Plymouth weekend 28 – 30 October – report by Neil Webber

Ian Collins, Kath Liddiard, Rhian Phillips Richard Trim and Neil Webber. Bavaria 34 ‘Cleo’.

A Friday afternoon departure began well with the lift arriving late, however, once we picked up Jeff Birkin, our driver made up for any lost time and we arrived promptly at Plymouth Yacht Haven Quay.

We were gathered together, in sight of the Plymouth Sailing School and in the presence of the second boat went aboard the good ship Cleo.

On board we stowed away meagre provisions and then made away to refuel and wisely it turned out top up the water. Then without waiting for Kath, Rhian and Don who were enjoying a Friday afternoon on the M4 and M5 set off for an evening meal in the newly refurbished Clovelly Bay Inn which had been booked in advance by Ian, as the pub was full and the food excellent the hike back was worth the effort. The ladies (and Don) arrived in time and found their drinks waiting. Over drinks on the other boat the decision by the lead-boat was taken to go to Fowey, a commendable effort was made by Richard and Ian to finish Jeff’s bottle of Rum!

Next morning was pleasant but without any noticeable wind, what there was came ENE, with calm sea conditions. After rounding Rame Head the wind still backing easterly decided to offer paltry assistance to the engine and so we motor-sailed past Looe Island, at least the calm conditions offered a wonderful breakfast of scrambled eggs.

After Looe Island the wind decided to assist a little more and we unfurled the jib and turned off the engine, offering a decent sail for a few hours and a little goose winging practice. A couple of controlled gybes later we found ourselves outside Fowey harbour lined up to enter, down with the jib to give visibility and on with the engine we motored into a quiet harbour and moored on to the Albert Quay.

Shopping for some, a leg stretching walk for others and a beer for the thirsty. Having asked in the Lugger for a table for 10 people we were informed that there was no room in the Lugger Inn. Ian then suggested we try The Royal Yacht Club, who were very accommodating and a table booked for later that evening. Dinner was as good as the recently re-furbished surroundings promised, excellent meal at a reasonable price.

Sunday morning arrived an hour later than it should have done it was grey and the easterly wind had strengthened overnight. After cake for breakfast we set off into the wind, our plan was to motorsail up into the wind then sail the favourable tack, this worked well until we reached Looe Island, and we then took the decision to motor into the wind to get past Rame Head. This resulted in a slower than expected progress. While the other boat took a longer route (more off the wind) they made better time. A lesson learnt!

Once we rounded Rame Head we were able again to sail and made great progress into the breakwater in time to put pies in the oven, a quick fuel stop at Yacht Haven and off to moor the boat. Clean and tidy before it got dark.

Thanks to Ian, Kath, Rhian and Richard for a great little trip to end the sailing year.