Motor Boats Monthly Cruising Club blog
Latest weblogs from the 2008 cruises in company
Day 8 Normandy Shakedown Cruise
17 May 2008
50°45.18N 001°17.48W
Early morning weather checks confirmed that the winds in the Channel were still forecast to increase through Saturday and Sunday. A decision was made to miss out Grandcamp Maisy, and cruise back across to the UK today. Rather than end the cruise early we opted to head for Cowes, where we would have an end of cruise dinner. As planned, we locked out at 7 0'clock and made our way along the canal. Ali M, the Princess 45, decided to use the light winds and flat seas to go directly back to thier home berth in Plymouth.
Just outside Carentan, Sea Spray reported poor running on one engine. Blocked filters were quickly diagnosed and Richard was despatched across to help change them. This seemed to resolve the problem temporarily, but after a few miles on passage the issue returned. The end result was Blue Fin escorting them back to their home berth in Portsmouth at speeds reducing down to 6 knots.
Twelve hours after departure, Blue Fin arrived in East Cowes and our now greatly reduced fleet, just Tresor and us after two other boats took the opportunity for an early return home, caught the water taxi up to the Folly Inn for dinner.
Tomorrow we will head back to Port Solent where the boat will be fuelled, watered and prepared for our next cruise to the Channel Islands and Brittany in three weeks time.
Photo captions: The fleet lock through at first light in the early morning mist, and Tresor powers up to cross the Channel
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Day 7 Normandy Shakedown Cruise
15 May 2008
49°18.62N 001°14.08W
Today the fleet had a rest day in Carentan. The town is slightly more cosmopolitan than St Vaast, but still small and sleepy when compared to Cherbourg. Like most French towns I have visited, they have numerous hair salons, half a dozen patisseries and a whole host of bars and restaurants, many of which always seem closed. Having said that, Carentan is a place I would come back to. The lock and harbour staff have been very friendly and hardly anyone laughed at my attempts to speak the local lingo. The only down side is the long walk into town from the visitor moorings, which are the first ones you come to after leaving the lock. When Cherbourg and St Vaast are full in the height of summer, the six-mile passage along the canal should provide peace and tranquillity for any visiting boater.
Tomorrow's plan is to lock out on the morning tide. This, unfortunately, means our first early start as we aim to depart at 7 o'clock. The weather for the weekend is not looking too good so we will be keeping a close eye on developments, and will decide our destination before departure. Our itinerary takes us to Grandcamp Maisy, but we need to be back in England by Sunday afternoon. For now we'll be keeping our options open.
Picture captions: The head of the canal with the town behind and the crews hear the news of an early departure.
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Day 6 Normandy Shakedown Cruise
14 May 2008
49°18.62N 001°14.08W
The weather was as expected today. Strong winds in the morning of 25 knots, easing by departure time to around a force 3. The crew of Blue Fin took a long walk to the headland at La Hougue, not only to walk of the overindulgence of too many visits to the patisserie, but also to get a good look at the sea conditions. With 25-30 knots of wind in the Channel there was a concern that even with moderating winds, the sea could have built to an uncomfortable state.
Luckily the east side of the Cotentin peninsula seemed to have escaped the worst of the wind, and we departed as soon as the gate opened into a manageable swell. 10nm later we were turning in towards Carentan. Just then the heavens opened and we were greeted with a thunder and lightning show. The heavy rain continued all the way up the canal, through the lock and onto the moorings. Most crews were soaked, but happy.
The forecast for the next few days looks unsettled. More rain but light winds seem to be the consensus among the forecasts we are studying. We are staying in Carentan for 2 nights and, if the weather stays reasonable, will depart Friday for Grandcamp Maisy. In the meantime, it's time to dry out our clothes and explore our new surroundings.
Picture caption: The walk around La Hougue is worthwhile, a rainy passage along the canal to Carentan and the moorings at the end of the passage.
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Day 5 Normandy Shakedown Cruise
13 May 2008
49°35.20N 001°15.79W
Finally, the stronger winds that have been forecast for the last couple of days have reached us. Today was a rest day, so as yet they have failed to interfere with our plans. The sun is still shining and crews have taken the opportunity to explore the small town, visit the chandlery for those bits that every boater needs, and wander along the coastline.
St Vaast seems to have two main industries, fishing and boat building. On the beach just north of the marina you can see the oyster beds stretching across the bay at low tide. Just south of the marina, craftsman turn out traditional wooden boats, built to withstand the harsh life they will no doubt be given as fishing vessels. Even for a lover of all things white and plastic, it's hard not to see the beauty, and admire the work that goes into these fine craft.
If the wind drops overnight as forecast, we will head for Carentan tomorrow. The passage is only ten miles from waypoint to waypoint, but then there is a further 7 miles from the safe water buoy up to the lock. With the tides as they are, we will be leaving St Vaast late afternoon.
Picture captions: The oyster beds between St Vaast and Ile de Tatihou and Richard, a man with resin running through his veins, admiring the local workmanship.
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Day 4 Normandy Shakedown Cruise
12 May 2008
49°35.20N 001°15.79W
In spite of the forecasts predicting strengthening winds today, we departed Cherbourg in nothing more than a slight breeze. The 27nm passage to St Vaast took a little over an hour, and by 3 o'clock we were dodging the numerous pot markers conveniently placed on the transit into our next port of call.
St Vaast is a delightful port, combining working fishing harbour with modern marina. Just off shore lies the fortified island of Ile de Tatihou with its maritime museum, scientific centre, gardens and restaurant. The island is accessed by amphibious boat, which drives up the slipway next to the harbour office.
The plan is to stay here for two nights, before moving on to the town of Carentan on Wednesday, weather permitting.
Picture caption: The fleet moored up in St Vaast
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Day 3 Normandy Shakedown Cruise
12 May 2008
49°38.74N 001°37.21W
Today was a rest day for the fleet in Cherbourg. The sun shone, the wind stayed away and the shops were shut. Sunday is still very much a day of rest this side of the Channel, so crews wandered around deserted streets or visited 'La Cité De La Mer', Cherbourg's maritime museum.
The plan for tomorrow is to depart Cherbourg early afternoon and head for St Vaast. Any thoughts of an early morning shopping fix were scuppered when it was announced that Monday is a bank holiday in France.
Picture caption: Our dolphin escort into Cherbourg on day 2
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Day 2 Normandy Shakedown Cruise
10 May 2008
49°38.74N 001°37.21W
At noon today the first boat slipped its lines in Haslar, and headed out into the Solent. By 12:40, all boats were on passage, and after rounding the eastern edge of the Isle of Wight set a course of 203° for Cherbourg. The crossing could not have been better, mirror like seas, little commercial shipping and even the odd appearence by the sun provided an almost perfect days boating. The Windy Khamsin, Njord, made best use of the conditions, blasting across the Channel at speeds of over 30 knots! On our arrival in Cherbourg outer harbour we were greeted by a lone dolphin, he passed down our port side before swimming off to play in the wakes of other boats.
For all participants, today marks thier first Channel crossing, so there may be a few celebratory glasses consumed this evening. Luckily tomorrow is a rest day, allowing plenty of time to recover before our planned move to St Vaast on Monday.
Photo captions:
Njord making good time across the Channel
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Day 1 Normandy Shakedown cruise
9 May 2008
Briefing Day
50°47.52 001°06.93 Haslar Marina, Portsmouth
MBM's first cruise of 2008 kicked off today when our small group gathered at Haslar marina. Due to some last minute problems, numbers had dropped from the original ten boats down to six. The forecast looks good with reasonably settled weather promised for the next few days. The plan for tomorrow is to depart Portsmouth around noon, and with the participants traveling at speeds of between 18 and 30 knots, we should be sampling the delights of Cherbourg by late afternoon.
Participating boats:
Ali M, Princess 45
Karianne, Beneteau Antares 9.80
Njord, Windy Khamsin
Sea Spray, Sealine F36
Tresor, Sealine 450 Statesman
Blue Fin of Portsmouth, Princess 42
Photo caption
Post briefing drinks on Haslar Lightship
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Day 16 Channel Islands & West Country
27 August 2007
Calm Voyager, Port Solent Marina
Sunday 26th August
Time to go home now
A radio brief at 0715 hrs announced that the fleet would head home today. Calm Voyager, with Claire and Neale aboard, was the first boat to depart harbour to access the conditions. A blanket of fog had engulfed the harbour, so it was decided to move all boats out of Victoria Marina on the falling tide and berth them temporarily on the outer holding pontoons.
The fog was eerie and the loud blasts of the foghorn from the lighthouse echoed all around. At least half an hour passed by as Calm Voyager held station outside the harbour waiting for the fog to lift. Once the Condor High Speed Cat had completed its morning stop off at Guernsey, St Peter Port Harbour Control gave the fleet the go-ahead to depart the harbour. Cruise leader Neale asked participants to form a line, and exit the harbour in a convoy behind MBM lead boat Calm Voyager. The initial speed of the procession was 10 knots and Time Flies, skippered by Michelle and Jon, escorted the rear of the fleet. Once underway, the fog lifted slightly and the visibility improved enough for the boats to break away and continue on passage at their normal cruising speeds.
Ten miles into the passage, Sealine T46 Endless Summer reported to Calm Voyager that their dinghy had broken loose from the bathing platform. Calm Voyager alerted Time Flies who went to assist. Jon climbed into the RIB tender and managed to secure it to a long tow line. The sea conditions, however, had become a little lumpier in the northerly wind, so it was decided that Calm Voyager would lead Endless Summer east, at a steady eight knots into Braye Harbour, Alderney, where they could look at ways to secure the tender prior to the Channel crossing. Time Flies accompanied the fleet for the remainder of the passage.
The further north the fleet travelled, the sea flattened and the sky brightened. It was the balmy crossing everyone had hoped for, with blue skies the rest of the way. By 1700 hrs all boats had logged out with Neale and Claire by phone, reporting that they were safely back at their home ports. Many had said that the visit to Guernsey had made their holiday, especially highlighting the rib trip to the neighbouring island of Herm.
And so the Cruising Club season comes to a close. The Channel lslands and West Country cruise may have been hampered by bad weather but first Channel crossings were made and many new friends too. Congratulations and thanks to all those who have taken part. Until next year, happy boating.
Photo Captions:
Endless Summer, AquaVit & Dream Catcher
Princess 35 Two To Tango
Solent Bound - Sealine T46 Endless Summer passes the Needles
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Day 15 Channel Islands & West Country
27 August 2007
49° 27.13 N 002° 32.07 W
Victoria Marina, St Peter Port. Guernsey
Saturday 25th August
Sunshine at last
With six chimes from St Peter Port clock tower, the MBM fleet stirred and tuned into Cruise Leader Neale's radio briefing at 0630 hrs. It was good news. The weather is still acceptable for a move home on Sunday, so Neale radioed the fleet to tell them the good news and to go back to bed! Everyone was overjoyed to hear they would have a day to explore St Peter Port in the sunshine.
The RIB was positioned outside the marina sill at 0700 hrs to be used as a taxi for the fleet across to Herm. Guernsey-man Richard kindly volunteered to be skipper for the day with out-going trips every hour from 1000 hrs until 1230 hrs, and return journeys from 13.30 until 1600.
Many participants from the fleet took time out to have lunch and enjoy a few hours relaxing on the stunning island of Herm. The MBM team also ventured across to Herm and even found time for a dip in the inviting waters of Shell Bay. However, the sea wasn't as warm as they would have liked!
A radio brief at 1830 outlined departure times for tomorrow morning, with the first boat, Corvette 32 Celtic Twilight, leaving at 0630. The rest of the fleet with depart St Peter Port Marina between 0730 and 0815.
Photo Captions:
Fishermans Beach, Herm Island
Scream if want to go faster! The crew from Dream Catcher aboard Time Flies
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Day 14 Channel Islands & West Country
27 August 2007
49° 27.13 N 002° 32.07 W
Victoria Marina, St Peter Port. Guernsey
Friday 24th August
It was a grey and breezy start to the day in Cherbourg. Time Flies, with Michelle and Jon aboard, departed Port de Chantereyne at 0745 hrs. Their mission was to report back on the conditions outside the harbour and off the Cap. With a north-easterly wind blowing Jon reported that conditions were a little choppy, but once around the Cap the sea flattened considerably.
Calm Voyager, with Claire and Neale aboard, was the last boat to depart Cherbourg at 1100 hrs. They were waved off by four boats from the cruise that decided to stay put in Cherbourg, and not make the final dash to Guernsey. Extasea, Amore, Corona Mia and Jogalong will cross the channel and head home tomorrow. As Time Flies reported earlier, Calm Voyager found the sea state a little bumpy and confused at first on the starboard beam. However, once the fleet had rounded the Cap and entered the Alderney Race, where the tide was running at an average of four knots, they were greeted with brilliant sunshine and their first glimpse of Alderney and beyond.
As boats began to enter the Little Russel towards St Peter Port, Time Flies was ready to receive them. The sill for Victoria Marina wasn't quite at the right depth of tide to enter, so the fleet were asked to fuel and then proceed to a holding pontoon outside the harbour wall.
With 2.5 metres over the sill at 1500 hrs Neale called the boats, one by one, into the marina. Some people were keen to explore their new, picturesque surroundings, while others basked in the afternoon sunshine on flybridges.
Neale checked the weather prior to the planned pontoon party and briefing at 1830 hrs that evening. After much deliberation, Cruise Leader Neale decided to air on the side of caution regarding the trip home. He told the fleet that if the weather forecast changed overnight for Sunday, there was possibility that the fleet would have to go home tomorrow. Neale asked everyone to be awake for a radio update at 0630 hrs. If the weather takes a turn for the worse the fleet will have until 0730 hrs to clear the sill, and then everyone can get ready to prepare their boats for sea on the holding pontoons.
Photo Captions:
Bénéteau Antares 9.80 Amillie
Corvette 32 Celtic Twilight
MBM Fleet in Victoria Marina, St Peter Port
Pontoon Party
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Day 13 Channel Islands & West Country
24 August 2007
49° 38.446 N 001° 237.236 W
Port de Chantereyne, Cherbourg, France
Thursday 23rd August
The fleet awoke to a blustery morning. The rib went out to assess the conditions and, not surprising, the outcome was a no go.
During the afternoon the MBM team took time out and visited La Cite de la Mer. The 40-year-old submarine was incredible and the aquarium was very impressive.
At 1600hrs Corona Mia was launched after days being on the hard standing. The fault had been a cracked exhaust muffler. Both mufflers have now been replaced with straight through pipes.
The plan tomorrow is to look at the conditions again first thing, with the hope to move to Guernsey.
Photo Captions:
La Redoutable Submarine at the La Cite de la Mer
Touching the rays at the aquarium
Corona Mia afloat once more
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Day 12 Channel Islands & West Country
22 August 2007
49° 38.446 N 001° 237.236 W
Port de Chantereyne, Cherbourg, France
Wednesday 22nd August
Bowled over in Cherbourg
Early morning, Jon and Claire went out in Time Flies to assess the sea conditions in the western entrance of the Cherbourg breakwater. As predicted, they faced a confused sea and two to three metre waves.
After breakfast Michelle rallied the troops for an organised group bowling session in the afternoon.
At 1400 hrs a crowd gathered inside the bowling alley. Five lanes were secured and groups of six, children and adults alike, tried their best to knock down the 10 skittles. Gary from Azimut 42 Dream Catcher scooped the top score of 168, followed by Greg of Princess 414 Djinskia with 122. Scottie of Princess 38 Kismet and Chris from Corvette 32 Celtic Twilight came joint third with 118. Everyone, even the spectators, had a great time and it was a nice break from the pontoons.
Neale and Jon have been monitoring the weather most of the day. Jon went out again aboard Time Flies in the afternoon, with Michelle this time, but there was little change in the sea conditions. The forecasts indicate that tomorrow will see the winds lighten, followed by a high pressure finally moving in on Friday. The weather for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday looks good, with light variable winds. So a passage to Guernsey is still in sight. With this in mind, the MBM team will look to move the fleet tomorrow.
The RIB will go out first in the morning to assess the sea conditions. If the sea state is acceptable, all the boats will depart Cherbourg for St Peter Port from 0830 hrs onwards.
Photo Captions:
Bowling - Christine from Amilie and Scottie from Kismet
Paula and Jack from Endless Summer
Michelle and Jon depart for the second look at the sea conditions
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Day 11 Channel Islands & West Country
22 August 2007
49° 38.446 N 001° 237.236 W Port de Chantereyne, Cherbourg, France
Tuesday 21st August
Still weather-bound in Cherbourg
The weather is showing the fleet no remorse. Strong winds have been the order of the day, with breaking waves within the outer walls and a bouncy swell within the marina. So much so, Princess 38 Kismet had to move berths. The four-person crew have spent several nights on Q pontoon and the continuous rocking and swaying was causing sickness. In gusty winds, the MBM team helped them secure a steadier berth on the inside of P pontoon.
Despite the foul weather, spirits are being kept high by regular visits to the town for shopping and supplies. Some participants have visited the Maritime Museum 'La Cite de la mer' which has a good aquarium.
Phil and Jewel, aboard Fairline Targa 34 Yoo Hoo, presented the MBM team with a delicious Normandy Tart, which was very much appreciated.
Sadly, the planned Vin d'honneur that was due to take place in St Peter Port tomorrow night had to be cancelled. However, we are still hopeful that the weather will allow the fleet to visit Guernsey later in the week.
Photo Captions:
Michelle with gift of a Normandy Tart
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Day 10 Channel Islands & West Country
21 August 2007
49° 38.446 N 001° 237.236 W Port de Chantereyne, Cherbourg, France
Tuesday 21st August
Yet another day in Cherbourg
The MBM team woke to sunny intervals and even patches of blue sky, however, the break in the weather was rather short-lived. While the wind eased slightly during the morning, the sea conditions were rough and strong gusts picked up late afternoon.
Claire and Michelle visited all the boats in the morning to inform cruise participants about the menu for the Yacht Club dinner taking place that evening and a rounders match at 3 o'clock up on the green. Heavy rain in the afternoon meant the games session had to be cancelled, so David from Princess 430 Aquavit composed a 26-question quiz to kept the cruise participants occupied.
In the afternoon Neale donned his drysuit and plunged into the marina to investigate a problem with Aquavit's bowthruster.
At around 1900 hrs a nasty squall came in, high winds and heavy rain entombed everyone on their boats prior to the arranged dinner.
The Yacht Club dinner was a great success and it was a good opportunity to get everyone together again. During the three-course meal Neale briefed crews about the inevitable truth, the fleet would not be moving again tomorrow. David Hutchinson from Aquavit then put everyone out of their misery and read the answers to his quiz. Neale announced the winners, 1st, 2nd and a booby prize. Roger from Windy Oceancraft 845 scored an impressive 24 out of 26 and scooped the 1st prize, a bottle of vino, a cap and MBM pennant. The crew from the Broom 37 Amore came second.
Photo Captions:
Neale goes underwater to check AquaVit's bowthruster
Yacht Club Dinner - David from AquaVit announces the answers for the quiz
2nd place - Ian of Amore with his quiz prizes
Tim & Paula from Sealine T46 Endless Summer
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Day 9 Channel Islands & West Country
20 August 2007
49° 38.446 N 001° 237.236 W Port de Chantereyne, Cherbourg, France
Sunday 19th August
Weather-bound in Cherbourg
It was another lazy morning start for the fleet, and outside heavy rain and strong winds dominated. Last night Jon Mendez joined the MBM team, so they are now four again.
High winds prevented boats from fuelling, so it turned out to be a cleaning day for some of the fleet. John aboard Fairline Targa 30 Merelle spent the morning cleaning his canopy windows, in the hope that he can make his next passage to Guernsey with his canopy screens up.
The MBM team were kept occupied by a lengthy job list, while Neale set to work on a new navigation plan for Guernsey. Jon Mendez aided Chris and Cheryl aboard Corvette 32 Celtic Twilight with various issues in their bilge. Jon also helped them re-fuel in the gusty conditions and went for a quick sea-trial inside the choppy breakwater to see how the Corvette performed. Michelle and Claire fuelled the RIB and distributed the new nav notes to cruise participants.
In the afternoon, an impromptu cricket match was held up on the green. Kids and adults from boats Dream Catcher, Amillie, Solar Mist and Endless Summer played and laughed together.
At 1830 hrs a briefing was held on the pontoon outside MBM boat, Calm Voyager. Neale addressed the fleet from the flybridge and revealed we wouldn't be moving to Guernsey tomorrow, due to today's high winds. It's a frustrating time for the MBM Team as the weather is changing all time.
Tomorrow night Claire and Michelle have organised a group dinner at the Yacht Club restaurant to raise everyone's spirits.
Photo captions:
"When I'm cleanin' winda's" John aboard his Fairline Targa 'Merelle'
Strike! Megan from Endless Summer bats in Cricket Match
Amelia (Dream Catcher), Jack (Solar Mist) and Michelle
Pontoon Briefing
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Day 8 Channel Islands & West Country
18 August 2007
49° 38.446 N 001° 237.236 W Port de Chantereyne, Cherbourg, France
Saturday 18th August
No early start was needed for the fleet today, so everyone took advantage and had a nice, long, lie in. During the morning the wind increased and the rain came down early afternoon.
It was market day in Cherbourg, and the streets were lined with craft and food stalls. Many participants went out to explore the town and came back armed with fruit, croissants, baguettes, cheese and gifts. One of the team's priorities, today, was to investigate the fuel status of the fleet. It turned out that most boats have enough fuel to make the approximate 45-mile passage to St Peter Port, Guernsey.
It was Peter Furby's Birthday aboard Sunseeker Camargue Kitaro II. To celebrate, he and wife Wendy shared birthday cake and champagne cocktails with the MBM team.
Later on in the evening, many participants gathered in the Yacht Club Bar for an impromptu drink and then went their separate ways for dinner.
There is more wind forecast for tomorrow, another rest day in Cherbourg. At the moment, there is a weather window on Monday for a possible move to Guernsey. There will be a briefing held on P pontoon tomorrow night at 1830 hrs, where Cruise Leader Neale will update everyone on the status of the weather.
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Day 7 Channel Islands & West Country
18 August 2007
49° 38.446 N 001° 237.236 W Port de Chantereyne, Cherbourg, France
Friday 17th August
It was an early alarm call for the three-man MBM team, as Guernsey man Richard Poat went home yesterday. The two girls, Michelle and Claire, departed Weymouth aboard Time Flies, their mission to assess the sea conditions off Portland Bill and hopefully make passage to Dartmouth.
Conditions were no better than the previous day. Three metre waves and a gusting westerly wind prevented the RIB from rounding the Bill. Time Flies reported back their assessment and returned to the harbour. In the meantime, Neale, aboard Calm Voyager, slipped his lines and had a look for himself, well aware the fleet were anxious to move after five nights in Weymouth. Although Neale managed to enter Lyme Bay, his findings were no better than those experienced aboard Time Flies.
Neale addressed a disappointed fleet and the team immediately worked on contingency plans. A typed brief was circulated to the boats outlining three possibilities. It said, "Plan A, is to move to Dartmouth this afternoon. Plan B is to go to Cherbourg this afternoon and Plan C is to sit out the incoming weather in Weymouth, and head to Guernsey early next week. Moving to Guernsey today is not an option as they do not have room to accommodate the fleet over the weekend."
In the early afternoon Neale departed the harbour aboard Calm Voyager to have a second look at the Dartmouth passage. Again, conditions hadn't improved from earlier, so he headed 15 miles southeast in view of plan B. The sea state was slight to moderate on the beam, so Neale informed the fleet that we would move to Cherbourg. The RIB Time Flies departed immediately on passage, followed soon after by the rest of the boats. Neale returned to Weymouth to bring up the rear of the fleet.
The boats began entering Cherbourg's breakwater at 1700 hrs local time, and for many participants it was the first time they had crossed the channel in their own boats. Broom 37 Amore, Azimut 42 Dream Catcher Fairline Targa 30 Merelle, Broom Monarch Corona Mia, Bavaria 32 Sport Extasea and Corvette 32 Celtic Twilight were elated to have made the inaugural trip. Congratulations to all our first-timers.
20 miles off the coast of France, Broom Monarch Corona Mia reported they were taking on water. On arrival in Port Chantereyne, a lift out was arranged with the aid of Neale on the telephone and Claire aboard Corona Mia. Meanwhile, Michelle helped berth the incoming boats.
It had been a long day and a wet crossing but everyone was happy to be in France.
Photo Captions
Michelle aboard Zeppelin RIB Time Flies
David aboard Bavaria 32 Extasea
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Day 6 Channel Islands & West Country
16 August 2007
50° 36.43 002° 27.14 Custom House Quay, Weymouth
Thursday 16th August
Weather bound in Weymouth
The alarm aboard Calm Voyager went off at 0500 hrs and at 0600 hrs the control RIB Time Flies slipped its mooring lines and departed the deceptively tranquil harbour. On track and level with the lighthouse at Portland Bill, Richard, Claire and Michelle reported back a two to three metre swell and a Force 5 wind in a westerly direction. These conditions were not at all suitable to move the fleet to Dartmouth. Back in port Neale announced over the radio at 0645 hrs that the sea state would prevent a move.
Shortly after the announcement, experienced Sunseeker Kitaro II decided they would still try and make the passage to Dartmouth. Half an hour later, the crew from Kitaro II telephoned Cruise Leader Neale and reported three and a half metre waves in Lyme Bay. They were turning back towards Weymouth.
There will be a radio briefing at 1830 hrs to discuss tomorrow's plan to move to Dartmouth.
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Day 5 Channel Islands & West Country
15 August 2007
50° 36.43 002° 27.14 Custom House Quay, Weymouth
Wednesday 15th August
Carnival day in Weymouth
The fleet woke to blue skies and scattered clouds, with the sun breaking through later on. So the weather looked promising for Weymouth's 50th anniversary Carnival and grand firework display.
Festivities continued throughout the day with funfair rides, a tug-of-war, sand sculpting, wing walking, the main carnival procession and the nation's favourite - the Red Arrows.
The MBM fleet enjoyed another day to themselves and met in the evening for a buffet dinner at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club, where Neale addressed participants about the possibility of a move to Dartmouth tomorrow. The plan is the RIB Time Flies will depart Town Quay at 6am and head out past Portland Bill and report back on the sea conditions. If all goes well, the rest of the fleet will leave at 7am.
Photo Captions
Red Arrows Display
Buffet dinner at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club
Fireworks
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