From a pontoon in the harbour at Yarmouth…

Nancy arrived here on the Isle of Wight today at 12:05, having left Dover yesterday at 10:00. Bob Hull arrived on Friday evening to make the already strong team of Bryan, Frank and Roger even stronger. The wind on departure was a Force 2 south-westerly, so we motored until 16:00 when it became possible to turn off the engine and Nancy sailed close inshore along the coast. The wind died at 18:00 and we motor-sailed through the night, arriving off the Nab Tower at 06:00 this morning. Cowes was passed at 10.30 and we were swept down to Yarmouth by the tide.

On the overnight passage, watches were 3 hours on and 3 hours off from 21:00 to 09:00, otherwise we rotated the helm in 30-minute sessions. Dawn today was cold and gloomy but improved by a modified “force 4” breakfast – sausages in omelette between thick slices of bread and butter.

Tomorrow, Monday, we sail at 09:00 in the direction of Falmouth, planning to stop on Tuesday afternoon at Dartmouth. Another day-night-day passage. The weather looks good, and if the wind remains easterly or south-easterly we hope to try for the River Fal on Wednesday. The crew is in good spirits, mainly Brandy and Aberlour, consumed to celebrate arrival, and is looking forward to a good night’s sleep tonight.

Posted from aboard Nancy in the harbour at Yarmouth IOW by BH, RS, FM and BLB, to whom it was dictated by a mutinous crew.