Motor Boats Monthly Cruising Club blog
Latest weblogs from the 2009 cruises in company
Day 16 - Channel Islands and Brittany
22 June 2009
50° 50.37N 001° 06.06W
We are now back home following an eventful passage from Guernsey yesterday.
As planned, we set off from St Peter Port at 7am. For this final passage it was agreed that I would join Richard on board Time Flies, while Claire would join Neale on board Blue Fin. So, Richard and I set off ahead of the fleet and positioned ourselves close to our first waypoint so we could hold one final photoshoot. Once all the boats were photographed we picked up some speed and rejoined the fleet somewhere towards the front.
I've never crossed the Channel in anything vaguely as small as a RIB so the experience was something of an eye-opener, not to mention a face warmer (it seems I underestimated the powerful combination of wind and sun burn and I now look like a ripe tomato).
But, aside from a little lumpiness at the start of the passage it was a good crossing and I now have an even greater respect for Claire and Richard who have had to endure some very early and cold mornings in the RIB over the last fortnight.
Elsewhere on the passage we did encounter a few problems. First of all Juliette, radioed to say that they had hit something in the water, Blue Fin kept radio contact while they inspected for damage and when they were confident that everything was OK they continued on their route.
An hour or so later Free Spirit reported problems with one of their engines and smoke could be seen at the stern of their boat. The MBM crew caught up with them and escorted them into the Solent at a slower speed.
But despite these dramas everyone made it back to their home ports safely and the cruising in company spirit never seemed so alive and well. Thanks to everyone for making this a brilliant couple of weeks and we hope to see you all on another MBM cruise in the near future.
Caption: Blue Fin makes it back to the Solent
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 15 - Channel Islands and Brittany
20 June 2009
49° 27.322N 002° 32.060W
The fleet enjoys its last day in Guernsey ahead of the planned passage to Port Solent tomorrow.
The last briefing of the cruise has been held (hopefully) and the MBM crew used the opportunity to resurrect an old Cruising Club tradition, a prize-giving ceremony.
Awards handed out covered notable incidents from throughout the cruise, including the much-coveted prize for best manoeuvre, which went to Tim from Aqaba Sunset. Tim won a captain's hat for his confident execution of the 'rather-you-than-me' bit of mooring he displayed in Saint-Malo when he squeezed into a very tight spot.
Tomorrow the plan is to leave St Peter Port at 7am and head back to Port Solent. At the moment the weather looks OK, but Neale will check it again in the morning before he gives the fleet the go ahead to embark. Wish us luck.
Captions:
Top - View of the fleet in Victoria Marina from town
Bottom - Tim from Aqaba Sunset dons his captain's hat
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 14 - Channel Islands and Brittany
20 June 2009
49° 27.322N 002° 32.060W
The MBM crew arranges RIB runs for the fleet to the stunning island of Herm.
It was an early start for Richard who was up in the dead of night to move Time Flies over the sill at the entrance to Victoria Marina while there was still enough water, in preparation for our trips to Herm.
Richard set off with the first passengers at 9.30am. Neale, Claire and I made the 10.15am crossing and we were joined on board by Dolphin and Sea Breeze. It was a brisk trip, which served to shake off the cobwebs of the evening before, and on the way we were lucky enough to glimpse a group of puffins on the surface of the water, which made my day.
The island of Herm is like a little bit of the Caribbean right here in the British Isles -paradise found. We got off the RIB and began walking and we soon stumbled across the beautiful beaches of Shell Bay and Belvoir Bay, both of which boast crystal-clear waters and silky-soft sand. We bumped into Aqaba Sunset, Blue Water and Harry and Carole from Sea Star at the café near Belvoir Bay who were all making the most of their island escape.
Later in the evening the entire fleet made our way up to Castle Cornet, the ancient harbour fortress, for a vin d'honneur (a traditional wine reception) hosted by the Guernsey Tourist Board, to welcome us to the island. It was an outdoor affair but it was a lovely evening and our position afforded us fabulous views across St Peter Port, the harbour and beyond.
Tomorrow is our final day before we head for home so there's bound to be some boat chores to complete, but I have faith in the fleet that they will manage to squeeze in some last-minute shopping and sunbathing too - they're good like that.
Captions:
Top - Blue Water, Aqaba Sunset and Sea Star make the most of their island hop
Middle - The beautiful Shell Bay on Herm
Bottom - The fleet enjoys a drinks reception at Castle Cornet, Guernsey
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 13 - Channel Islands and Brittany
18 June 2009
49° 27.322N 002° 32.060W
We are now in Guernsey, having bid a final farewell to France (for this cruise at least).
The first challenge of the day was to negotiate the lock at Port Vauban in Saint-Malo. As instructed by Neale, the boats all slipped their lines early and were ready and waiting when the first lock of the day opened at 1.43pm.
However, it looked like our carefully laid plans were set to fail when the lock staff ordered our boats to hold back and make way for a huge dredger that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Once the dredger was in the lock our boats began to edge forward and we weren't sure if we would all fit in. French locks are quite stressful at the best of times so it didn't help when the lock-keeper started shouting over the tanoy for everyone to hurry up. If the fleet wasn't panicked already then surely it was now.
Despite the frantic rush we managed to get all the boats through the first lock and we were soon on passage to Guernsey. The sea was a little lumpy to begin with but it soon settled down to provide a relatively smooth ride across.
We now have two rest days in St Peter Port. Tomorrow we have arranged for a series of island hops - Richard will ferry all willing parties over to the nearby island of Herm on board Time Flies, with the first trip setting off at 9.30am. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us and the fleet can make the most of Herm's tranquil beaches. Please let it be so.
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 12 - Channel Islands and Brittany
17 June 2009
48° 42.834N 002° 01.078W
Today was a rest day in Saint-Malo and everyone has been making the most of the non-stop sunshine.
It's been another beautiful day and the fleet has lapped up every ray, whether they've been sunbathing on the bow, supping beers on the flybridge or trundling along to the beach.
The two boats that are moored at Bas-Sablons Marina, Lady Zena and Revolution, both dropped into Port Vauban today to catch up with the rest of the fleet but they are very happy with their moorings so they have decided to stay put.
I got the chance to walk round the walled town today, which is surrounded by sandy beaches and has fabulous views out to the nearby islands. Inside the walls a myriad of lanes reveal countless cafes, restaurants and shops.
Spirits are certainly high among the fleet. Shortly before Neale's 6pm briefing I went to gather the masses and came across a rowdy bunch on board Dolphin who threatened to hold a mutiny unless I joined them for a glass of wine. It was only once I had acceded to their demands that they agreed to follow me down to the briefing. The things I do for the good of the cruise.
Tomorrow the plan is to head to St Peter Port in Guernsey but it will be a late start as the lock in Saint-Malo doesn't open until 1.43pm. Once we get to St Peter Port we need to get everyone refuelled, ready for their passage home, which means they can spend a stress-free few days exploring the island. Hopefully our man from Guernsey, Richard Poat, can give us a few pointers on what to see and do.
Captions:
Top - Tally Ho and Sea Breeze join Dolphin on board for some pre-briefing drinks
Middle - Lady Zena visit from their marina and stop off to catch up with Aqaba Sunset
Bottom - Slip's Dream and Evolution enjoy some post-briefing drinks
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 11 - Channel Islands and Brittany
16 June 2009
48° 42.834N 002° 01.078W
The good news is we are now in Saint-Malo, the bad news is two of our fleet have had to decamp to the nearby Bas-Sablons Marina.
For reasons unbeknown to us the lock-keepers at Saint-Malo have changed the lock opening times. The locks now open three times before high water and two times after, as opposed to the usual three (as published in the almanac). Let this be a word of warning to you all.
So we are temporarily separated from Lady Zena and Revolution, although we have had word from them and we will try to catch up with them tomorrow.
The rest of us are moored in Port Vauban, right next to the magnificent Intra-Muros (old walled town). Historians among you will know that this area is not actually that old but was rebuilt to its original design after been bombed to near obliteration during the Second World War. But for the sake of an argument…
It is a rest day tomorrow, which will give everybody an opportunity to explore this fascinating place. And although some of us have had to forgo a few luxuries in order to moor so close to the town we think the splendid views more than make up for it.
To read a comprehensive insiders' guide to Saint-Malo, pick up the latest issue of MBM (out 18 June).
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 10 - Channel Islands and Brittany
16 June 2009
48° 42.558N 002° 27.612W
Today is a beautiful sunny day, just ripe for our crossing from Binic to Saint-Malo.
We arrived in the pretty town of Binic yesterday following a well-coordinated passage, which was run like a military operation. Thanks to Neale's careful planning and the whole of the fleet pulling together we managed to make our exit from Paimpol in three locks, and we were soon on our way with plenty of time to sail through the tidal gate at Binic. And to top it off, as we were underway the sun came out, making for a lovely smooth passage.
Last night we had a group dinner at a local restaurant, which turned out to be a rather raucous affair. However, as the waiting staff spoke very little English and my French is limited to say the least, communication throughout the meal became quite comical. Before I knew it a waiter's pad was thrust in my hand and I was running round taking orders - and there I was thinking my waitressing days were behind me.
Today, once again, we are at the mercy of Binic's tidal gate, which only opens if there is enough atmospheric pressure. At the moment it is due to open at 12.45 for about an hour. With this in mind the fleet is poised to make a beeline through as soon as the gates open with the slowest boats at the front. Once through we will head to Saint-Malo where we plan to spend a couple of nights.
Captions:
Top - The RIB guides boats into Binic
Middle - Chris and Brian from Free Spirit enjoy a drink in the afternoon sun
Bottom - The MBM team at the group dinner
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 9 - Channel Islands and Brittany
14 June 2009
48° 46.863N 003° 02.618W
An irate fisherman puts Anglo-French relations to the test but the fleet pulls together and holds a barbecue on the pontoon to make the most of the summer evening.
Today was a rest day in Paimpol so it was lazy mornings all round, which was just as well considering the overflow of wine and beer bottles at the recycling bank this morning.
And that wasn't the only reason for sore heads. A few of the fleet were subject to a rather drunken tirade from a French fisherman last night - apparently British motorboaters are to blame for everything that is wrong with his life. And this afternoon he was back, still drunk and making even less sense than yesterday. It's a shame really as the rest of the locals have treated us as some kind of magnificent spectacle and tend to just unashamedly stare at us from the quayside before continuing on their way.
Still, the fleet didn't let the drunken ramblings of a mad man dampen their mood and after a day of chores, meandering and pottering around the boat, a few of the fleet held a barbecue on the pontoon, which seemed to lift spirits.
Elsewhere, Richard took a brief break to indulge in a spot of sunbathing but his enjoyment was short-lived when Ian from Chancer decided to give him a shower on the bathing platform. Revenge is best served cold, Ian - remember that.
Tomorrow we are heading to Binic and although it is only a 17-mile trip, there's a lock to contend with this end and a one-hour tide window to deal with at the other end so it could get very interesting indeed.
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 8 - Channel Islands and Brittany
13 June 2009
48° 46.863N 003° 02.618W
The fleet reaches Paimpol and makes the most of a long summer's evening before a rest day tomorrow.
Today has been a good day. The first boats set off just after 8am for the 15-mile hop to Paimpol. As we were making the crossing the sun came out (albeit briefly) and Neale and I made the most of the moment and photographed the group of boats that were with us on passage, including Capriccio, Blue Water, and Chancer, which was a lot of fun.
Thankfully when we reached Paimpol the lock was on free flow so our group of boats glided through. However, not all the boats were so lucky and the majority of the fleet had to contend with the intricacies of a French lock - quite daunting for those that are only used to British locks.
The MBM crew has just got back to Blue Fin following a lovely evening and a delicious dinner on board Dolphin - many thanks to Bernard and Hilary for their hospitality.
Tomorrow is a rest day so we have some boat chores to do and then, if time, we'll try to explore the village and attempt to communicate with the locals using our pigeon French. Wish us luck.
Caption: Blue Water and Chancer underway to Paimpol
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 7 - Channel Islands and Brittany
12 June 2009
It may have been a soggy start to the day but as the fleet motored to St-Quay-Portrieux the rain cleared making way for a flat sea.
We are now back in France following a smooth passage from St Helier. Thankfully on the way the dark clouds lifted just long enough for us to photograph a few of the boats underway. Hopefully we'll catch the others at some point over the next few days.
Once everyone was safely moored up Claire and I wasted no time in popping out for a few essentials - you know, bread, cheese and some pain au chocolat. Well, when in France…
And we weren't the only ones, we arrived back on the pontoon to find Graham and Penny from Capriccio had joined Simon and Tricia from Sea Breeze on their flybridge for sundowners and the tipple in their glasses looked suspiciously like Champagne.
Tomorrow we plan to move on again, this time to Paimpol where we hope to spend a couple of nights.
Captions: Top picture - Capriccio and Sea Breeze enjoy sundowners in St-Quay-Portrieux
Bottom picture - Evolution underway to France
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 6 - Channel Islands and Brittany
11 June 2009
49° 10.95N 002° 06.62W
Despite blue skies, our passage to St-Quay-Portrieux was scuppered by wind, but the fleet used the opportunity to make the most of the Jersey sun.
We awoke this morning to an almost cloudless sky and it seemed likely that we would make our passage to St Quay Portrieux. However, when Time Flies went out to check conditions they found it a bit lumpy, with more than a few white horses, so the decision was made to stay put.
It wasn't all bad news though, as following the washout yesterday everyone seemed happy to have an extra day to explore the island. And explore the island they did - on foot, by bus and a few healthy individuals put us all to shame by hiring bikes. Jersey isn't flat you know.
By early evening most people were back at the marina to share tales and compare suntan/burn (I must remember to put on some lotion). And there were happy faces all round - Chancer spent the day poodling around town before sunning themselves on their flybridge, both Evolution and Free Spirit made plans to visit the beautiful St Brelade's Bay, while Blue Water somehow happened upon a falconry display.
Meanwhile, Claire and I collected shells, much to Neale and Richard's bemusement. Perhaps they were still reeling after being dive-bombed by some over-eager seagulls as they ate ice cream near Corbiere lighthouse. Shortly afterwards we stumbled across a boatyard with an old Bayliner and several boats in need of some TLC, which soon cheered the boys up.
Once again we're hoping to embark to St Quay Portrieux in the morning so weather gods, if you're listening, please make the wind go away.
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 5 - Channel Islands and Brittany
10 June 2009
49° 10.95N 002° 06.62W
The fleet has a well-deserved rest day in St Helier but unfortunately it's a wash out.
It was lazy mornings all round as the MBM crew made the most of our rest day in St Helier and enjoyed our first cooked breakfast of the cruise.
Unfortunately for the rest of the fleet it rained all day, hampering plans to explore the island. Neale and Richard also got pretty wet refuelling Time Flies, but at least they looked like they enjoyed themselves.
We've just had a lovely dinner including some tasty Jersey Royals, courtesy of Steve from the Premier Marine fuel berth, which our man from Guernsey, Richard Poat, ate begrudgingly.
The weather for tomorrow is uncertain so Neale will assess it again in the morning and if it's good enough we will head to St Quay Portrieux, and if it's not we'll stay put. Check in tomorrow to see how we fare.
Caption: Richard and Neale don their foulies as they head out to refuel our Cobra 6.6 Time Flies
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 4 - Channel Islands and Brittany
10 June 2009
49° 10.95N 002° 06.62W
In the dead of night (3.45am BST to be exact) Claire and Richard embarked on Time Flies to check conditions for our passage to St Helier. Once Neale was assured that the weather was reasonable he gave word for boats to start slipping their lines at the incomprehensible time of 6am (5am BST).
Fast forward a few hours and Neale and I were experiencing one of those rare but beautifully joyous moments in boating. The rain and grey clouds suddenly dissipated, making way for a blue sky just as we were approaching Jersey - perhaps the sunny weather we had hoped for had finally arrived. Or perhaps not. Unfortunately, no sooner had Neale ventured down below to grab his sunglasses than the sun had disappeared and we were left feeling rather cold and a little silly. Such is life.
But despite the poor weather we made it to St Helier before lunchtime. And we weren't the only ones to reach Jersey today - Evolution, which had experienced problems with water ingress, arrived early this evening and they have just joined the rest of the fleet for a group dinner at the St Helier Yacht Club.
I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce to you to my new friend. At two-years-old Rosie, on board Sea Star, is the youngest member of our fleet but she assures me that she loves boating, so perhaps we can get her crewing for MBM before the fortnight is out.
Tomorrow is a rest day in St Helier, which should give everyone the chance to get to explore Jersey before our planned departure to St Quay Portrieux on Thursday. I will keep you posted.
Caption: Neale delivers his speech during the group dinner at St Helier Yacht Club
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 3 - Channel Islands and Brittany
8 June 2009
49° 38.68N 001° 37.22W
We are now in Cherbourg, albeit a little weather-beaten. While some of the fleet enjoyed a cosy crossing in the warmth of their saloon - I spied Justin of Slip's Dream putting fenders out as we reached Cherbourg wearing just shorts and a T-shirt - Neale prefers to helm from the flybridge, which plays havoc with my skincare regime.
The crossing was good, slightly lumpy in places, but nothing we couldn't handle and there are now lots of happy (and relieved) faces along the pontoon, especially from those who have just completed their first Channel crossing.
When we reached Cherbourg we were met by Chancer and Dolphin who have been here a couple of days, and just as Neale was delivering his briefing for tomorrow, Sea Star, the boat which had got stuck in Brighton, appeared on the horizon.
Neale's briefing drew mixed reactions. At the moment we're fairly optimistic we can make the passage to St Helier tomorrow (yippee!) but if we do head off we need to leave at 6am local time (boo!). That's 5am BST.
We'll check the weather again in the morning but spare a thought for Claire and Richard on Time Flies. If they have to go out early to check conditions in the RIB it's looking like a 5am (4am BST) start for them. Ouch, that's got to hurt.
Caption: Fairline Sedan 36, Julliette, crosses the Channel
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 2 - Channel Islands and Brittany
7 June 2009
50° 47.786N 001° 07.253W
Well the good news is we have moved; the bad news is not very far.
Unfortunately the weather forecast meant we were unable to make our Channel crossing today but as Royal Clarence Marina was expecting a fleet of yachts we had to vacate our berths and move round to Haslar Marina. Thank you to Haslar for having us at such short notice.
We have just held the first pontoon party of the season and in a rare incident of the weather actually being kind, the showers that had teased us all day finally made way for a couple of hours of unbroken sunshine. Thank goodness for that - there's nothing like a spot of sun and a beer or two to lift the mood on a cruise.
Earlier this afternoon Richard and Judith of Evolution, the boat which got stuck in Yarmouth, made a surprise visit (by car) and despite problems with water ingress they hope to meet up with us later in the trip.
Sadly it looks like L'Altra Donna will not be able to continue the journey with us due to engine problems.
We are all now set for our departure to Cherbourg in the morning (please weather, please) so be sure to check in tomorrow to see how we get on.
Sally Coffey / Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 1 - Channel Islands and Brittany
6 June 2009
50° 48.138N 001° 07.383W
Day one on the MBM cruise, the fleet has gathered, the induction has been completed and we're ready for the off…if only the weather would behave itself.
Yes it's that time of year again, the start of the MBM Cruising Club season and this year we kick off with our Channel Islands and Brittany Cruise. Over the next two weeks we plan to visit Jersey and then cruise the Brittany coast before returning to Portsmouth via Guernsey. Once again Guernsey expert Richard Poat will join Claire on board Time Flies, while myself and Neale will man Blue Fin.
We are currently sat in Royal Clarence Marina, Gosport, feverishly hatching plans for our hoped for departure to Cherbourg tomorrow and making deals with the weather gods that the wind that is currently howling through the marina will have relented by the morning.
The following boats are hoping to depart to Cherbourg tomorrow:
Allora Bayliner 275
Aqaba Sunset Bavaria 35HT
Blue Fin (MBM) Princess 42
Blue Water Fairline Targa 34
Capriccio Princess 366 Riviera
Free Spirit of Hamble Princess 45
Julliette Fairline Sedan 36
L' Altra Donna DeGruit Trawler Yacht
Lady Zena Sealine F33
Revolution Fairline Targa 52 GT
Sea Breeze Beneteau Antares
Slip's Dream Sealine SC35
Tally Ho Hardy Commodore 42
Time Flies Cobra Nautique 6.6 RIB
Zenith Cruisers 300CXi
A couple of other boats, Chancer, a Princess 50 and Dolphin, a Hardy Commodore 50, made the most of a good weather window and have already reached Cherbourg.
Unfortunately two other boats have not been able to make our departure point due to technical difficulties. Evolution, a Sealine F42/5, is currently stuck in Yarmouth while Sea Star, a Broom 41 is stuck in Brighton.
Fingers crossed the rest of us will be leaving early in the morning, we'll keep you posted.
Sally Coffey/Motor Boats Monthly
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Day 15 - Holland
17 August 2008
I'm writing this the morning after the day before. Yesterday was the last day of the cruise and as planned we were all ready for our 6am departure. Unfortunately the RIB was not. When Claire and John went to leave she wouldn't start. So began one of the longest days of the cruise.
With Time Flies out of action our only option was to tow her, all the way from Nieuwpoort back to Port Solent. Claire and John rigged up the tow ropes and we set off, with the rest of the fleet passing us as we were only able to go about 10 knots.
As if crossing the Channel at this speed wasn't painstaking enough, once we reached Dunkirk we were boarded by the French police who wanted to see all of our paperwork and passports, plus search the boat - adding another hour onto our trip. It just goes to show that however rare you could be boarded at any time, so it's well worth being prepared.
Once they were satisfied we weren't dope smugglers we pressed on across the TSS. The sea was relatively calm for most of the crossing but once we reached Dover and tried to move along the south coast the winds picked up and the RIB was getting thrown around. There was nothing for it - we changed route to Ramsgate where we left the RIB before getting back on track to Port Solent.
We finally moored up in Port Solent Marina at 9.30pm, shattered and feeling a little forlorn at having to leave Time Flies behind. We will be making arrangements this week to pick her up and get her looked at.
Before leaving Nieuwpoort Neale asked the fleet to contact us once they had reached their first port of call across the Channel and I'm pleased to say everyone made it safely, with no major dramas reported.
It's been a good but busy couple of weeks and once the MBM crew has cleaned Blue Fin we are looking forward to a short rest before we're back in the office the day after tomorrow. Until next year.
Caption: Mam'selle leaves Nieuwpoort and quickly overtakes Blue Fin
Sally Coffey
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Day 14 - Holland
15 August 2008
51° 08.550N 002° 44.338E
What a glorious day! We woke to blue skies and a beaming sun and the weather has stayed good all day, with only slight winds.
It was a bit of a palaver getting under the bridge this morning to leave Goes, as even though Cornelius had stuck to his word and lifted the footbridge for us at 8.50am, there were a few other boats who pushed in and tried to nudge our boats out of the way. The cheek!
Neale and I were joined on Blue Fin today by Jacqui from Everso who'd decided she'd had enough of her family and became our latest stowaway. The water was calm as we cruised along at 10 knots (making sure the slower boats were ok) so Jacqui and I made the most of it and basked in the sun as Neale took the helm.
Today was momentous as we cleared our last lock on this side of the Channel - hurray! Unfortunately it wasn't a smooth passage for everyone, problems were reported by Elusiff, Joli D and Delta Flyer, all of which seem to have been resolved. Perhaps they were just last ditch attempts to get a mention in the blog…
We are now in Nieuwpoort; hungry, tired and a little bit sunburnt.
Tomorrow we will journey across the Channel and ensure everyone is safely across the TSS before we press on to Port Solent. The first boats will set off at 6am, so it's an early start all round.
Caption: Ron from Ironic waits in the last lock
Sally Coffey
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Day 13 - Holland
14 August 2008
51° 30.363N 003° 53.415E
Well, I'm happy to report that the fleet is now in Goes.
It's been a pretty stress-free passage from Willemstad for everyone. The first boats set off at 8am with the rest of us following shortly after. Thankfully, the winds had died down substantially; there was still a bit of a pull, but nothing we couldn't handle.
Joe from Ironic joined Neale and I aboard Blue Fin again and proved very helpful. We were surprised when we arrived at the first lock to see a green light beckoning us in and even more surprised to find the rest of the fleet were also in there - a nice change from the other day.
The other two locks took a little bit longer to get through but the wait was minimal. Once through the locks we had three lifting bridges to deal with, which required a little patience but we're well versed in this Dutch waiting game now so instead of stressing we used the opportunity to make a sandwich and have a cuppa - how very un-British of us.
The Havenkanaal, which leads to Goes is very picturesque, and weaves through a mix of pleasant countryside and sleepy traditional towns, a scene that perfectly matched my expectations of Holland, more than anywhere else we have visited on this trip.
By the time we'd reached Goes, the harbourmaster, Cornelius, had cleared the basin for us so Claire and John were able to get everyone moored up with relative ease.
And before long everyone was relaxing and the drinks were flowing, with Job Done being the unofficial party venue, before the party moved on to Ironic where the MBM crew were given a much appreciated but very unexpected thank you gift from the fleet, handed over by Michael from Elusiff.
And Rosie also gave us a surprise visit after grabbing a taxi from Delta Marina where they are waiting to find out what is wrong with their engine. We wish them the best of luck.
Unfortunately, after looking at the weather the decision has been made to leave in the morning to pass through the bridge at 8.50am. The plan is to return to Nieuwpoort ready to make the passage across the Channel on Saturday.
Caption: An embarrassed looking Claire and Neale accept gifts from the MBM fleet
Sally Coffey
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Day 12 - Holland
13 August 2008
51° 45.555N 003° 51.564E
This morning we rang round some Volvo Penta dealers in the hope of getting someone to come and look at Rosie's engine but to no avail, so they have ventured back to Delta Marina, where there is a Volvo service centre in the hope that they can get it sorted there and catch up with us later.
The winds continue to howl and we are on standby, hoping to leave tomorrow. This morning I was accosted by some Dutch ladies in the shower block who asked, "What time are you leaving?" Apparently all the other boats want to time their departure around us to ensure they are not trying to go through the locks at the same time as our entire fleet. I can't see what they're worried about.
Neale has been working for most of the day with Steve from Smitten and Ron from Ironic to replace Smitten's exhaust hose, which has become porous.
Claire, Elissa and I had a girl's outing in the RIB across the channel to collect some replacement hose and got a jolly good soaking, as it was quite choppy. Apart from the piercing stabbing sensation as the water slapped us across the face it was actually really good fun and Claire certainly proved her prowess behind the helm, skillfully negotiating the waves.
The plan is for the first boats to start slipping their lines at about 8am, so hopefully we will reach Goes by mid afternoon. Fingers crossed.
Caption: Neale, Steve and Ron from Ironic try to get to the bottom of Smitten's problems.
Sally Coffey
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