This is going to be an odd entry to write up into the ship’s log.
Yesterday we left Deganwy at 11.00 and motored down the Conwy. We followed the shipping channel all the way out to the Fairway buoy. In 6kts of wind we turned head-to, almost idled the engine and hoisted the mainsail, then we turned about and sailed westwards towards Penmon Light. After a crew changeover on the tiller, and familiarisation with the boat’s characteristics, we unfurled the genoa, gybed and headed towards Great Orme’s Head.
Over the course of the day he winds were erratic and offered 8kts rising to 15kts, falling back to 6kts, rising to 16kts and then briefly gusting to 22kts before dying away to 0kts. The sea state was 2-3.
Unfortunately the lack of wind at the end of the planned sailing window meant we had to push the engine hard to get back to the marina, before the gate shut. We made it back in time, but only just and, unfortunately, we were silted as we approached the pontoon. I had to put the engine into 3/4 ahead to get us ploughed into place where we could moor safely.
Time on the water: 4-1/2 hours. Distance covered: 18nm. Skipper: me. Crew: David and Pete
You have a crew? Wow.
Dave the Bowman (hints of 2001, there), Pete the Mastman and Roger the Cabin Boy, by any chance?
Not a working crew, just hands on board. David getting some miles in, and Pete just along for the ride.