Chris_Robb
Well-Known Member
Following my last post bring a Contessa 32 back to Plymouth on Saturday, we did in fact set out on Saturday Morning at 08:00. Having checked the boat out, she was in immaculate condition. The wind was SW initially at 20 25 knots, and the forecast due to moderate further. Our course was 305T, so wind on the beam. The sea state was rough and quite confused with a large swell coming from the south west and a confused southerly set, making the motion extremely inconsistant and uncomfortable.
As the boat had an inner forestay and a hanked no 3 working headsail, we set this and 2 reefs in the main, with the 3rd ready to go.
By 12:00 the wind had increased to 25- 30 knots, and had headed marginally, but we were still doing 6.5 kts, but were now heavily pressed in the higher end, and thinking about a further reef in the main.
The mid day shipping forecast bought warnings of Portland Plymouth gale now ceased, new gale imminent SW 7 to 8 backing S and increasing severe gale 9 at times.
By 15:00 we were some 30 miles from Start Point, and near to making the decision of whether to continue to Plymouth or divert to Brixham. As the wind was heading slightly, and we really wanted to be in before we got the predicted weather, we bore off for Brixham onto a broad reach.
The motion was now more sloppy, but easier, and having buried my head in the locker looking for a bucket for the first sick casualty, I also suffered - for the first time in 15 years!!!. ETA was now 20:30 in Brixham, with an easy sail ahead - both patients retired to their bunks to recover, leaving the other 2 (highly competent) guys to manage.
We duly arrrived in Brixham and cleaned up enjoying a nice meal on board with the ebespacher running full blast. The wind dully came through late in the night. I suppose we could have made Plymouth, but I didn't fancy being on that lee shore from Start to Plymouth with the threat of a major gale.
Do I like heavy weather sailing?? I would rather not! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
As the boat had an inner forestay and a hanked no 3 working headsail, we set this and 2 reefs in the main, with the 3rd ready to go.
By 12:00 the wind had increased to 25- 30 knots, and had headed marginally, but we were still doing 6.5 kts, but were now heavily pressed in the higher end, and thinking about a further reef in the main.
The mid day shipping forecast bought warnings of Portland Plymouth gale now ceased, new gale imminent SW 7 to 8 backing S and increasing severe gale 9 at times.
By 15:00 we were some 30 miles from Start Point, and near to making the decision of whether to continue to Plymouth or divert to Brixham. As the wind was heading slightly, and we really wanted to be in before we got the predicted weather, we bore off for Brixham onto a broad reach.
The motion was now more sloppy, but easier, and having buried my head in the locker looking for a bucket for the first sick casualty, I also suffered - for the first time in 15 years!!!. ETA was now 20:30 in Brixham, with an easy sail ahead - both patients retired to their bunks to recover, leaving the other 2 (highly competent) guys to manage.
We duly arrrived in Brixham and cleaned up enjoying a nice meal on board with the ebespacher running full blast. The wind dully came through late in the night. I suppose we could have made Plymouth, but I didn't fancy being on that lee shore from Start to Plymouth with the threat of a major gale.
Do I like heavy weather sailing?? I would rather not! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
