First Stop Dartmouth

Off At Last - Good Bye

We departed Portland Marina with our friend Joe at 0500hrs to catch the tide on the inner route around the notorious Portland Bill heading for Dartmouth. There was no wind so we motored round with ease in the grey morning, well wrapped up.

Approaching Portland Bill 0600!

 The sun put in an early appearance but the cold wind still prevailed. The crew promptly fell asleep as we headed across Lyme Bay with no one else in sight. The wind slowly picked up which allowed us to trial the new Karver Roller Reefing System with our cruising chute. This proved very easy to put up, open out, sail with and put away. An excellent system that will allow us to enjoy light wind sailing.

Sun Comes Out And Crew Relaxed At Last

Cruising Chute In Action

 We managed to test all our sails, main equipment and engine on the11 hour, 60nm route across Lyme Bay towards Brixham. We then motored round the headland of Berry Head to Dartmouth entrance as the wind died down. Many thanks to Pete Evans of Yachtworks and Rob Kemp of Kemp Sails for your patience, advice, help and support. It is very much appreciated as K2 is in excellent shape.

No Worries, Be Happy!

Approaching Dartmouth Entrance

Final Approach To Dartmouth
(Follow The Black Track)

Dartmouth Castle

Ahhhh, That First G&T. Dartmouth Arms.

We tied up quickly on the deep water visitors pontoon at 1620hrs and then it was off to the Dartmouth Arms for that celebratory drink. It was as if all the stresses and strains of the last few months mad preparation, packing up, letting the house out and preparing K2 all suddenly disappeared. Wonderful. After a few G&Ts and pints of Doombar, it was back to K2 to test the BBQ. Delicious. 

All The Stress Has Gone ( And Hair!)
Great To Be In Devon, A True Glanville County!

Just A Lovely Old Boat

Steam Train Leaves Kingswear For Torquay

 On Sunday morning we paid a visit to Cafe Alf Fresco for that famous Alfs Extra Large Full English Breakfast. Outstanding. It was good to see Sarah who joined us for brunch and then we bade farewell to Joe. We hope to see both of them again soon in warmer climates.

Cafe Alf Resco,
Best For Fat Boys Breakfast 

Bayards Cove
Always Rains At Dartmouth

We will be seeing more friends on Monday at Stoke Gabriel up river before we head for Newton Ferrers.