35nm, 6 1/2 hours, zero wind

The weather on Friday wasn’t looking very nice and I hadn’t decided whether to stay in Newlyn or push on to Falmouth, and I didn’t know how tired I’d be. But I woke up well rested on Thursday and looking out in the morning I couldn’t really say no.

The most difficult part of this passage was going around the lizard point. It sticks out into the channel with rocky outcrops. There are strong tides which can create large seas and some say that it’s the biggest trap for ships in the British Isles. That being said, it was a brilliant day with mirror seas and pure sunshine (Definitely a bit much for my ginger self as I got rather burnt).

I decided to go for it and to reach the point and have Tide with me l needed to leave at 11. I motored out of the harbour and saw a glassy sea there wasn’t a chance of me sailing, but I motored on. There were a few ships about and a lot of pot buoys. With the autopilot steering, I grabbed a pillow and sat up at the bow to keep a good lookout. I played my music and relaxed.

I got to the lizard at around 2 as I’d planned, and I stayed relatively close. As I got closer the waves picked up, it was short and choppy making the boat a little uncomfortable. It was odd because there was still zero wind, it was purely a tidal phenomenon, and I could see flat waters all around.

Once past the lizard, I hugged the coast and it wasn’t long til I saw the town of Falmouth with sailing boats out in full force. It was an amazing sight and as I got closer I could see they were racing. I entered the Chanel easily enough but with boats everywhere, I found it difficult to find the marina but I eventually did. I tied up around 6pm and with plenty of people to catch lines it was easy.

That evening I met up with Freya Skingley, an old friend from the Gentoo youth program. We had a great time together, she showed me around Falmouth and we got chips for dinner. Later on, I met up with Katie McCabe an amazing woman who sailed solo around Britain at just 14! She was super lovely and it was great finally to meet in person and to share experiences.

I’m sailing solo but I swear never used to be sociable.