen for it to go ahead. Jeff Woolmer having just returned to the UK wanted a chance to get sailing again so, by happy accident we had a full crew.

Thurs 10/10 

Jeff Woolmer and I collected Pete from Yatton station just after mid day and we made our way to Plymouth. Morley agreed to undertake the onerous shopping duties as he was already in Plymouth looking after his own boat.

Arriving around 2pm in drizzle, the only sensible option was to adjourn to the bar and wait for Morley. The rain stopped as he arrived so we made our way to the boat, checked it over and loaded everything aboard. After chatting and briefing we all decided it was more sensible to have a few drinks and then head to the Boringdon Arms. After a reasonable pub meal and a pint we headed back to the boat at a sensible time and a far-from sensible nightcap. Jamesons 1ltr bottle of whisky was dispatched saving me from the anticipated return trip to my cupboard.

Fri 11/10

It was a slow start to a calm and still morning. Around 9:30 we were all sorted and headed out into the river to explore the handling of CFII. With almost no traffic or wind the pace was very leisurely as was the turning of CFII. The cause was eventually established as the swim ladder being left down; not something I ever think to check. Judging by the quantity of weed encrusted on the ladder, it had been down for some time.

We were soon engaged in turning in tight spaces, single line mooring and later, capturing a buoy. After lunch we motored in to the sound and began MOB practice. Having experienced the delights of the standard towed line, all had chance to try with OscarLine®. Later we sailed out beyond the breakwater and, in fresher breeze and very slight seas, practiced more MOB recovery under sail using full main only and then full jib only.

Rounding off the afternoon with a great sail back across Plymouth Sound, went back to CFII’s mooring and a very good meal in the Bridge restaurant at the marina. A much earlier, and more sober night followed.

Sat 12/10

09:50, after a leisurely start to the sunny but windless day, we motored out and headed for the Tamar Bridge. We wanted to practice ferry gliding but, as there was a large number of gigs and small boats involved in some sort of regatta, we decided to do some anchoring practice.

12:05 Carefully picking a point in about 4m of water well inside the fixed moorings north of Henn Point near the rail viaduct, we had lunch. An hour later, we tried to lift the anchor but it was stuck fast. We tried every standard option and many inventive options without success. The strong current was also a hinderance. Chatting to the man who does these moorings, he agreed we were not caught on a ground chain but stated there was a lot of rubbish in that area.

After consultation and all remaining options considered, GSA decided it was better to cut the chain and purchase new rather than face the higher cost of a recovery vessel later in the week.

17:00 Despite all the fantastic optimism, determination and superb efforts of the crew, the sad sight of a final chain link sliding from the winch and into the sea allowed us to clear the area. In a sunny northerly F2-3, we gybed our way south down the Tamar with hardly another vessel in sight.

18:35 We moored back on the CFII spot and a much deserved drink of two.

Later we stopped at the Clovelly Bay Inn, just before the Boringdon Arms and were fortunate that a table was available and the kitchens would prepare our order if we were quick. It was a really good meal and was helped down with a well deserved nightcap.

Sun 13/10

09:30 After another slow start and some discussion around rigging and reefing, we began practicing bringing CFII back to her mooring many times before going to refuel. Morley cooked most of the bacon and eggs and everyone ate their fill. After clearing and cleaning the boat with a deep clean of the deck and hull, we finally headed home.

I could not have wished for a more determined and willing crew to deal with the anchor snag. I thank them all for their attitudes and total lack of complaint or disagreement.

My sincere thanks to GSA for their attitude re the anchor and chain.