54:13.6N 4:41.5W

Melvyn has reached Peel in the Isle of Man via Falmouth and Milford Haven.

The trip to Falmouth was by way of a trial run for all the additional equipment and alterations made to the boat and indeed the GPS “blew up” and a replacement had to be purchased in Falmouth.  The strong winds kept him in Falmouth for a day or so longer than intended but when the wind showed no signs of changing direction or abating he eventually set off to sail the 143 miles to Milford Haven.  The northerly winds meant the 143 miles turned out to be a total of 219 miles sailed.

Ten or so miles off Milford Haven he was somewhat alarmed to find his floorboards floating(!) but having pumped out the water could find no leak in the boat.  It turned out that the hose to the tap in the sink had fallen off, resulting in the entire content of the fresh water tank draining into the bottom of the boat.  Fortunately he had some bottled water on board.

The distance between Milford and Peel is 219 miles, but there wasn’t even unfavourable winds and he motored half the distance.  During this leg of the trip he discovered the wind vane is insufficiently sensitive at 2/3 knots and he has made arrangements to have parts delivered, to await collection when he arrives in Oban.

He arrived in Peel about lunchtime however there are lock gates which open at 6.00pm, but the timing meant a welcome shower in the marina was closely followed by steak and chips (he felt he deserved it) and a ‘very good pint’ at the pub.  When I spoke to him about 9.00pm he was ready for his bed.

Although he will now be heading for Oban, there will be other stop offs – he just doesn’t know quite where yet.

Anne

The Scribe