On to Weymouth

The other craft was catching up with us slowly but surely. We had full sail up already, and well trimmed, so there was little else we could do to get more speed. We considered jettisoning some weight but no-one volunteered. I gave the order to bring the cannon to the aft deck and blow them out of the water! Ahhrrghh! That last bit was my imagination, and the other craft we decided was a bigger yacht and was able to sail faster for that reason. I raised the question of skill and ability as sailors but was quickly shouted down.

Sadly we had to say farewell to Chris and to Keith earlier in Brixham as they had other commitments that prevented them staying aboard for the trip to Weymouth. Thus there were just three of us aboard today for the trip – Roger, Jean-Francois and myself. We slipped lines shortly after 6.00am and motored out into the bay and on towards Weymouth. It was still a little dark and we could see the navigation lights of a few other vessels that were also on the move. There was little wind so no sails were hoisted initially. Soon the wind filled in though and full sail was raised, and we powered along at 6 knots plus on a flat (ish) sea. Just great! It was all meant to be like this, not just the occasional day! As we approached Weymouth harbour we had to wait outside whilst the Waverley left port before we had permission to enter the harbour. One or two other boats didn’t bother to wait and promptly got told off by the authorities! There was some kind of event taking place in the town. What was it? I strode up the ramp from the harbour pontoon to make my way to the harbour office – and suddenly found myself taking part in the running stag of a triathlon! Why on earth did someone have the bright idea of placing the track where I was likely to need to walk (or should I say run)?

Tomorrow we sail for Poole.

Joke:

All the toilets at the police station have been stolen. The police have nothing to go on!

 Blue Star powers her way across Lyme Bay under full sail

The ramp from the pontoon arrives at street level and hey presto - you're in a triathlon!