Worbarrow Bay to Dartmouth

Following a really enjoyable day at Mupe Bay we weighed anchor on Tuesday morning and drifted in the slightest of breezes and warm sunshine, further along the Jurassic coast past sweeping chalk cliffs and rocky shores to Durdle Door where we dropped the hook again for lunch. Have to admit to feeling just slightly smug as we watched the people on the beach baking in the midday heat while we sat in the shade in the cockpit and enjoyed a chilled beverage or two from the fridge.

After lunch we got into the dinghy, now becoming known as 'Baby Ayesha', and rowed down the beach to explore the rocks at the western end, and back through the Door. I imagine that most days this would have been quite dangerous but in this flat and balmy weather, with near neap tides and a big high pressure hanging over us, the sea was almost glassy. As a Birthday treat, Jaime also let me disturb the peace for a while by starting up the outboard!

Lady Ayesha through Durdle Door

Sailing ship passing Lulworth Cove

Unfortunately we had to start the engine up in the afternoon to get us on to Weymouth Bay where we briefly anchored for the night, outside the harbour. Didn't make a landfall there. The sounds of the seafront drifting across the bay reminded me of Brighton, and we were keen to get an early night before crossing Lyme Bay on Wednesday morning.

We were up and away by 4am on Wednesday as the passage was about 40 miles and we had to make the best use of the tide since we weren't expecting much help from the wind. We rounded Portland Bill with the fishing boats in the morning haze and several of Her Majesty's warships keeping the nation safe. The coast guard's reports warned us that there may still be containers floating in the area following the recent grounding of the Napoli, but despite a good lookout, and my desire for a slightly salty BMW motorbike, nothing was seen.

In the end, with just a few knots of breeze we had a good chance to practise using the cruising chute which up until now had only been aired once or twice. Jaime was particularly chuffed when we managed to gybe it without a hitch, a manouvre which in slightly stronger winds would require more than just two crew of our experience.

A visitor rests his wings. Not sure if it was a warbler or pipin perhaps. Our guide book left us unsure, but he looked very tired and happy to have somewhere to land for a while.

Beaulieu to Worbarrow Bay

Well, it's been a whole week since we've had internet access so there are a few photos to upload..

After Cowes, Beaulieu River, which is a privately owned nature reserve, was a welcome and surprisingly peaceful retreat from the crowded Solent. Tied up to a mooring buoy and enjoyed the late afternoon listening to the calls of water birds.

Friday morning saw us back out into the Solent and down to the Western approach where the fast tidal streams past the Needles swept us out towards Poole where we anchored in Studland Bay protected by 'Old Harry' amongst a few other yachts, eager to claim their places for the night. The fine weather saw many out on power boats and jetskis, creating wake for poor sailboats just waiting for the wind to pick up.

Studland Bay anchorage

Old Harry and his wife

The sun rises during Jaime's anchor watch.

Saturday saw us playing around Handfast Point, and then heading into Poole Harbour, where Lady Ayesha was built back in 1985, to drop off shipmate Colin who had joined us for these first few days. That evening we picked up a private buoy in Wareham Creek, further up Poole Harbour and did our passage planning for he next few days.

Colin and Old Harry

Handfast Point

On Sunday we got our first taste of the Jurassic coast, now quite familiar to anyone who has watched the endlessly repeated BBC TV series 'Coast'. We sailed close inshore to Saint Albans Head to avoid the races over the ledge, and entered the well known MOD firing range which won't be active again until after April 16. Arrived at Worbarrow Bay at dusk, and dropped the hook near another boat snuggled in behind Mupe Rocks which offereed protection from west and northerly winds. The catabatic effect over the high cliffs kept us rocking and swinging all night but 35 lbs of iron and 40 metres of heavy chain kept us safely connected to the seabed. The morning brought some beautiful views and we decided to stay for another night to allow us to expore the nearby coves and walk to Lulworth, just to the west. Apparently the caves behind Mupe Rocks were used by smugglers in times gone by, but a thorough search revealed not even a single dubloon.

Sunrise over Worbarrow Bay

Mupe Bay

Mupe Bay anchorage

Mupe Rocks

Worbarrow Bay

Isle of Wight

We eventually left Brighton early on Wednesday morning with favourable winds, and a good pace all the way through the Looe Channel at Selsey Bill and on to the Isle of Wight. Stayed in Cowes overnight and now enjoying a relaxed morning before a short sail over to Beaulieu this afternoon.


Craig endures the usual morning rush hour!

Tying up loose ends, and a departure date

Well, what a week. We both took our Yachtmaster theory exam today, and both passed which was a relief since we'd delayed our departure in order to complete it. We're required to log about 5000 sea miles before taking the practical exam which hopefully this trip will provide. So, just a few more last minute jobs to finish off: calorifier circulation pump needs replacing and rewiring, domestic hot water tank leaking at the outlet needs a new adapter and seal. And our ground tackle (ie: anchors) needs reassembling having bought all new shackles and a new second anchor, chain and rode. So, we expect to be underway Wednesday morning.

Picture is of Jaime up the mast a few weeks ago replacing a nav light and radar reflector.

Preparations are underway

We've spent the last 6 months or so frantically preparing Lady Ayesha for sea. Our departure date is currently March 31st, but we'll need to keep an eye on the forecasts. Last minute jobs are almost complete, with victualling to be done late some evening this week thanks to 24hr supermarkets.