St John’s
Scot Free III
Frank & Anne
Tue 5 Sep 2023 13:25
Left Trepassay in a flat calm. That allowed a compass calibration- going round in circles until chart plotter says it’s done.
Under engine until rounded Cape Race, then a good sail, although the wind was on the nose and close hauled. “We’re tippin” as daughter used to say aged 4.
Weather looked benign and all going well, made decision to continue through the night to Quidi Vidi ( pronounced kiddy viddy) which had been recommended.
By 2am F wanting a refund for weather routing subscription. Wind, sea state and weather didn’t correspond to download.
Strong winds, big swell and rain in the latter stages made Quidi Vidi untenable so reluctantly made for St John’s, a busy old port with a berth on a wharf protected by old tyres. Can see why OCC Port Officer had warned against it but there was no choice, given the circumstances.
So foggy, couldn’t even see Cape Spear on the approach to St John’s harbour entrance, only heard the lighthouse foghorn. Cape Spear is a tourist spot being the easternmost point in Canada and North America.
Tied up, had early lunch and went to sleep. Saturated oilskins hanging under the bimini, unlikely to dry in the fog.
Walked to Quidi Vidi, along the lake watching the rowers, wondering if compulsory to carry a foghorn.
We had been warned that Quidi Vidi harbour was small but when we got there (on foot) we were told that no public berths were free. The long dock, by the craft brewery, has been turned into a dining patio, so remaining in St John’s it has to be. It’s a quaint spot and would be heaving at the height of the summer. The old fishing wharf has stood the test of time
Had to go into the craft brewery- to sample the extensive choice of beers beyond the Iceberg lager which we already knew.
Taxi back to the boat, berth between container port and main road, but amazingly quiet once down below.
