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 CLOUDBERRY and The Isles of Scilly
It had seemed fate was not going to allow Roger Toulouse to sail
Cloudberry ( Sunwind 26) to the Isles of Scilly. Having been there with
Peter Cooper on Volonte he had been trying for a couple of seasons to take
his own yacht but there was always a problem – weather, time, or crew.
However in May 2008 it all came together.
It was decided to make the trip in company with Volonte but when could we
arrange for enough crew (minimum two on each yacht) to organise holiday.
The only time Brian and Martin, who worked together, could get a week off
at the same time was the third week of May. Martin has extensive cruising
experience but had never been to the Isles of Scilly so was keen not to
miss the opportunity. So the arrangements were we would meet on the
evening of Friday 16th May to prepare the yachts and have a farewell meal
in Kilby’s.
After a cup of tea we slipped Ballast Pound at 06.30 bound for the Helford
River, Volonte crewed by Peter and Martin, Cloudberry by Roger and Brian.
We motored out to the Sound in the rain and no wind. Abreast the
breakwater we raised the main but lack of wind and steady light rain were
with us until lunch time.
With the lack of wind the main was flopping around; about 10.00 Roger
noticed that the rivets and part of the boom end fitting which attaches to
the gooseneck had broken away. Having dropped the main Roger made some
repairs and we carried on toward our destination. Was Cloudberry destined
to, yet again, not be able to make Scilly? After discussion we realised
what had caused the failure, and, disconnecting the boom vang, decided to
see how the repair held once we had wind. We called Volonte to let them
know the situation.
Eventually the rain ceased and a steady breeze allowed us to do what we
were there for – sail. Volonte gradually left us behind but Cloudberry was
sailing very comfortably with the boom repair holding up very well, and we
were making good time plus no noise from the ‘iron topsail’.
We entered the Helford just after 14.30 and sailed as far as we could
towards the visitors’ moorings. Stopping just before the first of the
moorings we dropped the sails and then went to look for Volonte. Brian
pointed out to Roger that there was a yacht coming down river before
realising it was Peter and Martin who, having watched us drop our sails so
far up river and not being able to raise us on the VHF, thought we were in
trouble and had come to offer assistance, very reassuring. As all was well
we rafted up on a visitors buoy and shared a meal on Volonte.
Sunday morning saw easterly winds of 18 – 20 knots with a heavy swell
running up the Helford. We slipped at 06.30 and, with No 2 jib had a very
exciting sail tacking our way out of the river. Volonte had decided to
motor out and, watching them, I think we had the more comfortable ride
although it was hard work.
As we started to head for the Lizard via the Manacles cardinal bouy the
F4/5 wind came on the beam making for an easier ride. As we were making
the best part of 5 knots, and with less than ideal conditions for testing
temporary repairs to the boom, we remained on the jib only. Passing the
Lizard just before 10.00 we settled on an easterly course running
downwind, still with just the jib making 4.8 knots. Apart from a 200
course alteration and gybe mid afternoon we remained like this until 18.00
when the wind died. We had eventually lost sight, and VHF contact, with
Volonte but Cloudberry was performing very well and Roger and Brian felt
totally safe and comfortable.
At 18.30 we joined Peter & Martin at anchor in Porth Cressa, St Marys and
enjoyed each others company sharing another meal. Having retired to
Volontes’ cockpit at about 22.00 Roger noticed all was not well with
Cloudberry. Having anchored in ample depth the outgoing tide and swing of
the yacht had left her bouncing on an isolated rock. We moved and re-laid
the anchor but were now subject to a swell so decided to move round the
island to St Marys Pool. Brian was glad he had been to Porth Cressa many
times before because a night entry/ exit is not recommended but we made it
safely. The remainder of the short trip was as for a night entry to St
Marys Pool – no problem.
Volonte having joined us early morning the four of us spent the day
exploring St Marys island before making an evening crossing to the
moorings at New Grimsby between Tresco and Bryher. Unfortunately, although
not particularly strong, a cold easterly wind persisted every day so we
decided to remain in the lee of Tresco.
Whilst there Peter and Roger walked the coastline of Bryher whilst Martin
and Brian visited the tropical Abbey Gardens on Tresco. Meals ashore were
taken in the Fraggle Rock pub on Bryher and the New Inn on Tresco. The
mini market on Tresco provided the opportunity to replenish the larder.
As always in the Isles of Scilly one must keep constant watch on the
weather forecast and on Wednesday this was indicating that we needed to
head back to the mainland sooner rather than later.
Slipping at 05.30 on Thursday 22nd we recrossed the bar at the south end
of New Grimsby Sound, headed out through St Marys Sound, which was quite
rough, and set course for the Lizard with full main, jib and engine. The
wind had gone southerly but only F1-2. It was a frustrating trip; we tried
sailing a number of times but just not enough wind or when there was it
did not last long. However weather was pleasant and we made Falmouth Yacht
Haven in just over 12 hours. The boom repairs had held up although they
had not really been tested in any wind strength but Cloudberry had made
the Isles of Scilly and back.
A lazy start on the Friday, both yachts slipped Falmouth 09.25. Once clear
of the harbour we managed to sail for an hour before the easterly wind
died again and the engine decided it did not want to start initially.
Finally got it going and motored until about 15.00 when wind rose to F2-3,
gradually increasing to F 3-4 and it actually got warm enough for Brian to
wear shorts! We sailed the remainder of the way to Torpoint arriving
around 19.00.
Apart from the cold wind a very enjoyable cruise.
From: Brian Donnelly
Sent: 09 August 2008 13:33
To: website@tmsc.org.uk
Subject: Cloudberry and Isles of Scilly
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