Fowey – Plymouth – She sails

24 nautical miles, 5 hours, following wind and seas

I was well looked after in Fowey but I can’t stay, I set sail for Plymouth a fairly short passage. But looking at the almanac and chart, I saw an active submarine and navel training area. They’re common in and around Plymouth, Canada can be dangerous to cross. I did my best to find out when they’re active and if it would be safe to cross, the best info I could see was to listen out on VHF channel 13/14. I did and heard nothing about any training or practice planned. Still a little apprehensive as to whether it would be safe I checked my ais which showed several leisure vessels in the area. I decided it would probably be fine to cross as long as I kept an ear on the VHF.

I set sail at 9ish and motored out the estuary, with a good weather forecast several boats were also heading out. Once my sails were up I set my course to round Torpoint and played around with goose winging the sails. (This can only be done when the wind is directly behind you, and means that the sails work on opposite sides)

And from that point on it was pretty much plain sailing. I didn’t see any subs but who knows? If they were right underneath me I doubt I’d know

By 1 o’clock I was getting closer, I put the boat head to the wind dropped the sails, and prepped my lines and fenders before heading into the harbour. Because I’m on my own I like to do things early and keep it easy plus there was plenty of shipping around. I’ve never sailed in Plymouth before so the harbour was new to me. I got past the breakwater and the city really opened itself up, everything from Drakes Island to the stunning lighthouse, it was a sight to remember.

I made my way along and into Plymouth Yacht Haven, I had some help with lines and met some new people. So far on my journey, I’ve only experienced Kindness, often from complete strangers. Some have seen me online or read about my journey (from my rescue, don’t worry I’m not letting it go to my head ) but most are just Kind regardless of the voyage I’m on, which in ways means so much more.