I’ve just returned from skippering my first night crossing across the English Channel. We had spent the day recuperating from our passage over here having had pastries on board in the morning late enough that meant we didn’t really need, or want, lunch. Lou was busy polishing the gelcoat so I made us a substantial chilli timed for about an hour before departure. Continue reading English Channel night crossing
Tag Archives: night sailing
Taking the Yachtmaster Coastal Exam
I’m traveling back from Plymouth having, early this morning, completed and passed my RYA Yachtmaster Coastal exam. It’s been a tough week with challenging weather that limited the preparation somewhat. On reflection I think I enjoyed the exam but at the time that wouldn’t have been the right word. I felt pretty stressed throughout the 8 hours and under a consistent pressure throughout. Continue reading Taking the Yachtmaster Coastal Exam
Sailing from Weymouth to Yarmouth in the freezing snow
After many an hour, and beer, we finally admitted defeat – the red colouring on windguru meant heading for Cherbourg, especially given the inexperienced crew, would be Continue reading Sailing from Weymouth to Yarmouth in the freezing snow
First skippered Channel crossing
I elected to skipper my first Channel crossing from Gosport to Cherbourg. My reasoning was that this would be a daytime passage whereas skippering a first Channel crossing at night would be pushing it. Since acquiring my day skipper ticket I’d logged around 1,300 miles – a good proportion of that as skipper. So I felt ready – what could possibly go wrong? Continue reading First skippered Channel crossing