Jellyfish Adventures

Since we've been back...

2011-02-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd post another blog just to update you on some of the news since we arrived back in Tollesbury. In the months between then and now, we have both got used to showering more frequently, using a toilet with a flush, and sleeping in a bed that doesn't move. We have also both got 'proper' jobs, and are still talking to each other!

However, our Fellowship Afloat journey hasn't ended. On the 19th of March, a whole group of FACT related people are going to be re-creating our Jelly Fish journey, by covering the same miles as we did (1540), but we are doing it in just ONE DAY!!

The aim this time is to raise £2000 for a new engine for one of the boats. If 40 people can raise £50 each we cover can raise that much. So if you want to find out more, or even help us reach our latest target, go to http://www.justgiving.com/jellyfishadventuresinaday!

Thanks for all your support on our journey, and do keep in touch!

Returning home pictures

2010-10-01T02:52:00.001-07:00

It has taken a while, but we have finally collected some pictures of our return:

Many thanks to all those who came to see us home.

Since our return

2010-09-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

Both Mary and I have been busy since we returned to dry land, just over two weeks ago. Both of us have moved house and moved on to new and very different challenges, but JellyFish Adventures isn't over just yet!

We made it onto the front page of at least one newspaper, and are making our last appearance on BBC Radio Essex at about 8am tomorrow morning- this time not via a mobile phone in the middle of the Irish Sea, but actually in the studio. I think we would both agree that it is going to be the most nerve-wracking challenge yet!

Also, we are still collecting money, and now have almost reached the £7000 mark- so thank you to all who have donated! The money is already going to help people come and experience the community and adventure of Fellowship Afloat.

Finally, we both want to say thank you to two companies who both helped us out amazingly. Firstly, Premium Liferafts, who lent us that big yellow blob strapped to the foredeck, free of charge- fortunately we didn't need to use it! Secondly, Honda, who lent us, again free of charge, an engine, which helped us out through think and thin. Without either of these items, the trip wouldn't have been possible!

Finally, and sorry for the long blog, we want to apologise for the lack of pictures of our return. We will try to get some up as soon as possible, but we have had a few issues getting the photos and a computer with internet in the same place at the same time! So bear with us, and keep an eye out on here.

Becky and Mary

Home!

2010-08-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

Having spent a night on the moorings just outside Woodrolfe Creek, it was to our great pleasure that we motored the short way into the pontoons at Tollesbury this morning, to exactly the same spot we left nearly 68 days ago! It was a great sunny morning, and to be greeted by such a great bunch of people was amazing- thank you to all who were able to make it! For those of you who couldn't (for very understandable reasons- such as we met you in Scotland, or you have since sailed onwards) we are hoping to upload a video at some point, to give you the 'real-life' experience.

We are working out our latest total, but so far we have raised about £7000 for FACT's bursary fund. We aimed to rase £10,000 so although we are close, there is still a little way to go.

Thank you to all who have commented/ emailed/ phoned/ had us for a cuppa, it has been amazing the support we have had throughout the whole trip, and at times has really been key in keeping us going onwards through the waves.

As I am sure you will understand, after spending almost 10 weeks on board, it is a little hard to 'let-go' and so we are both off sailing again this weekend! But after that, keep an eye-out on here for more pictures and a still growing total.

(Home at last Lat: 51.7604 Long: 0.8547)

Tollesbury

2010-08-18T14:00:00.001-07:00

Just outside Tollesbury. Planning to arrive at fact at 9 am. All welcome.

Sent via mobile phone.

Stuck in Ramsgate

2010-08-16T05:34:00.001-07:00

There has been a gale blowing over the east coast, which has meant we have have been stuck in Ramsgate, just one day’s sail away from Tollesbury! However, do not despair on our behalf, as usual we have managed to arrive at our destination’s busiest time of the year, Ramsgate Week.

There are dozens of yachts about, all preparing for racing (which was cancelled today). We have had plenty of people to talk to and drink tea with, including friends through Good News and even meeting the new gap year people on Morning Star!

Worsening Weather

2010-08-15T07:49:00.001-07:00

Having made it into Ramsgate late last night with an increasing wind and sea state, we moored in the ‘Strictly over 12 metres only’ section – there was a 6 metre gap available (our instructions had been moor next to a similar sized boat!). On seeing the size of our boat our berthing instructions were quickly revised and we are currently tucked in a ‘sheltered’ corner of the marina, however the swell entering the marina has caused us to feel the second most sea sick of our entire trip!

A walk to the northern breakwater this morning confirmed our decision not to cross the Thames today, and probably not tomorrow day time either.
(Lat: 51.3288 Long: 1.4215)

Heading north

2010-08-14T11:00:00.001-07:00

We have past Dover and are now heading north. Lat: 51.2082 Long: 1.4365

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Tea

2010-08-14T05:00:00.001-07:00

We are just off Dungeness and only have 36 teabags left! Lat: 50.8504 Long: 0.7295

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A day off

2010-08-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

It has been good to spend today catching up with normal life. This morning was a rare time to sleep until we woke up naturally, with no alarm going off while it is still dark outside! We then visited Eastbourne town and both got our haircut- a great treat. We also got to sit on the beach and watch the Red Arrows display team as the AirBourne show is on this weekend.

Tomorrow we expect to continue our journey along the south coast. Keep looking on here for information on our imminent return to Tollesbury!

Eastbourne

2010-08-12T12:00:00.001-07:00

This morning was spent sailing here. Since, we have met some old friends, Watched the Red Arrows, and have been eating dinner watching a seagull trying to Swallow a very large eel, which was very entertaining!
(Lat: 50.7901 Long: 0.3288)

Sent via mobile phone.

Picture update

2010-08-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

We are sorry that we have not put any photos up here for a while. Here are a few to keep you going, and I'm sure more will follow.

This was the view entering into St Ives. Just after this was taken, we saw a seal (not unusual), but he was so close and the water so clear (meaning we could see his whole body swimming) that we were quite amazed!

Sailing around Land's End, having left at 3am. The sea was so calm, that we occupied ourselves by using our 'buffs' in as many ways as we could think of. This was the 'desert storm' look. Keep an eye open for the 'granny style' in other photos!

The morning sailing around Land's End was very beautiful. The rocks in the background are 'Longships' and because it was so calm, we were able to sail between them and the mainland. As Mary said 'this would have been a great photo if it wasn't for you being in it'- I know what she means!

We stopped for the night on the River Yealm, which, despite having a fairly tricky entrance, turned out to be a hidden beauty- definitely worth a visit either by boat or land.

Unfortunately, this is another photo of Becky- this time enjoying a roast dinner, expertly prepared on our two hobs! Roast chicken, potatoes, parsnips, stuffing and gravy- a veritable feast.

In keeping with the food theme (and to balance out the bad photos), here is Mary preparing one of the 6 mackerel we caught just east of Portland Bill. We have now enjoyed 'self-caught' fish fried for breakfast, and in a pasta bake.

Finally, this was the view as we left Portsmouth at 5am. The sunrise was spectacular, but as usual; 'red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky in the morning, sailors warning'. It took a long time for the sun to break through the clouds!

Brighton

2010-08-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

So, we have made it out of the Solent, and are now at Brighton. The sun is shining (as we hoped it would be when we got to the south coast) and the sea breeze has kicked in (mostly after we arrived, but never mind!). At the moment our last three weeks of dirty washing are in the machine, and our possessions are strewn across the boat, airing.

With only a few more stops to go, it is not long until we return to Tollesbury and all the home comforts we have been missing- a sofa, a toaster, and running water just to mention three! However, we can't take our foot off the proverbial peddle just yet as these last few legs are just as important as the first were. Fundraising is going well (we have reached 62%), and we are hoping for a late surge in donations, as all those who had suspicions that we wouldn't make it are proved to be wrong!

Finally, we are in another paper! Check out the Sutton Guardian to read the latest article. Also, try listening to BBC Radio Essex at 7:50am on Sunday (if you get up that early!) to hear our latest interview, and keep an eye out for upcoming articles in any local Essex papers.

Sunrise

2010-08-10T23:00:00.001-07:00

Just leaving Portsmouth and watching an amazing sunrise- pictures to follow. Lat: 50.7632 Long: -1.0828

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The Solent

2010-08-10T05:00:00.001-07:00

We have avoided becoming a Red Funnel Ferry sandwich, and are sailing towards Portsmouth. Lat: 50.7862 Long: -1.2766

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Yarmouth- IoW

2010-08-10T00:05:00.001-07:00

We have made it to the middle of the south coast, and are spending a night on the Isle of White (having just missed Cowes Week, which was last week). We hope to be back in Tollesbury midway through next week, so a couple of days ahead of schedule- however the whole plan could change with the weather!

As I write this now, we are eating mackerel that we caught this morning! Today has been good. It started with full main and genoa and 4 knots against the tide- almost unheard of for our little Jelly Fish. Then, later, as we got near to the Island, we had to pass through what Mary and I call ‘a crazy tidal bit’; meaning there were strong tides which cause waves that appear to spike up. In this section we also got our new top speed- 10.8 knots over ground!

Now, it is bed time,ready for another busy day tomorrow- crossing the Solent!

Fish

2010-08-09T03:00:00.001-07:00

6 fish in 60 minutes. Fried mackeral for breakfast, fish pie for dinner. All thanks to 'Drekly' and their amazing mackeral catching fishing line! Lat: 50.5907 Long: -2.2966

Sent via mobile phone.

Dinner

2010-08-08T12:00:00.001-07:00

Just cooking roast chicken with potatoes, parsnips, stuffing and gravy on Jelly Fish.

Sent via mobile phone.

Weymouth

2010-08-07T12:00:00.001-07:00

Have just arrived after 18 hours sailing. Exhausted and planning to take tomorrow off.

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Portland Bill

2010-08-07T08:00:00.001-07:00

Have just made it around Portland Bill. Annoyed that some other yachts managed to bypass us so quickly. Must have local knowledge. Sailing Lat: 50.4899 Long: -2.3601

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Day off

2010-08-06T13:00:00.001-07:00

We have spent a rather wet day in and around Dartmouth getting ready for an early start!

Sent via mobile phone.

Another port

2010-08-05T10:00:00.001-07:00

We are enjoying fantastic sailing along the south coast and have now reached Dartmouth. We are now moored for the night surrounded by friendly people.
(Lat: 50.3493 Long: -3.5771)

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River Yealm

2010-08-05T04:00:00.001-07:00

We had a pleasant evening in the river Yealm. Now making our way past start point.
(Lat: 50.2417 Long: -3.9277)

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Downwind

2010-08-04T03:00:00.001-07:00

We are finally sailing downwind once more. Nice seeing other boats about too.
(Lat: 50.1618 Long: -4.8727)

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Most Southerly

2010-08-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

We have just sailed round the Lizard- our most southerly point- escorted by a fleet of 21 Dutch yachts.
(Lat: 49.9243 Long: -5.2259)

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Penzance

2010-08-02T05:00:00.001-07:00

Now moored up in a raft of 7 boats. So 6 to climb over including a proper pirate ship to get to the quay.
(Lat: 50.1165 Long: -5.5305)

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Homeward bound!

2010-08-02T01:00:00.001-07:00

Having rounded Lands End, we have turned east and towards home. We still have 3 weeks left though!

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Sunrise

2010-08-01T22:00:00.001-07:00

Just watching a lovely sunrise as we sail round Lands End.
(Lat: 50.1642 Long: -5.7022)

Sent via mobile phone.

Moorings!

2010-08-01T13:00:00.001-07:00

Have just realised we have spent the last two nights moored to a lobster pot. Fortunately attached to a big stone!

Sent via mobile phone.

Still in St Ives

2010-08-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

We are still here enjoying some rainy weather and very good ice cream.

Sent via mobile phone.

On the Move Once More

2010-07-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Having been reunited with each other and the boat last night, this morning we moved on into new waters. Leaving at about 7am, we made our way westwards (almost for the last time). We arrived in St Ives at 2pm, and are expecting to stay until the morning, before we make our way round Land's End (weather dependent obviously!)

Some other news: we have reached 60% of our fundraising target! So far, over £6000 has been donated to enable those who need a visit to FACT most, be be able to come and benefit from all that a stay can offer. Thank you to all who have helped us get this far- please help us spread the word even further!

(Lat: 50.2142 Long: -5.4731)

Taking a Break

2010-07-29T02:10:00.001-07:00

We have now been in Padstow a few days. Becky has had to go back to university for her graduation, and I have been trying to not spend all my money in the fudge shop or buying cornish Ice cream.

There are plenty of families here on their holiday, with most of them seeming to want to go crabbing right next to Jelly Fish, in the gap between the boat and the quay side we are moored to. The result: I am constantly removing ‘bait’ from the decks and un tangling fishing lines when they get caught around our wind generator.
It has been really nice to have a break and catch up on sleep properly. We are hoping to set sail again on Friday.

Jelly Fish barely visible moored in Padstow on a rainy day.

Holiday in Padstow

2010-07-26T12:04:00.001-07:00

Having arrived in Padstow yesterday, and spent a while on a mooring buoy waiting for the tide, we eventually made it into our most picturesque harbour yet. The little quay was bustling with holiday makers enjoying the sunshine. It turned out to be Sea Sunday, and we were both surprised when the lifeboat drove into the harbour with a number of vicars on the bow. They led a short service (using a load-hailer as the PA wasn’t working), and about 300 people joined the brass band to sing the hymns. It was quite a special time (for me anyway) as they prayed for all sea-farers and their families.

Today we had a day off enjoying the sunshine (I think we left the rain in the north) with a visit from my (Becky) Uncle we were able to visit Falmouth and see my brother. It being the summer holidays, Cornwall is full of people, and today really felt like a slice of holiday. This is such a blessing after our long hours coming down the west coast.

Thank you all for your comments and support. We have almost reached 50% of our target, and it would be great to reach £5000 by the end of the week!

Padstow

2010-07-25T12:00:00.001-07:00

Padstow is lovely. Just joined in the sea sunday service on the quay. It is a bustling town.

Sent via mobile phone.

England!

2010-07-25T04:00:00.001-07:00

After a month of being away we have finally returned to England. We crossed the Bristol Channel last night arriving at Padstow just now. Now waiting for the tide to enter the harbour.
(Lat: 50.5460 Long: -4.9326)

Sent via mobile phone.

A general update

2010-07-23T13:05:00.001-07:00

Firstly, an apology for not blogging very often, or fully, recently. We have been out of mobile signal between the Isle of Man and the mainland, and also crossing Cardigan Bay- making updates impossible. We have also been doing some sailing at crazy hours (like 4pm until 3am from Fishguard to Dale), meaning the only thing we do when we arrive is go to bed! We endeavour to do better.

Today we have been busy sorting the boat and re-stocking. We got out our inflatable tender and rowed ashore to find water and fuel. Water was easy to find, but to get to the petrol station we had to get a bus- which was a bit of an adventure. We made friends with a walker at the bus stop and the bus driver, as well as an old man outside Tesco, and a little boy at the other bus stop!

As I write this, we are on a floating pontoon, with the boat nice and tidy, and ready to go in the morning. We are hoping to leave at a more respectable time than recently (about 11am) and start making our way across the Bristol Channel.

Moored for the night at Lat: 51.7050 Long: –5.1535

Sunbathing

2010-07-23T08:00:00.001-07:00

Just got the bus into milford haven to pick up some fuel. Now sitting on the grass outside tesco waiting for the 3 hourly bus.

Sent via mobile phone.

Dinner time

2010-07-22T20:00:00.003-07:00

Yes, it is 3.15am and we are just cooking dinner, having enjoyed a great sail downwind at last!

Sent via mobile phone.

1000 Miles

2010-07-22T20:00:00.001-07:00

We reached this landmark in St Georges Channel, where we also saw more dolphins!

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Petrol hunt

2010-07-22T07:00:00.001-07:00

We have spent this morning searching for the nearest petrol station, which turned out to be not very near! Then rowed petrol and people back to Jelly Fish in our tender. Mary deserves to have been the rowing team at Cambridge!

Sent via mobile phone.

A long day!

2010-07-21T18:00:00.001-07:00

Having left Hollyhead at 6.30am we have just arrived at Fishguard at 1am! Now it is time to sleep!

Sent via mobile phone.

Lleyn Peninsula

2010-07-21T04:00:00.001-07:00

Currently sailing past the peninsula with the sun shining. Taking it in shifts so we can both rest as likely to be a long trip.
Lat: 52.9700 Long: -4.8020

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Holyhead

2010-07-20T13:48:00.001-07:00

We just beat the fog as we arrived in Holyhead after a very calm sail. The wind has now died completely and we hope it will pick up a bit more tomorrow from the North to help us on our way.
Moored, Lat:53.3207 Long:-4.6422

Wales!

2010-07-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

We left the Isle of Man at 4am in fog and are now enjoying sunny sailing to Hollyhead.
Lat: 53.4082 Long: -4.6387

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Douglas

2010-07-20T00:00:00.001-07:00

We took the bus to Douglas today as we are waiting for the weather to clear up. Hopefully set sail again tomorrow.

Sent via mobile phone.

Scenes from the West Coast

2010-07-18T06:36:00.001-07:00

Pictures from our trip down to the Isle of Man.

Moored at Oban just before our dinner party with our Danish and Norwegian friends

It was so calm we could balance the camera on the stern locker and take photos of both of us!

The tender was finally used on a very wet evening to transport us and our cake to Ilddap

Drying out all our gear on the Crinan canal

Illdap following us through the canal

Sailing towards the Isle of Man before the wind picked up

Dinner on Ilddap in Peel, Isle of Man

Safe in Erin

2010-07-17T06:00:00.001-07:00

We had some engine trouble earlier, having alerted the coastguard they chose to launch Erin lifeboat to check we were okay. Many thanks to the lifeboat crew who sped up our return to port from 2 knots (sailing) to 8 knots (towed).
Lat: 54.0871 Long: -4.7649

Sent via mobile phone.

Isle of Man

2010-07-15T13:00:00.001-07:00

We are on the Isle of Man after a very wet and windy overnight sail. Taken us a while to recover. Doing some minor repairs, drying the boat and waiting for the wind to calm down. Moored at Peel.
Lat: 54.2296 Long: -4.6939

Sent via mobile phone.

Night falling

2010-07-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

As night falls, the wind continues to increase, and we are still sailing towards the Isle of Man. Lat: 54.8598 Long: -5.2483

Breakfast

2010-07-13T00:00:00.001-07:00

We are eating mackerel for breakfast that was caught last night by our Norwegian friends. Moored, Lat: 55.5892 Long: -5.1299

Sent via mobile phone.

Sailing

2010-07-12T09:00:00.003-07:00

We are enjoying sailing down Loch Fyne although the wind is variable in both strength and direction!
Lat: 55.8944 Long: -5.3673

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Sunshine!

2010-07-12T09:00:00.001-07:00

The sun is out for the first time in over a week and we are enjoying the beautiful Crinian Canal. Sorry for the lack of updates, signal is very poor here.
Lat: 56.0296 Long: -5.4447

Sent via mobile phone.

Mixed day

2010-07-11T11:00:00.001-07:00

Today has had many adventures: 9.9 knots due to tides, force 10 winds, 4 hours on a mooring and 7 locks. Sailing down on the Crinian Canal.
Lat: 56.0599 Long: -5.4851

Sent via mobile phone.

Idyllic Mooring

2010-07-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

We are currently moored in a small bay off the Isle of Luing, just outside the strong tides which pass through the sound of Luing. Hope to get to the crinan canal tomorrow

Lat:56.215 Long:-5.6617

Sailing

2010-07-10T07:00:00.001-07:00

Finally after spending the entire week under engine in the canal we have the engine off and are sailing under full sail between some lovely islands. Already planning a return trip!
Lat: 56.3022 Long: -5.6648

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A day of many adventures

2010-07-09T11:00:00.001-07:00

Well we finally left the canal today, in style, going down Neptunes Staircase – a set of 7 locks, in a light drizzle, no wind and plenty of Scottish midges! As we left the canal the rain got progressively worse and the clouds lower. We motored through some of the ‘best’ scenery we are expecting, with only the base of the hills visible, due to the cloud.

The wind began to pick up but from dead ahead, we hoisted the main. The wind increased some more and we put two reefs in. Pretty quickly afterwards there was a 90 degree wind shift, the spinnaker made another bid for freedom – this was unsucessful, and the wind began to howl through the rigging. Our third reef was called into action. The main sail was now smaller than that of pico!

The waves had picked up and, despite an extremely small fetch, were pretty large to be sailing side on to. The Genoa, strapped on at the bow decided that the spinnaker had the right idea and it was time to try swimming, another trip to the foredeck with the bow going under the waves.

Half an hour later we were tucked behind an island, the sun was shinning and the wind was gone, and Becky said she had enjoyed it! (She didn’t go on the foredeck as often as I did!) We called up Oban marina as our Canal friends were all there, only to be told there were no free berths. We carried on regardless, found a berth next to the Danes and will shortly be having dinner with the Norwegians on the Danes boat.

Just been told it gusted a 9. The weather forecast? Cyclonic 4 or 5, becoming variable 3 or 4! Sorry no pictures, we were a bit preoccupied!
Mary (and Becky)

Lat: 56.4179 Long: –5.4967

I can see the sea!

2010-07-09T04:00:00.001-07:00

After almost a week in the canal we have finally locked out! Lat: 56.7790 Long: -5.1755

Sent via mobile phone.

Day 26

2010-07-08T03:09:00.001-07:00

We are still waiting at the pontoons near Neptune’s staircase, a series of 8 locks to take us back down to sea level. However, the wind is dropping and the sea state decreasing, so we are expecting to leave as soon as the locks open tomorrow morning, and make our way to Oban- quite a long journey to make up for all this waiting around we have done!

Last night we went to a nearby pub to watch Spain vs Germany, with a couple of Norwegian sailors (who are on their way to the Caribbean in a 30ft boat). While we were their our friendly Danes turned up, so we spent a lovely evening sharing sailing stories!

Photos from the Caly Canal

2010-07-07T09:55:00.001-07:00

Some pictures from our time on the Caledonian Canal.

Locking in with Fingal of Caledonia, a 180 ton barge which is also an RYA training centre.

Did someone say it was July? Clearly experiencing Scottish weather at its best.

There are many water users, but even the canoeists know that sailing is best!

A quiet mooring waiting outside Kytra lock

An unusual view of Jelly Fish, we even managed to tape the spreaders, a job we never succeeded in doing before we left!

Finally drying out at Neptune’s Staircase where we have been stormbound.

Another wet day

2010-07-07T09:04:00.001-07:00

So far today we have just moved the boat to the other side of the canal, so as to be nearer the toilets and showers, and to (hopefully) be able to plug-in and charge some of our electrical equipment.

We did manage to get the bus into Fort William and explore a bit. I think the best thing was lunch, which consisted of some very very tasty ‘roast’ rolls. The meat was really wonderful, and the rolls really soft and fresh- quite different to the bread and meat we normally get on Jelly Fish.

It looks as if the weather is going to take a while to improve, particularly the sea state which remains very rough or even high, and so we may possibly be stuck here again tomorrow. I think both of us would really like to get going again, and could both do with just one sunny day to get everything dry again! We can but pray.

Morning!

2010-07-07T01:00:00.001-07:00

The sun is finally shining, although it is still windy, and we are having pancakes for breakfast!

Sent via mobile phone.

Loch Oich and Loch Lochy

2010-07-06T09:58:00.001-07:00

We have had another day of motoring, rain and locks- but we are still enjoying it! We also met up with some people sailing the ‘other-way’ round Britain, who we had already been in touch with, as we passed through the same lock, one after another in opposite directions. Both boats tied up on pontoons and it was wonderful to be able to show them Jelly Fish. We also had the pleasure of looking in their boat ‘Minstrel,’ a beautiful gaff-rig. We were also given a cup of tea and piece of very tasty carrot cake!

The other highlight of the day was seeing Ben Nevis which still had snow. We tried to capture it in a photo, but I think the clouds got in the way (see below)!

Lat: 56.8492 Long: –5.0885

Landmark!

2010-07-06T03:00:00.001-07:00

Jelly Fish is now higher than ever before- at 32.5m above sea level. It's all down hill from now on. Lat: 57.0580 Long: -4.7846

Sent via mobile phone.

Nessie

2010-07-05T14:00:00.001-07:00

We have been so busy keeping our eyes out for nessie ( and big waves ) that this is a bit late Becky was sure she had spotted her, but i think the icy conditions has kept her in hibernation! We are now moored

Sent via mobile phone.

A rest day

2010-07-04T09:06:00.001-07:00

Well, as we updated earlier, the weather has been pretty bad today. As the forecast predicted it has been blowing strong winds, and there have been some really heavy downpours- so much so that the rain even did most of our washing-up that we had put outside! As a result we have not been out sailing, although we hope to go westwards through Loch Ness tomorrow.

We have therefore spent the day doing non-boat related activities. We walked to see the waves at the Loch- which were not as big a we had expected (or experienced before) but the wind was still too strong for us to be out there really. On the way back we enjoyed an ice-cream, and then we have been on the boat playing ‘Mahjong’ a game Mary brought back from China.

There have been a couple of interesting moments, generally involving holiday makers on powerboats that don’t really know what they are doing. Our powerboat instructor skills have been exercised to show people how to tie up to a pontoon! So far our boat has been safe (the wind generator is going slightly crazy in this wind!), as have we.

Thank you from us both for all your encouragement!

Very Windy

2010-07-04T08:00:00.001-07:00

With a gale blowing outside, we are moored for the day and are playing games and baking cakes.

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Dochgarroch?

2010-07-03T13:06:00.001-07:00

We are truly in the canal now, having passed through 6 locks today. Only 23 more to go!

Once in, we motored for while and are now moored for the night with our new friends on board ‘Genesis’- they were in the sea lock with us, an have been kindly looking out for little JF, as well as passing on all sorts of useful information to us on our canal debut.

Becky holding ropes in one of the Mairtown Locks

Lat: 57.4361 Long: -4.2930

We have been able to talk about FACT a fair bit, and even found a sailor from West Mersea- what a small world we live in!

Finally a reminder that we are on the radio again tomorrow. Listen in to BBC Radio Essex at 7:50 or try BBC iPlayer if you are not up in time (or don’t reside in that county!)

First lock

2010-07-03T06:39:00.001-07:00

We had to leave Inverness Marina in a bit of a hurry, when we radioed the Clachnaharry Sea Lock and they said we needed to be there within 20 minutes or he would be shut for lunch (despite only just opening because of the tide!) So we set off and got there in time, even if a little wet from the spray when motoring the short way there.

The lock-keeper was very friendly, and also very understanding when our attempts to throw ropes up to him failed (many times!) We were also sharing the lock with another boat, who were equally as understanding.

We are now lunching at Seaport Marina (waiting for the swing bridge) before heading through Muirtown Locks. Neither of us can quite believe we are in fresh water, or that we no longer have to plan around the tides!

Lat: 57.4857 Long: –4.2493

Premier Radio Interview

2010-07-03T01:14:00.000-07:00

Becky is being interviewed today at 9:45 on Premier Radio, you can listen on www.premier.org.uk

We would like to say how much we appreciate all your comments and messages, it is really nice to know that there are so many people supporting us. It has been great to talk to loads of local people during this trip about Fellowship Afloat and the bursary fund, hopefully the canal will give us plenty more opportunities as we pass through the locks.

Mary

Small yacht race

2010-07-02T11:14:00.001-07:00

Today saw the first ever ‘small yacht, heavy-seas, motor race’. The rules are simple, each boat must leave their chosen starting port and get to Chanonry Narrows at midday with two sails hoisted. From there, they must start their engine, drop both sails, and motor up Inverness Firth. The finish line is signified by the Kessock Bridge. The first boat to pass under the bridge wins. The prize - pride.

This years contenders were ‘the little blue boat’ (crew- unknown), ‘the white boat’ (crew- an older man and his enduring wife), and ‘Jelly Fish’ (crew- two 20-something females and some extra ballast in the form of the skipper’s father). Each struggled hard, but there could only ever be one winner.

The ‘little blue boat’ (LBB) had the best start, cutting the corner and taking the shallow channel near Fort George extending their lead to almost 1nm. The second boat to start was the ‘white boat’ (WB), who had a good line around the corner. And finally came Jelly Fish, who, after a slow start from Hopeman was struggling to keep pace with the bigger boats.

However, off Fort George WB were struggling with their sails. Many frantic minutes were spent with crew on the foredeck furling the jib by hand, while the mainsail flapped it’s discontent. It was then that JF came into play, with swift crew work on the foredeck, and clever preparation with the rigging design meaning that the sails were dropped in seconds. JF than overtook on the outside and moved up into second place, with LBB still up ahead.

With large choppy waves off Chanonry Point, the tactical game was played out. LBB found it difficult to steer into the waves, and veered off towards the shore. This gave them smaller waves, but against a fierce wind, they also lost the all important current taking them up the channel. WB stayed in the current longer, but couldn’t stand the struggle and ended up pitching their way into the shallower waters.

JF and her crew (and ballast) were undeterred by the change of course of the others, and bravely stuck to their dinghy background, and stuck it out in the waves of the deepest channel (with 4 knots taking them towards the finish).

The dinghy training paid off, and JF soon over took LBB. However, the trip was not easy. Crew were positioned acutely astern (to keep the outboard propeller in the water), and helm was struggling with the amount of spray coming off the bow (at one point a wave did make it completely over the bow and rolled down the boat into the cockpit- fortunately everybody there was so wet that it made no difference).

Meanwhile there were dolphins trying desperately (and succeeding) to distract all involved in the race, by jumping energetically out of the water a little way off.

Eventually the current and engine combined beat the wind, and Jelly Fish crossed the finish line first, and thus became the winners of the first ever ‘small yacht, heavy-seas, motor race’!

NB: All boats successfully crossed the finish line before the tide turned to rush them back out to sea. Also, the winner, Jelly Fish, is currently moored at Inverness Marina (Lat: 57.4942 Long: -4.2344) for the night, before entering into the Caledonian Canal sometime tomorrow, and the crew have enjoyed a rare shower and are finally dry.

Going west

2010-07-02T03:00:00.001-07:00

We are on our way west towards Inverness and the canal. Wind is dead on the bow but tide is now with us. (Sailing Lat: 57.6541 Long: -3.8214 )

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A lovely day

2010-07-01T12:40:00.001-07:00

We started today with some much needed extra sleep (we sailed over 50 miles yesterday and have been up before 5:30am three days in a row!) We then enjoyed some home-made pancakes and met up with Mary’s parents for a cup of ‘real’ tea (we often have UHT milk and plastic cups).

Sailing out of Buckie we expected strong winds and big waves, but were pleasantly greeted with both moderate sea and wind (although the latter increased significantly whilst we were out there).

After a short 16 mile sail we arrived at Hopeman (Lat: 57.7111 Long: -3.4378 ) a charming little harbour with some really welcoming locals who were all interested our little boat, our all female crew and the fact that we had made it all the way from Essex!

‘Never mind the North Sea, these girls have come from Essex’ (Quote from a Hopeman local, to his fisherman friend looking out into the North Sea).

In Buckie

2010-07-01T02:00:00.001-07:00

Arrived here yesterday evening and moored for the night. Even got a rare lie-in this morning! It is meant to be windy today so we will probably only sail 10 miles or so. (Lat: 57.6806 Long: -2.9543)

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Going West

2010-06-30T09:00:00.001-07:00

Sailing downwind into the Moray Firth. Enjoying some good wind.
Lat: 57.7149 Long: -2.7749

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500 miles!

2010-06-30T01:00:00.001-07:00

We have sailed 500 miles and we will sail 500 more, to be the sailors that would sail 500 miles to get back to that muddy shore! (Lat: 57.6713 Long: -1.8284 )

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Peterhead and showers!

2010-06-29T09:21:00.001-07:00

Today, I’m afraid, has not been very exciting. We left Gourdon this morning at about 5:30am, and motored for a couple of hours, as the water was glassy-flat. Once the wind picked up a little we were able to make 4 knots upwind (fairly respectable for our little JF). However, a while later, the wind dropped and the tide turned, so it was back to petrol power. And that was the day really.

Except when we got into Peterhead! I made a complete fool of myself by tripping over and failing to throw the rope just two meters. Oh well, the lad greeting us on the pontoon admitted it was his second day, and so we just hope he doesn’t know how yachts people are meant to behave!

So now we are moored for the night in Peterhead (Lat: 57.4964 Long: -1.7912) with another early start tomorrow to get to Buckie.

On our way

2010-06-29T01:00:00.001-07:00

We are having to motor on our way to Peterhead. After a misty start the sun is trying to break through. (Lat: 57.0524 Long: -2.0689)

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Gourdon

2010-06-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

We arrived in Gourdon earlier today having left Anstruther at 4:30 in the morning. Sailing was mostly downwind with a fair breeze so quick progress was made. Most notable on the trip was a large number of Jellyfish, several hundred we think which we sailed through, all looking very beautiful, perhaps more beautiful that the Jelly Fish.
Gourdon is a very small harbour entered between two reefs of rocks, and still used by fisherman.

Moored in Gourdon
Lat: 56.8274 Long: -2.2873

We have decided to continue our journey through the Caledonian canal having looked at the extended outlook for the weather in the next two weeks. This includes two frontal systems and a lot of wind, force 9/10 possible 11! We managed to glimpse the surface pressure chart on the TV whilst waiting for our Fish and Chips in Anstruther, sound not included! We hope to be safely in the Canal before the worst of the wind.

Early start again tomorrow.

Drifting north

2010-06-27T22:00:00.001-07:00

Just left the fish and chip capital of the UK. Tide taking us out of the Firth of Forth. Sailing Lat: 56.2707 Long: -2.5739

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Why are we doing this?

2010-06-27T01:57:00.000-07:00

It's alright, things haven't gone disastrously wrong, but we do want to remind you why we are doing this crazy sailing thing!

Fellowship Afloat have a bursary fund, which enables the people that can benefit most from all that FACT has to offer, to come and experience the activities, the environment and the fellowship of living onboard. For some testimony as to how the bursary fund is used, click here and scroll down.

We want to raise £10,000 for this fund, and this is why so many people have put in so much time in getting both of us, the boat and this blog ready for this adventure. So far we have amazingly raised over £3500, so thank you to all those who have given!

Just a reminder, that if you want to give you can click here, or on the 'Donate Now' box above, which will enable you to give online (with the added benefit of FACT reclaiming gift aid if you are a UK tax payer). If you don't want to give online but would still like to help us reach our total, give the FACT office a call (number found here) and they will be able to explain more.

Finally, keep looking on here for regular sailing updates, we are now in Scotland and still on our time schedule!

Week two in photos

2010-06-26T03:54:00.000-07:00

20-06-10 Moored up by the pontoon in Scarborough after a wavy sail out of Bridlington.

21-06-10 Sailing out of Scarborough with the spinnaker up, after the waves had died down.

21-06-10 After a day of sailing downwind out of Scarborough we were treated to an amazing sunset. By this time we were out of sight of land, somewhere near Newcastle.

At dawn on the 22-06-10, the dolphins came to say hello, and stayed to play with the boat for about 15 minutes. My attempt to catch a glimpse on camera failed, and we just ended up with photos of the sea. The closest I got was this one of the splash left by a dophin jumping out the water.

23-06-10 After a beautiful night moored at Lindesfarne, we set sail into Scotland. Passing St Abbs Head (above) just before crossing the Firth of Forth.

Anstruther

2010-06-24T08:00:00.001-07:00

We arrived in Anstruther late last night. Ahead of schedule so will have a break from sailing for a few days. Moored Lat: 56.2212 Long: -2.6986

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St Abbs head

2010-06-23T10:00:00.001-07:00

Just sailing round St Abbs Head and entering into the Firth of Forth Lat: 55.9425 Long: -2.1798

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SCOTLAND

2010-06-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

Just sailing past Berwick-upon-tweed with two reefs and a jib. Windier than forecast. Lat: 55.7962 Long: -1.9348

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Moored in Lindisfarne

2010-06-22T12:11:00.001-07:00

We have survived our 29 hour sail from Scarborough to Lindisfarne. The sun shone the whole time, even to the extent of it not actually ever getting dark!

The highlight of the sail for Becky was the wildlife, particularly the dolphins, I was trying to ‘sleep’ at that time, which is quite tricky when every noise is amplified about 10 times in the cabin of Jelly Fish.

We have enjoyed a lovely evening moored in Lindisfarne and hope to continue sailing tomorrow into Scotland. We can’t quite believe we are this far north and it is only the accents of the people on the Radio and the Harbour Masters we call that convince us it is true.

Lat: 55.6659 Long:-1.7945

Buoy ahoy

2010-06-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

After more than 24 hours sailing we have spotted our first buoy of this sail. However we remain on the same course! Sailing 330 degrees. Lat: 55.5989 Long: -1.6205

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Dolphins!

2010-06-22T03:00:00.001-07:00

Sailing along at 2knts and had 5 dolphins playing around us. Water so clear could see them swim under boat! ( Lat: 55.3207 Long: -01.2781)

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Kite flying weather.

2010-06-21T05:00:00.001-07:00

We are drying off our cruising chute by sailing downwind from Scarborough. Sea breeze about to come. Lat: 54.3070 Long: -0.3627

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Scarborough

2010-06-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

Can you spot JellyFish in Scarborough marina?

High drama in high seas

2010-06-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Despite our plans to sail non-stop for 40 hours or so, we managed 8 and realised that it would be better to stop and sleep while the wind sorts itself out, than to battle through the elements. Therefore we are now moored in Scarborough (Lat: 54.2850 Long: -00.3864) and have had our first showers in 8 days!

As for the sailing, getting out of Bridlington was wonderful, but we were then faced with what the Met Office describes as 'rough' seas. I found this quite scary, but Mary was loving it and JellyFish could more than cope.

There was high drama when the cruising chute (for non-sailors a big sail for going away from the wind), which was in it's bag and clipped on the foredeck, slipped outside of the guardrail. Before Mary could move her clip from the cockpit to the safety lines, the clips on the bag broke, and the sail went overboard! Very quickly, the size of the waves paled into insignificance, as we turned ready to do our man overboard drill (practiced hundreds of times on every RYA course we have ever done). The practice payed off, and we picked up the sail at the first attempt. Praise the Lord that the bag floated for that long!

After that excitement the rest of the journey was simple, but characterised by really quite big waves. The weather is meant to be much better tomorrow, with the wind in the south, and so we plan to keep going through the night, but let's wait and see!

Disaster averted

2010-06-20T08:00:00.001-07:00

Spinnaker went over board, but MOB perfectly executed under sail in difficult conditions. Lat: 54.1690 Long: 00.0739 (Sailing)

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On the radio again

2010-06-20T00:56:00.000-07:00

Becky has just been on the radio again this morning. She was on the BBC Radio Essex Weekend Breakfast show, talking about our sailing trip so far. To listen to the interview try iP(ayer (at about 8.30), or I am sure someone will comment with the link on here.

The wind is dropping off, so we are hoping to set sail on the lunchtime tide, and head all the way to the Farne Islands. We will try to keep you updated as we sail, but may be out of mobile contact for a while.

A windy day in Yorkshire

2010-06-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

The wind is still blowing up to a gale force 8 at the moment, so we decided to stay in Bridlington for another day. However, the wind should be dropping over night, and the sea state improving, so we are considering a trip of over 100 miles to the Farne Islands. This would take in the region on 40 hours, but would put us on schedule (even with a 3 day stop for Mary to go to her graduation).
Today we went for a walk along the harbour wall and saw a lot of Brownies about to go for a boat ride. We didn't envy their leaders and all the seasick children they would have to deal with! We also looked into a couple of charity shops for some reading books, the one thing we didn't think to pack.
We have been able to charge phones on the boat (the wind generator has gone crazy in the wind) so calls, texts and messages here are all greatly recieved. Thank you all for your support so far, and keep checking for updates!

Windy Bridlington

2010-06-18T10:00:00.001-07:00

The North wind is set to continue tomorrow so we may be here an extra day. Hoping it blows over quickly.
Lat: 54.080465 Long: -0.1918

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The Week in Pictures

2010-06-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

We have finally found some internet access and can upload our pictures. We have almost been sailing a week, and are still shocked that we are in Yorkshire! Here are our best pictures.

Dried out in Blakeney Harbour after our 96 mile sail from Walton Backwaters

Picture courtesy of Norfolketc. Leaving Blakeney harbour between some vicious sand banks. Thanks to Norfolketc for a Rib trip to preview the conditions just before we left.

Lovely sunset over Tetney anchorage. Only just managed to locate the small unlit water cans that constituted the buoyage across the sand banks before the sun set.

Tied up in Bridlington Harbour with lots of fishing boats. Very odd feeling being on land again. Had a McFlurry in MacDonalds just so that we could use the loo. However sitting still to eat the Ice-cream was too taxing and we had to get up and start moving, lest we felt too land sick! Back on Jelly Fish we regained our balance.

So far unsuccessful at finding showers so we have done it Jelly Fish style! Unfortunately while I was head down (thankfully Hair not full of bubbles!) the Harbour Master passed on his Tractor asking us to fill in some forms!!

A day off in Bridlington enabled us to find a petrol station and fill up with fuel. However we forgot one piece of equipment, a funnel. Half an hour later, our fuel was nicely flowing from one can to the other through a small pipe, and I was feeling slightly 'high' on petrol fumes. At least we have the method sorted now!

Refuelling

2010-06-18T05:00:00.001-07:00

Just spent half an hour trying to refuel. Siphoning one container into another was tortuous but we got there in the end. Might buy a funnel!

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Bridlington

2010-06-17T15:00:00.001-07:00

We have arrived at bridlington where we hope to stay for 2 nights. Just washed our hair in our cockpit using a bucket!

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In Tetney

2010-06-16T16:00:00.001-07:00

We are now just settling down for a night on a mooring. Lat: 53.5289 Long: 00.0206

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Passed gibraltar point!

2010-06-16T11:53:00.001-07:00

We have finally discovered where gibraltar point referred much to in weather forcasts is. Had some good sailing and lovely sunshine. 3 hours to go hopefully! Lat: 53.4400 Long: 0.2257

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On our way again.

2010-06-16T04:07:00.005-07:00

We have just left blakeney. Sailing across the wash. Lat: 53.0008 Long: 0.9414

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