Saint-Cast

                                           The beach at St. Cast - Marina in the background.

Tuesday 27th May.

We sailed to St. cast today - about 26 miles - tried fishing - NOTHING AGAIN!!!.

We sailed in company with Jemima - (Carroll and Danny) and took photos of each others boats while sailing.
It was a rare opportunity and it only occurred to me at the last minute - I called them on the radio and did a photo shoot on ipad and camera.

                                                               Jemima in Full Sail

We arrived at lunchtime in bright sunshine - What a lovely marina!!
The best showers and toilets we have seen to date.

We found the little town to be very quiet but there was all you need including a good hardware shop!!

                                                                   St Cast Town.


We stayed two nights and on the last evening we had a meal at a restaurant overlooking the marina.
Jackie struggles with menus and ended up ordering a shellfish meal that she really didn't want.

                                                 No problem - I ate two meals!! - HEAVEN.

In the end Jackie had a nice meal of lamb kebab with chips and salad.

Thursday 29th May.

We sailed today for St-Quay -Portrieux in damp weather - again about 27 miles.
We were met by a harbour berthing boat and escorted to our berth - very nice.

St Quay marina has no lock or sill to retain water but still has plenty for boats to stay afloat at low water.
This means that the pontoons rise and fall the full height of the tide - 10 metres !!

                                                The steepest gangways we have ever seen.

It was a lot of effort to reach the dock road level when the tide was out!!

Friday 30th May.

Jackies Birthday!!

                                                      Lots of cards and some roses.

                                                I baked a cake - ( with a bit of help).

The weather was lovely and warm - we had a simple salad lunch in a beach side cafe and then we got dressed up for a nice meal out.

                                            A great restaurant over looking the marina.

We had Champagne - Jackie had duck terrine followed by a big steak and frites with a great pepper sauce.

I had oysters followed by steak tartare - Charolaise beef minced and served raw mixed with egg, onions, capers and herbs - wonderfull!!

Jackie had praline dessert and I had local cheeses with Baileys on ice to finish - WOW!!!

Saturday 31st May.

I had a morning doing a bit of engine maintenance - while Jackie did the laundry and in the afternoon Jackie had an hour or so on the beach.

Sunday 1st June.

We sailed for Paimpol - about 15 miles.

Paimpol  has a lock for entry to the harbour and is only open for 2 1/2 hours either side of high tide.
The area is littered with lots of rocks up to 4 miles out to sea so navigation had to be good.

We arrived bang on high tide and locked in with no trouble.

                                                             Paimpol Marina.

We were a bit surprised to see a massive fun fair all round the harbour!
It was a grand affair - really well done - the noise stopped about 19.00 - so not so bad - it packed up that night.

We will be here until wednesday to see the Tuesday market.

Gale in Granville

                                                                   Granville marina

Wednesday 21st May

After a bit of a rocky rolly night we got new neighbour's - Carroll and Danny on Jemima - a Westerly Fulmar.

It was a poor day - raining on and off - we shopped and explored - a nice little seaside town on a peninsular.

The marina is behind a harbour wall and we were berthed in the only available space opposite the harbour entrance which was open to wind from the South. When the tide went out the water was kept in the marina by a sill which kept things nice and calm.

                                                                   Jackie sewing.

We set up the sewing machine and re-stitched the sail cover and spray hood - just in time as it turned out.

At 5pm we invited our neighbours for a glass of wine and we chatted about our boats and travels lovely.

That night (wednesday) we went to bed in calm wind and the tide out - about midnight the wind was howling and the tide had come in - waves were comming straight into the marina !!

Both westerlies were rearing up and down - straining at the mooring ropes - then we heard our neighbours outside. - I dressed and went to check things out and found them adjusting their mooring ropes to stop their anchor bashing the pontoon!!

We all worked together and and added lots more ropes to sort things out.

Back on Blazer things were very uncomfortable - we were being chucked about all over - so little or no sleep!!

Next morning (Thursday) all was calm while the tide was out and we tidied everything up and explored the lovely little sea side town.

At tea time we went to visit our neighbours on Jemima for drinks and nibbles lovely.

That night the wind strength increased with gusts recorded at 40 knots !!!
Blazer was jumping up and down - snatching at the ropes and sometimes bashing the pontoon!!!

I was up three times through the night - adding ropes and shock absorbers + extra fenders but made little difference !!! - No Sleep Again !!!!

Friday 23rd May

Enough of this lot - we set off at 13.00 in lumpy conditions for St.Malo.
We had a pleasant trip of 26 miles sailing and motoring.

We saw Dolphins again - a pod of about 7 - 50 yds off going in the same direction as us but they didn't come any closer.
A while later one dolphin surfaced alongside Blazer but we only saw it once. - Lovely !

The approach to St. Malo is very rocky - right out to sea - so we took no chances an used the deep water route into the harbour.

We moored in Bas Sablon marina which has easy access - at the side of the Brittany Ferry terminal.

Saturday 24th May

We found a great laundrette near the marina and washed lots of stuff - while it was washing we explored the lovely town - shopped at the little Carefore and bought pastries to die for !!!

At 13.30 we motored Blazer round into the main harbour to lock through into the marina Vaubin on th 14.00 lock but were beten to it by a huge cruise liner!!

                                                                Liner in the lock

We had to pick up a waiting buoy for two hours while the liner cleared the lock!!

                                                               Blazer in the massive lock.

We had no bother locking through and moored up in a quite full marina near the walled city of St Malo.

It is very a very popular tourist destination with a maze of streets lined with restaurants and tourist shops.

Sunday 26th May

We woke up to find Jemima moored at the side of us - they had come in early that morning!!

We walked right round the walls of the city - had a great lunch - mussels and frites for me and an omelet for Jackie - very reasonable.

                                                     Fast cat entering St Malo at low water!

In the afternoon our neighbours helped me to climb the mast to try and coax the radar to work - it had seized up again - more oil helped but I think the bearings are corroded.

A great day - Sunday lunch of chicken with all the trimmings - we watched a film on Blazer in the evening to round things off.

More Jersey.

                                                       Red hot in St Aubin.

Sunday 18th May.

We hired a little car for two days !!
It was a Smart car with electric roof !!
It was eco - the engine stopped every time the car stopped - pretty good.

                                                                  St Oenes Bay

First stop was to the surfing beach - the longest on Jersey - St Oens Bay.
I found a sea food shop on one end of the beach amazing!!

                                                       Live Crabs in tanks.

It was a world war two bunker converted into seafood storage and a shop.

                                                     Spider crab - wonderful !

Next stop was St Brelades Bay beach - the best on the island in my opinion.

                                                  Paddling on St. Brelades beach.

We hired deck chairs and enjoyed really hot sunshine for most of the afternoon.

Monday 19th May.

Off in the car again today to see the rest of Jersey - mainly the East and North coast.

We had a good run round with shopping for food bits while we have the car - a picnic on St Oens bay.

We took the car back and went shopping in St Helier - Jackie bought a great Kaftan and we managed to find a couple of computer bit we needed - great !
Then back on board to prepare for the next leg of the trip to Granville.

We worked out that in order to arrive at Granville in time to get over the sill into the marina we would have to leave at 06.00 - this meant moving to a pontoon outside the marina so that we could leave before the gate opens.

Tuesday 20th May.

I knew that the forecast was for strong wind for the early part of the morning (force 4 to 5) then going down to 2 to 3 with sunshine. Rain was forecast for 04.00 and none after - it didn't work out like that.

We left a bit early 05.30 with Jackie below trying to sleep!
We went out straight into a force 6 with wind against tide!! - Wallop!!!!
With the engine flat out we were bashing through the chop - like riding a bucking bronco!!
It was blowing 25 Knots continuous 27 at times!! - straight at us - we struggled to make 3 knots!!
I considered turning round but Jackie said she was OK - carry on!!
It gradually calmed down a bit and I tried the foresail when the course allowed.
The weather was grey - overcast - cold - we pressed on.

I stood up to take a good look forward and caught a glimpse of a black fin in the water just off our port bow.

!!! DOLPHINS !!!

We could not believe our eyes - a pod of dolphins swam with us for about 10 minutes !!!
There might have been 6 of them - more on the starboard side than the port.
One big one jumped well out of the water at the side of us.
One dived right across our bow - very close.
Wonderful !!

This trip involved navigating around lots of rocky areas and I set a course well clear - we were about 3/4 of a mile off the island of Chausey when the heavens opened up and all visibility went!!
The wind went round to a different direction the sea surface was shattered by the really heavy cloud burst.
I managed to put the foresail away and keep a bit of a lookout when I saw a boat crossing in front of us.
AIS said that it was not a threat - (great tool)

We then turned the corner and headed straight for Granville - we were in for 13.00 - Shattered!!!

After a quick walk into town for shopping - tea - we crashed out early - What A Day!!

Ready For Off.

                                                    Blazer - now with sails on - Guernsey.

Thursday 15th May

Another sunny and warm day.

We collected our parcel from the harbour masters office - Thanks Marlene!! - Sorted.

We bought an all day bus ticket and went to Iceland supermarket for some good value bits and pieces.
Later we took another bus to the Guernsey B & Q !! - I was surprised they had one - to get hardware I needed.

Chicken Carbonara for tea and all set for off in the morning.

Friday 16th May

We left our Berth in the Victoria Marina about 07.45 am and went across to the fuel berth so as to be first in the cue when they opened - to find a boat was already there!
There was room for two and we quickly filled our main tank and quietly filled a reserve 5 gallon can with very cheap duty free diesel.

We moved to a layby pontoon and made final preparation for sea - then off in sunshine and a gentle breeze from a good direction for once!

We attempted fishing with no luck and pressed on south with full sail and engine on to make 5 knots.
The wind off the sea was cold and Jackie was suffering even with bright sunshine.

I tried the new cockpit stereo  - £1.50 at the car boot - it worked really well - playing from the ipod.

                                                    Fast Cat from Jersey to Weymouth.

We spotted the Condor Fast Cat a good way off - powering along - I Googled it some time ago and discovered how it goes at 40 knots - it has four 10,000 horsepower engines!!!

                                                          A Trawler with nets down.

Jackie finally gave in to the cold breeze and went below to wrap up in the bed quilt and warm up.
I switched to classical overtures on the stereo - fantastic!!

We rounded the South coast of Jersey - spot on track - and lined up for the west passage through the off lying rocks to St Helier marina.

                                                            Waiting to go in.

We were too early to go straight in and we rafted up to a French boat with four lads until the tide came in enough to go in.
We tied up and after a lovely meal of Coq o Vin we set off into town to explore.
The marina is right in the town centre which is a lovely busy town.

Saturday 17th May.

I had a major sort out in the cabin and de-cluttered all areas.
I then got our bikes out and we set off along the promenade to find a beach.

St Aubins bay is the closest and we settled down near a tiny cafe - hired a sun bed and boiled in the very hot sunshine.

It is spring tides at the moment and the sea retreated about half a mile!!

Lunch of Panini with salad - lovely coffee and a small home made ice cream - all from this tiny shack - impressive.

I set off on the bike to locate my old bosses house which was nearby and when I did - it was obviously empty. - he died three years ago - I hoped to contact his family but I don't have any contact telephone numbers.

Never mind - at least I saw the building - a very upmarket apartment block overlooking the bay.

After a great sunbathe we returned to Blazer - changed and set off into town in really hot sunshine.

We shopped and sorted out a nice little car to hire for tomorrow - then found the market square with, what looked like a food festival clearing away. shame we missed it.

We sat down at a Greek Taverna in the square and had a great meal - olives and garlic bread starter - then a seafood Meze for Jackie and Mussels ala Chef for me - a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc - perfect.
Jackie had lemon merangue pie and I had chocolate cake for afters.

                                                                     A very hot spot.

Back on board - we invited our neighbours Jan and Dave on Tindalooe over for a chat and a glass of wine.
They live on Guernsey and know the area well - we got some really good advice for when we move on and had a great chat. - a lovely day altogether!!

Spring and Summer Cruise 2014

                                                          Blazer in her winter berth.

Monday 12th of May 2014

Well - It has seemed like a long winter!
Blazer has survived quite well despite the storms and being rafted up with another Westerly in the corner of the QEII marina in Guernsey.

The marina staff rafted her up after we left and made a very good job except that they used a rope that was new and specific for the foresail - it got chafed !

Never mind - Everything else looks good - she has even kept very clean.

I did visit once through the winter - by car - to bring down as much heavy stuff as I could and to service the engine.

We arrived by plane - Aurigny - sunshine but windy - with four cases!!
One case - Mike's - caused the flight to be a bit delayed - it was labled with my name and address as you should but we forgot that the original luggage tag had Jackie Mcdermott on it as well.
Plus the fact that we checked in on line - then checked the cases in at the desk - the system flipped!!!

The plane was a 70 seater (not Small) but the overhead lockers were a slightly smaller than normal and one of our hand luggage bags was a tiny bit too big although it is carry on specification.
It went in the hold!!
Otherwise - we had a pleasant flight - just about an hour.

A very nice taxi driver dropped us off at the top of the ramp down to the pontoon - 20 yards from Blazer!!

We just crashed out that first night - we had packed a lot into that day!!!

Tuesday 13th of May

                                                            QEII Marina.

Sunny and warm but a cool wind - quite strong.

Unpacking  today plus stowing everything properly.
We had morning in town - shopping at the Co-op in the market square ( a beutifull building) - a capucino coffee at a pavement cafe then a fabulous lunch!

We found a great little French Bistro near the harbour and had the set menu - Coq o Vin.
It was wonderful - together with a bottle of Sauvignon Blank - (not sure about the spelling).
A good start to the trip.

Engine checks and a visit to the harbour office to settle the bill for winter mooring.
We  met with the assistant harbour master, Mike Goudion, who was very helpful - he suggested we move round to the Victoria marina until we leave at no extra cost !!!

Wednesday 14th of May

We moved round to the Victoria marina first thing this morning - just after high tide.
A great fried breakfast with French bread and then a walk around the shops to get items we need to do some upholstery in the saloon - very helpful staff at Creaseys.

We worked together to put the sails back on in sunshine and very little wind - perfect!

Salmon salad tea with boiled potatoes and then a walk to the castle.

There was lots of activity with the rowing club in full force - rowing from Havelot bay right across to Sark!!
Scores of boats - some with one, two and four rowing - all sorted by stewards on shore with a megaphone!!

The kids were learning to sail in tiny dinghy's on a shallow pool in front of the yacht club - fantastic to watch them scudding around the buoys time and time again.

We plan to leave for Jersey on Friday after we get a parcel from Marlene - I have only gone and forgot all the ships documents!!! - What A Dope.

Enjoying ourselves in Guernsey.

Wednesday 11th September 2013

Today - Alan and Marlene drove their hire car over to St. Peter port to see us - they found free (3 hour) parking on the harbour and met up with us for a bite of lunch on Blazer.

A walk around town - an ice cream - and a pleasant hour watching the harbour activities.

To avoid driving back to Cobo Bay in the dark - they decided to head back before the rush hour - if there is one on Guernsey !

Thursday 12th September 2013.

This morning we moved Blazer to her winter berth in the QE11 marina and did a big load of laundry early so that we were free for the annual Guernsey air show today.

Alan and Marlene arrived by bus at 10.00 and we were set up comfy on the sea wall with a portable radio tuned to BBC Guernsey for the commentary - a great spot overlooking the display area over the Little Russell channel between Guernsey and Herm.

It was a bit overcast at first which limited the kind of air display the aircraft put on but altogether - fabulous!!

World war 2 aircraft - aerobatic displays - wing walkers - an F16 Jet fighter and to finish - the red arrows - WOW !!

Two hours of wonderful entertainment !!

We had a great lunch in a harbour side Brasserie  with a view over the marina - then back to blazer for desert and a few beers thanks to Alan for a case of the local ale !!

Our last day of the trip and a great day all round.

Friday 13th September 2013.

All tidy on Blazer - sails off - all winter covers on - all secure.

We met with Spike Whitaker - he operates a Guardianage service - he is going to visit Blazer through the winter and check that the mooring ropes are OK - especially after a period of high wind - then send a report by email - wonderful !!

Then it was off to the airport on the bus - lugging as much stuff as we could manage - to find the airport fog bound !!

Luckily it cleared quickly and we took off for East Midlands only 30 minutes late !!

We will have to make a trip down to North Fambridge this weekend to collect the car because - try as we might the ferries and trains didn't work out to travel home that way.

So it's back to work for now - we will look for the bargains on the ferries to visit Blazer through the winter
and plan the next leg of our trip for next year.

Mike and Jackie Smethurst.

Preparing to leave Blazer.

Monday 9th September 2013

Lots of jobs today - mainly dismantling the solid fuel stove and the brass surround.
The brass sheet has become stained by sea water (somehow !!! ) - way beyond cleaning with Brasso or Brillo pads. - I took it all out and sanded it back to bright clean brass with 180 grit wet and dry paper.

When I reassembled it, I gave the brass a coat of yacht varnish to keep the water off - we will see if it's better - looks good for now - but I have measured all the pieces so that I can replace the brass with 316 grade stainless steel when funds allow.

We have considered our options regarding where to keep Blazer.

We have travelled about 360 miles from North Fambridge this trip and it would take a week to ten days to go back.

Our annual mooring fee is due for renewal at North Fambridge  - so it could be an opportunity to do something different.

We have decided to leave Blazer here in Guernsey !!
We have signed a winter contract with the harbour authorities for 3 to 6 months afloat starting 15th of September.

We have booked flights back to East Midlands on Friday this week  - we couldn't find a good way to get the car back from North Fambridge on the way - I will have to go down on Sunday to get it.

This gives us a great place to start next years cruise - going further south - perhaps as far as La Rochell - who knows!!

We can visit Blazer a couple of times through the winter - maybe a week after Christmas?
We could come by car and bring lots of stuff to fit her out for next year.

Tuesday 10th September 2013.

We bought a family day ticket for the buses today - so that we can go to Cobo Bay and meet our friends when they arrive at tea time.

We set off early - got off the bus at Vasson Bay and had a long walk.
We visited a restored wartime bunker with a big gun defending the bay - very interesting.

Our friends, Alan and Marlene arrived and we had a meal in the pub next door to their hotel - lovely to see them.

The last bus was due at 21.20 and we were very cold and wind blown waiting in the pitch dark for it to arrive - but it did arrive - a few minutes late and soon we were back on board - all cosy.

Mike and Jackie Smethurst.