049:57.725 N
006:19.774 W
Old Grimsby Harbour, Tresco
The positives about the alarm going off at 0445 is that we witnessed a beautiful sunrise in Penzance!
There was a mass exodus when the lock gates opened with fishing boats and yachts on the move now the calm weather has returned. The friendly harbour staff wished us all well and we thanked them for providing a safe haven.
Most yachts headed towards the Isles of Scilly to watch the World Championship Gig Racing (we had no idea we are coinciding with their busiest weekend of the year) and www.boatvet.co.uk peeled off south towards Roscoff and the Med to start their amazing new life working with numerous animal charities, their spare cabin full to the brim with meds.
Once clear of the land, we could sail in the gentle southerly, bearing away to 270° towards the Scillies. It felt a most significant moment passing Land’s End and Longships Lighthouse, familiar landmarks from two days ago, we were finally leaving the Channel and heading to pastures new. The crossing was absolute perfection with 10-14 knots over the deck, TC rocked gently as she ate up the miles, sailing with plenty of wildlife and a warm sun once we had reached a sensible time of day.
We got off lightly with the Traffic Separation Scheme with no significant traffic to worry about, most vessels on the AIS were yachts and ferries heading towards the Scillies or fishing boats.
With this southerly wind, we headed to the calm northern anchorage of Old Grimsby Harbour. The alarmingly rocky entrance at spring low tide showed many jagged rocks on both sides of the channel, but with careful nav and sticking to the recommended sight lines, we came in slowly to find we were the only visitors. It wasn’t long until we saw the turquoise water and white sandy beaches described in all pilot books; absolutely stunning views in all directions and the sand sparkled in the evening sun when we walked ashore.
We know it is a small world but when Nick B texted us to say the Peplows were staying on Tresco this weekend, we couldn’t believe it! Photo below after a delightful Happy Hour with Malcolm, Paul and Denise, staying in New Grimsby for the weekend. It was great fun to see them and hear about their various visits over the years to these beautiful Islands.
So the first full moon of our trip has just risen, and all is contented on Thursday’s Child.
