6th May 2014 - Back Afloat, All Well

Post by **Jeff** » Tue May 06, 2014 9:39 am

Launch went perfectly. Motor down river went perfectly. Anchoring went perfectly. Couldn't have asked for a better start to our life back afloat.

No problem with air in the fuel. Engine now starts immediately even after multiple days of inactivity.

We've now moved (as of yesterday, after 7 nights at anchor) to a pontoon close to Dartmouth form where it's just a short row to the park, the shops and the playground. I made the decision to move here due to a forecast of strong winds - which haven't manifest themselves. But it's nice not to have to worry about making sure we're aboard at the turn of the tide (harbour rule). I have some work to catch up on anyway as I took last week off to solve the inevitable boat problems we'd have... but we had none. So we had a relatively relaxing week.

Here's a few photos:

Just after launch. Engine running, ready to head downriver

Anchor dropped. Relaxing at White Rock anchorage

Fun on deck with Lunar and Nina

First sunset. Gorgeous and peaceful

Anchored off Dartmouth

Ice-cream #1 at the Brixham Pirate Festival (hence pyjamas on head)

Discus · Post by **Discus** » Tue May 06, 2014 12:02 pm

Nice one! What a difference a year makes (with the engine)! Looks like all are having a good time. We are back on the mooring in Plymouth, just about managed to get straight before coming home yesterday evening. BTW, how has Nina grown soooooo much in such a short time?

Rob

Post by **Jeff** » Tue May 06, 2014 12:18 pm

Ice cream!

Glad you're back afloat now and all is well, excellent

Discus · Post by **Discus** » Tue May 06, 2014 7:43 pm

Jeff wrote:Ice cream!

Ah, the underrated summer food group. Can't argue with that!

Terry T · Post by **Terry T** » Tue May 06, 2014 8:48 pm

Ah Brixham !! lovely place ,made enquires today with the marina for a contract berth again as we enjoyed it there last time .N o vacancies at moment but on the list . Just aswell really cos we don't want it till the end of the month .If nothing is forthcoming we will hole up on Torquay town dock pontoon for a month . Heres hoping anyway .

Post by **Jeff** » Wed May 07, 2014 7:59 am

You're feeling like a change from Plymouth terry?

Terry T · Post by **Terry T** » Wed May 07, 2014 9:51 am

Jeff wrote:You're feeling like a change from Plymouth terry?

never have liked Being in Plymuff ! we were only there for domestic reasons but Brixham is only an hour away by road and in IMHO a much nicer place . maybe Finlandia will be safer too

Post by **Jeff** » Wed May 07, 2014 10:03 am

I really miss Plymouth and the surrounding waters. We had a great time there. But yep, a berth not so exposed to numpties would be good

But watch out, they're everywhere! We had some people come alongside the pontoon we're on yesterday. They arrived with the tide and wind on their stern, and leaped onto the pontoon to rapidly secure their bow line! A traditional wooden boat in front looked in serious jeopardy.

When they later moved to depart they ended up in a shouting match with the skipper of said wooden vessel due to their bumbled exit nearly causing another collision.

Great entertainment!

Terry T · Post by **Terry T** » Wed May 07, 2014 11:04 am

Jeff wrote:I really miss Plymouth and the surrounding waters. We had a great time there. But yep, a berth not so exposed to numpties would be good

But watch out, they're everywhere! We had some people come alongside the pontoon we're on yesterday. They arrived with the tide and wind on their stern, and leaped onto the pontoon to rapidly secure their bow line! A traditional wooden boat in front looked in serious jeopardy.

When they later moved to depart they ended up in a shouting match with the skipper of said wooden vessel due to their bumbled exit nearly causing another collision.

Great entertainment!

good cruising ground around Plymuff without doubt but Iv been sailing the area since I was 13 so a little tired of it now even though it offers the only free safe anchorage between Solent and Scillies

good entertainment when you're not the target boat I agree . bring on a stiff exam before issuing a licence to helm and to be presented on paying fees . hefty fine for anyone not qualified and cocks it up.............maybe I'm a bit bias as the moment.

Post by **Jeff** » Wed May 07, 2014 11:47 am

Good safe anchorages on the Dart - perhaps Fal and Helford River too? Fowey?

Hehe yes you are probably biased

Terry T · Post by **Terry T** » Wed May 07, 2014 3:43 pm

Jeff wrote:Good safe anchorages on the Dart - perhaps Fal and Helford River too? Fowey?

Hehe yes you are probably biased

safe yes but not free . £15 per night to anchor a 10mtr boat in falmuff . no anchoring in Fowey at all .

Post by **Jeff** » Wed May 07, 2014 5:28 pm

That's steep! Must be some holes up river that are free though no?

Terry T · Post by **Terry T** » Wed May 07, 2014 6:13 pm

Jeff wrote:That's steep! Must be some holes up river that are free though no?

a frightening amount

Someone posted that price on the PBO/ YM site. Off the town by the docks apparently. follow up posts indicate that there is no "safe"hideaways in the river .Rumour has it that sometimes the HM at St Mawes turns a blind eye though .
Check out internet for Fowey prices for mooring especially up at Mixtow . frightening !

cheapest moorings in this area believe it or not is Torquay town Dock .

Post by **Jeff** » Wed May 07, 2014 7:07 pm

Or the river dart if you pay the annual harbour dues early. We pay £132 for the year!