The forecast for the weekend of April 27/28th had been very variable and somewhat off-putting during the previous week.
However, four boats left Weir Quay on the morning of the 27th in fair weather and were able to sail to the Sound in a gentle north-easterly breeze. Anna Catharina and Bronte decided to anchor for lunch in Barn Pool as their young crew needed refuelling. Father and daughter, Matt and Tilia
canoed across from Bronte and Tom and Tilia (both 9) enjoyed scampering about and appearing through various hatches while we heated soup.
Meanwhile, Mike had sailed on in Tempus Fugit as he was keen to get to the Yealm pontoon to complete some boat fettling jobs. After careful consideration, Mike had taken the passage inside the Mewstone and arrived unscathed – shortly to be joined by Dick in Balu, also
single-handed.
The Harbour Master had kindly cleared the upper pontoon for our sole use and visited fairly promptly to welcome us and take our overnight fees. By 1700, four boats were securely moored. We all enjoyed drinks and nibbles on Balu although Tom had created an alternative pontoon bar using fenders and made sure it was supplied with rations for the junior crew!
A delicious meal, made from everyone’s contributions, was served on Anna Catharina. We all managed to squeeze into the warm saloon to enjoy it while awaiting Andy, who was gallantly sailing Elowen to join us after a day’s work running a course in Sallerton Wood. Jane and Tom borrowed Bronte’s canoe and went off to greet him and he was soon aboard, being rewarded with a beer and a hot dinner.
The wind strengthened overnight and it rained but all slept well, some needing hot water bottles and double sleeping bags !
On Sunday morning there was a shore party to explore Court Woods and admire the bluebells , wild garlic and beautiful beech trees which cling to the river bank on the Newton side.
Meanwhile, Mike visited the village from the harbour pontoon to buy provisions. With low tide at 1507 we had all left by 1300 with slightly different agendas. Elowen needed to check and retrieve their lobster pot which had been laid the night before – sadly no inmates on this occasion.
The wind was W F4 allowing a ‘cracking sail ‘, (to quote Mike ) back to the Sound. Elowen and Anna Catharina anchored at Barn Pool again, allowing Tom to go ashore exploring and time for the flood tide to gather pace. Leaving Barn Pool at 1600, having watched the Brittany Ferry and various large ship manoeuvres, we sailed all the way back to the Weir Quay moorings in sunshine concluding a very happy weekend in great company.
Alison Coombs
Cruising Officer
Weir Quay Sailing Club 