Today I sailed from Padstow Harbour out to the point where I received a tow from the lifeboat (roughly 20 NW of Padstow). I didn’t need to do this but I chose to, it means that however far I get I’ll know I’ve completed the trip solo. For now, that’s something I want to keep.

The lock gates didn’t open til 1:30ish so I spent the morning preparing the boat, I noticed my topping lift had begun to fray (whilst this isn’t something I need it could cause problems later on by tangling with other lines). This meant a trip up the mast, I enlisted the help of some other friendly sailors. A quick job really but it definitely could have some eyes in the harbour.

Then a run up to Tesco’s on my bike and figured out how to pack everything back into the boat to get it ships shape. I refilled on gas and slipped lines around 2.15, I moved to the fuel station and filled up before setting off. Remembering to keep friends and family up today with my passage plan, and using the RYA SafeTrax app to pass it on to the coastguard if necessary.

I couldn’t have asked for better conditions though with the light wind and northerly direction, I motored all the way. The passage out the estuary went smoothly and before long I was out at sea. Along the way I had to adjust course to avoid a large ship but It took just 3 1/2 hours for me to reach my destination, I then turned and headed straight back.

Around 7 miles out dolphins appeared, which always makes me smile. I arrived back just as the sun was setting at low water, and moored up in the river.

A lovely day on the water, not sailing but a good and proper test of the engine. Plan is to set sail for St Ives tomorrow.