Ship's Log - Dawn Mist
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Easter Weekend, Cherbourg, Channel Islands & Brittany, Weymouth or Useful Information
Easter Weekend - April 2004
Friday 9th AprilShamrock Quay - Weymouth Marina
Leisurely start out of the Solent, past Christchurch and Poole entrances (dodging lobster-pot markers all the way). Clean hull and running gear now achieves over 30 knots at full power. Comfortable cruising is around 2,500 RPM / 25 knots. Anchored in Lulworth Cove for lunch, with a quick trip ashore in the tender to mingle with the tourists. Had a good look around the old Portland naval harbour before entering Weymouth. Saw the Coastguard helicopter Whisky Bravo lift off from its Portland base to assist someone just offshore. Filled up with diesel at Mechanical Services opposite the Town Quay whilst waiting for the next bridge lift, allowing entry into Dean & Reddyhoff's Weymouth Marina (well located, good shower facilities).
Saturday 10th April
Weymouth Marina - Brixham Marina
Rounded Portland Bill at slack water (keeping a good distance from the many dive boats with their almost invisible "A" flags and the diver's highly conspicuous surface marker buoys). Nosed into Bridport (West Bay) Harbour entrance, but put off entering by the narrow channel and new outer-wall construction obstacles. Passed close by Trinity House's Patricia maintaining navigation marks off Charmouth. Loitering off Lyme Regis resulted in us being hailed by one of the friendliest Harbour Master's we've ever met, guiding us in over the VHF, helping us tie-up alongside the quay and providing useful advice on local facilities for our short stay. Arrived in Tor Bay to find the large (117.5m) Russian-flagged sailing ship STS Sedov at anchor, so launched the tender for an impromptu photo-shoot. Torquay Marina couldn't accommodate us, so crossed over to MDL's Brixham Marina where we moored up on their alongside pontoon. Found plenty of interesting restaurants surrounding Brixham's commercial harbour and had a nice meal at Saxtys.
Sunday 11th April
Brixham Marina - Cobb's Quay Marina
Collected newspapers, freshly baked Danish pastries & Devon pasties from the local shops, then set off around Berry Head towards Dartmouth. This turned out to be enchanting, with its fortifications, impressive Naval College and brightly coloured buildings. Carried on up the River Dart, over the two ferry crossings (the first using tugs to propel car-laden barges, the second being paddle-wheel driven). Picked up a visitor's buoy opposite Agatha Christie's house at Dittisham, which was a delightful spot to spend a sunny morning. Lack of water prevented us entering the River Teign (Teignmouth) and the River Exe (Exemouth) on the way to Poole, but spotting around a dozen bottlenose dolphins gracefully milling around the latter's entrance provided a magical moment. Took direct route to the Bill of Portland, which was calm in comparison to the race encountered off Anvil Point later (at near slack water). Port engine exhibiting signs of fuel starvation again, so clearly needs further troubleshooting. Air draft at Poole's Town Bridge turned out to be only inches clear of our anchor light, but saved an hour's wait for the next scheduled lift and allowed an earlier arrival at MDL's Cobb's Quay Marina.
Monday 12th April
Cobb's Quay Marina - Shamrock Quay
Very shallow leaving Cobb's Quay Marina, but safe enough once into the main channel. The RNLI's new Training College looks impressive and should be finished soon. Passed back through the lift-bridge without a hitch (it was raised this time), then anchored in the upper reaches of Poole Harbour for a sunny hour and a chance to check over our various compasses - no two providing the same answer (clearly time for some compass swinging). An attempted circumnavigation of Brownsea Island was thwarted by lack of water. On arrival in Southampton Water went for a close look at Cunard's hugely majestic cruise liner Queen Mary II, moored up at the Queen Elizabeth II terminal. Put Dawn Mist onto her brand-new berth at MDL's Shamrock Quay for the first time - excellent new pontoons!
(Approximately 280 nautical miles)
Engine hours: LP 523.9 / LS 521.7
Cherbourg Trip - May 2004
Saturday 1st MayShamrock Quay - Port Chantereyne
Straightforward crossing from the Solent to Cherbourg. Couldn't raise Port Chantereyne on VHF (suspect it's because they only answer to their name spoken with a French accent!), so ended up choosing our own berth. Had a nice evening meal at Le Faitout on rue Tour Carreé, where we unexpectedly bumped into some other Brits we knew.
 Southampton - Passing Queen Mary 2 |
 Southampton - Queen Mary 2 |
 Cherbourg - Resting Crew |
 Cherbourg - Looking East |
 Cherbourg - Looking North |
 Cherbourg - Looking South |
Sunday 2nd May
Port Chantereyne - Port Chantereyne
Our planned departure for Saint-Vaast la Hougue was rudely interrupted by the starboard engine's oil-pressure warning light and alarm. Although not obvious at the time, swiftly turning off the engine prevented any damage (other boat owners take note!). On the one remaining engine, we made a wide U-turn back into the Port Chantereyne (which we'd only just left) and made a reasonably controlled landing on their outer pontoon. A visit into the engine compartment found 20 litres of oil in the bilges and a broken oil-pump hose. Launched dingy and bought local garage's entire stock of engine oil - to the surprise of the owner! Re-berthed on the inner pontoons. Had a very enjoyable visit to La Cité de la Mer, including a tour around their very impressive nuclear submarine. Tricky finding anywhere to eat this evening - eventually ended up at Le Morgane in rue Maréchal Foch.
Monday 3rd May
Port Chantereyne - Shamrock Quay
After interesting mixed-language discussion at Cap Loisir, arranged for an engineer to come and replace our broken Volvo hose. Nice chap arrived and got stuck straight in. Then lunch got in the way! Repair completed mid-afternoon to a high standard, including cleaning the bilges! Looked at weather forecast, filled up our diesel tanks and set off. Sighting the Needles never seemed so good!
 Cherbourg - Sleeping Crew |
 Cherbourg - Bilge Oil Slick |
 Cherbourg - Engineer at Work |
 Cherbourg - Cleaning Up |
(Approximately xxx nautical miles)
Engine hours: LP 535.1 / LS 532.3
Channel Islands & North Brittany - July 2004
Friday 23rd JulyShamrock Quay - Yarmouth Harbour
Easy shake-down cruise across to Yarmouth Harbour. Fish and chips with friends at a beautiful local house overlooking the Solent.
Saturday 24th July
Yarmouth Harbour - St. Peter Port
Early start for slightly lumpy crossing from the Needles and our first passage through the Alderney Race! Arrived spot on time for a tanker-refuel at the drying, commercially orientated St. Sampson's Harbour - all very slick, courtesy of Fuel Supplies CI. Spent the rest of the day at Shell Beach on the East coast of Herm. Anchorage required careful use of local transits to approach between rocks. Chris & Dave did a circuit of the anchored boats in the tender to ensure that we hadn't inadvertedly moored on top of these sharp, still-submerged objects. Very prudent, as this anchorage becomes virtually encircled by them at low water - some quite close by! Overnight in St. Peter Port's Pool - the outer harbour.
 St. Sampson's - Refueling |
 Herm - Shell Beach Approach |
 Herm - Rocky Anchorage |
 Herm - Sandy People |
 Herm - Rafted Boats |
 Herm - Shell Beach |
 St. Peter Port - Boats & Castle |
 St. Peter Port - Happy Time |
Sunday 25th July
St. Peter Port - St. Peter Port
Bob donned a boilersuit to have a look at our generator, which gave the misleading appearance of being dead. Diagnosed as having a faulty oil-pressure switch, costing around 50p! Day of leisure on the boat and exploring the town of St. Peter Port. Evening drinks at the Riva Bar & Bistro, followed by a meal at ???. Slightly tricky return to the boat, since one of our RIB's sponsons had deflated whilst tied up!
Monday 26th July
St. Peter Port - Lézardrieux
Picked up Libby from the Poole Condor at around 5pm. Left St. Peter Port almost immediately. Slightly uncomfortable crossing to North Brittany coast and the discovery that we'd left the sun behind! Breasted up against two French boats outside the marina. Their crews must have been very surprised to see us abandon our vessel within seconds of securing the last warp. Just made it in time for a very nice meal at the excellent seafood restaurant Auberge du Trieux, just up the hill from the marina.
Tuesday 27th July
Lézardrieux - Port Trébeurden
Our very friendly French neighbours kindly offered us the use of their water hose (useful, as we didn't have one!). Suspect we may have run down a lobster pot float. Picked up enough nylon fishing rope to unbalance the starboard prop and force us to reduce our speed for the last hour. Took a sneaky short-cut to bring us into the Port Trébeurden marina ahead of the other craft, well ahead of their automatic-cill closing time. Very cold dip in the marina to clear the debris with the dive knife. Meal onboard White Wash II.
Wednesday 28th July
Port Trébeurden - Port Trébeurden
Waved a sad goodbye to White Wash II as they set off on their long journey towards the Med. Started crossing back to St. Peter Port in company with Radio Active. Half an hour into journey our port engine stalled and would not restart, so we waved goodbye and turned around for a very slow trip back to the marina, averaging 9 knots. Imagine our surprise and delight when, an hour later, Radio Active reappeared to keep us company again. Port Trébeurden's marina staff very helpful and efficient bringing us alongside with only one engine. Refuelled, bled the fuel system and injectors, then went out for a quick spin to test the port engine. Our otherwise uneventful trip was rewarded when we spotted between five and ten Risso's Dolphins milling around the bay - completely unfazed by our presence, even as we cautiously edged over to where they were. Stumbled across an amazingly colourful live music performance by the BD Swing Orchestra. Walk around wildlife sanctuary.
Thursday 29th July
Port Trébeurden - St. Peter Port
Departure timed to clear the marina cill before it closed. Fog for first hour. Radar reflectors on both Dawn Mist and Radio Active proved worth having, as they compensated for the surprisingly small natural radar signatures of these - otherwise large - GRP boats. Our radar's MARPA (Miniature Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) facility also proved useful to both boats, as we could track other vessels in the area and provide speed & bearing information over the VHF. Had an absolutely excellent meal at the recently refurbished Zest Restaurant in Lefebvre Street (highly recommended)
Friday 30th July
St. Peter Port - St. Peter Port
Took a southerly route around Herm and Brecqhou (the private Barclay Brothers' island) to anchor at Havre Gosslin, on the west coast of Sark. Joined Dave & Jenny on Radio Active for lunch, then climbed the numerous steps and zig-zag path up to the Pilcher Monument before walking inland to the shops & village. Possibly the most relaxing afternoon of the whole holiday! Took the narrow Goulliot Passage to exit the anchorage, then passed between Herm and Jethou (a very unclear, rock-strewn route) on the way to refuel at St. Sampson's Harbour, where we found Cut Away and Her Ladyship just setting off for Cherbourg. Returned with Radio Active to St. Peter Port for a nice meal at the Riva Bar & Bistro.
Saturday 31st July
St. Peter Port - Shamrock Quay
Early start, in company with Radio Active. Very calm conditions through the Alderney Race, despite 1.5 - 3.5kts tide. Several close encounters of the big ship variety, whilst crossing the channel! Do they actually bother manouvering to give way to other vessels? Port engine started faltering in the rough water in the Needles entrance, off Hurst Castle, and finally stalled after several losses of power. Managed to restart it after bleeding the injectors whilst underway and decided to refuel at Yarmouth Harbour. Arrived at East Cowes an hour and a half later than planned, so missed lunch. Rafted off Cut Away until their departure for Brighton. Returned to Shamrock Quay after having a quick look at Cunard's Queen Elizabeth II. Cleaned down boat & off-loaded gear.
 St. Peter Port - Mean Machine |
 English Channel - Offshore Birds |
 English Channel - Collision Course |
 English Channel - Passing Ships |
 English Channel - View Astern |
(416 nautical miles / 26 engine hours)
Weymouth - August 2004
Saturday 28th AugustShamrock Quay - Weymouth Marina
Fuelled at Itchen Marine before setting off. Bumpy trip all the way, so decided not to pop into Lulworth Cove. Refuelled at Mechanical Services on arrival at Weymouth Harbour, making good use of the wait for the next scheduled bridge lift. Surprisingly busy in Weymouth Marina, so ended up alongside a displacement cruiser from Poole. Fish & chips for supper. Went to see Spiderman 2 at the nearby multi-screen cinema.
 Southampton - Wrapped up Warm |
 Weymouth - Phantom Flasher |
 Weymouth - All Weather Lifeboat |
Sunday 29th August
Weymouth Marina - Weymouth Marina
Plenty of wind in weather forecast, so decided to stay put today. Spent the day looking around Weymouth, strolling along beach, paddling in the sea and walking to the hill overlooking Bowleaze Cove. Others took bus to Portland Bill and Chesil Beach.
Monday 30th August
Weymouth Marina - Shamrock Quay
Leisurely morning. Caught the 2pm bridge swing. Briefly popped into Lulworth Cove, Worbarrow Bay (an often overlooked gem of a place) and Studland Bay on the way back - all far too choppy to stay. Very lumpy during open-water crossing from Poole. Rough conditions off the Needles got us very wet and caused port engine fade to reappear. Refuelled at Yarmouth Harbour, which was an experience in its own right with one dodgy engine (very busy, poorly orchestrated fuelling berth and lots of queue jumping). Uneventful trip back to Shamrock Quay
(8 engine hours)
Approximate Distances and Cruising Times
| From | To | Distance | 15 kts | 20 kts | 25 kts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alderney | St. Peter Port | 22 nm | 1:26 | 1:05 | 0:52 |
| Brighton | Eastbourne | 22 nm | 1:26 | 1:05 | 0:52 |
| Chatham | St. Katherine's | 52 nm | 3:28 | 2:36 | 2:05 |
| Dover | Ramsgate | 17 nm | 1:09 | 0:52 | 0:41 |
| Dover | Calais | 22 nm | 1:26 | 1:05 | 0:52 |
| Eastbourne | Dover | 48 nm | 3:11 | 2:23 | 1:54 |
| Exmouth | Torquay | 13 nm | 0:52 | 0:39 | 0:31 |
| Ipswich | St. Katherine's | 83 nm | 5:30 | 4:07 | 3:18 |
| Itchen | Needles | 13 nm | 0:52 | 0:39 | 0:31 |
| Itchen | Brighton | 56 nm | 3:45 | 2:49 | 2:15 |
| Needles | Alderney | 65 nm | 4:20 | 3:15 | 2:36 |
| Needles | Poole Entrance | 13 nm | 0:52 | 0:39 | 0:31 |
| Needles | Cherbourg | 65 nm | 4:20 | 3:15 | 2:36 |
| Poole Entrance | Poole Town Quay | 4 nm | 0:17 | 0:13 | 0:10 |
| Poole Entrance | Weymouth | 26 nm | 1:44 | 1:18 | 1:02 |
| Ramsgate | Chatham | 43 nm | 2:53 | 2:10 | 1:44 |
| Ramsgate | Ipswich | 48 nm | 3:11 | 2:23 | 1:54 |
| Ramsgate | St. Katherine's | 70 nm | 4:38 | 3:28 | 2:46 |
| St. Peter Port | Sark | 9 nm | 0:34 | 0:26 | 0:20 |
| St. Peter Port | St. Helier | 30 nm | 2:01 | 1:31 | 1:13 |
| Weymouth | Exmouth | 52 nm | 3:28 | 2:36 | 2:05 |
Notes
Distances are conversions from the nearest statute mile, using 1 mile = 0.86897624 nm.
Times are given in hours and minutes for three different cruising speeds.
Useful Links
 Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
 Royal Yachting Association |
 Maritime & Coastguard Agency |
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