050:36.47N
002:27.03W

Saturday 18 April

We’ve had a great day visiting Portland Bill, Bol and I by bus then foot, Harry by bike. Such dramatic views along the way.

We had our picnic under the lighthouse, watching the tidal race increase after the tide had turned. The white water seemed to grow by the minute and it has focussed our minds on how to get out of here during the current spring tide.

After checking the weather again this evening, we have seen the new easterly wind arriving in the early hours is scheduled to die away to nothing mid afternoon, when we would only be half way to Dartmouth; so have decided to leave at 2230 this evening and go through the night. Lots of A level navigation going on, checking and rechecking but hopefully that’ll mean we can sail (not motor) all the way, and arrive around midday.

So an early supper, a short kip, then aim to leave the pontoon around 2230. Not ideal, but time and tide ‘n’ all that.