Newlyn to Padstow - Position 50:32.86N, 04:55.97W
Circumnavigation of Ireland
Roy Ratazzi
Wed 15 Jun 2022 22:58
Approaching Land’s End in the hope that planning to catch the first tide to take Gemini down to Land’s End and then round the Long Ships (rocks) on to Padstow without being headed towards the Scillies. The wind picked up here, unforecast, which continued most of the way to Padstow. As timing was of the essence to avoid arriving at 0130 in the morning, I motor sailed the whole way, as the wind was on the nose for over half the trip.
Approaching Land’s End under strong tide past the Southerly Cardinal (Runnel Stone)
Land’s End getting closer at 7.9 knots
About to pass close to the Long Ships on starboard side on passage to Padstow. Conditions were bumpier than the photo might suggest.
A peaceful sunset on a mooring in the river Camel, where we will spend the night, waiting for the sill to be lowered tomorrow morning for access to Padstow Harbour. The ebb tide is flowing very fast here.
The mooring was a huge relief after a hectic last hour following engine failure, caused perhaps by dirty fuel. Arrival at 2145 after a 10 1/2 hour passage. I will sort out the engine problem tomorrow.
This was a memorable passage, under mainly blue skies and hot sunshine. But I am conscious of poor weather forecast for the weekend. Whether to remain in Padstow or carry on to Lundy Island and Milford Haven before Saturday will depend on my confidence in an engine which will not let me down again. This is the first time in 5 years of ownership that I have had an engine problem on passage. It could be dirty fuel, as I refuelled or topped up, while hove to, some 30 minutes before the engine stopped and would then not start.
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