We had agreed that an early start was need in order to have a favorable tide round Portland Bill and set the alarm clocks for 0400 hours UTC! Needless to say I woke at 0330 hours, first light, and roused everybody. Without the formality of breakfast we raised the anchor and set off westward having taken the decision to stand about three miles out of the Portland Bill, but not too far thus reducing our distance sailed.
On leaving Lulworth hot steaming mugs of tea emerged from the galley and we notieced that somebody had stolen all the wind, thus the engine remained on until we passed to the west of Portland Bill and picked up an easterly F1/2. We hoisted the sails and "drifted" westwards at about three knots, thankfully we had a full 16 hours until we had enough water to enter the Exe so there was no pressure and a relaxing day on the water was enjoyed - I really must sort out a spinnaker pole for days like this.
After much playing with sails and fantastic views of the east Devon coast we anchored just off Sidmouth and had fresh mackerel for lunch, rested a few hours and continued our final leg of the trip to the Exe.
Crew: Sandy Garrity, Alex Bowling and Bob Watson
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