skipper's log

Skipper’s Log.

Been a very ambivalent week of emotions, challenges and also past memories of my last trip around the coast in 2010.  Leaving Wells-Next-The-Sea without Nelson was difficult, but when we met the swell in the extended approach channel we knew it was the right decision even though Nelson would have loved walking in Scotland.  The channel dries to sand. We saw this as we waited 3 days before as the buoys sat on the sand, and within 1 hour the sand was covered by water.  The swell on the way out was due to wind over tide. The wind pushes up the water to form larger waves and often confused if the ground underneath is shallow or varying in depth.  Jeanette admitted to being scared a few days later but confidence in one’s boat and own competences gave me no hesitation to carry on.  We had the weather report for wind 3-4, occasional 5 and clear fine weather.  The Wash was still and the sea became glass in places, another day of motoring, not strictly sailing but you cannot be a purist on these trips.  We have done too many hours motoring as the wind has been on our head, and you cannot sail directly into the wind.  You need to be at 45% to the wind which is called beating to windward.  It often means the boat can be over at an angle and you make zigzags into the direction you wish to travel.  On my coastal navigation course the instructor said double your time when beating to windward.  That would have meant 20 hours.  The East coast is often sandy, flat and can be very windy as there are no hills to slow the wind down.  We anchored in the River Humber overnight.  No problems with the anchor, just getting it back up in the morning, by physical brute force.  We have no electric anchor winch, but these can use all your battery power in a few minutes if you are not careful anyway.  

Anchored again at Filey the next day,  beautiful coastline becoming cliffs and hills after Spurn Head.  We had a great day sailing with the foresail alone, got up to 6.7 knots.  It was very heavy steering on the helm and at times we could have done with a crew.  Again, you compromise, we could have done with a crew of four to really use this boat to its limit but it’s a Sabbatical, not a race!!  The main sail would be too much for 2 of us with winds over 3-4 (16 knots).  At times it was a struggle to keep the boat from veering off.  We were at a angle of 50 degrees and the best thing to do it ease off and come away from the wind.  When the wind lessened the boat steered itself!!  For a steel boat weighing approximately 9 tons, she can sail very well and would keep a good speed on open water.

We now have our fixed VHF/DSC radio in place as we were relying on handheld radios which was fine but their batteries needed charging regularly and we have plenty of main battery power anyway so why not use it. The previous owner left us with 3 brand new 220 amp batteries making a total of 660amps!!  Hand held radios are good for entering ports as you can stay at the helm and talk to the Harbour Master without going below.  Fixed Radios have the advantage of longer range and it is safer to have a fixed radio. The antenna is at the top of the 16m mast so you get very good distance range.  We now hear every conversation with the Coast Guard clearly.  We heard a skipper of a large cargo ship being told to slow down to 6 knots 3 times whilst entering the Humber.  Language barriers can sometimes also cause confusion between large international vessels!!

 The boat is looking like a sailing vessel and we are all “sorted” below in the galley with a place for everything.  Wind warnings are in force today up to 6. We are in Seaham and visiting Durham so the wind can blow all she wants for today, problem is, a swell can be left the day after!!!    WE havew travelled 166nm in the last week,making up for delays.  Toatl is now 422nm. Does sound much but it's quite an achievement with all the strong winds. 5 days spent in Great Yarmouth was due to very heavy seas and wind.

Regards,  Chris