On the 13 of September 2014 three boats came to this amazing part of the Jurassic Coast. Antaris Regal,Laykin and Heatwave. We all berthed up on the east side of the Cove. Now famous for the film World War Z starring Brad Pit and the final scenes were shot here.
We crossed the bay against a F3 easterly so the donkey was brought into play. On this trip I was determined to try out my Autohelm. I got it as a known faulty unit from Roy Procter but after some internal work on the wiring got it going. I have never had one before and it was great to see it working but it is power hungry so must watch Battery Drain. Thankyou Roy.
We all settled down to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Most of the trippers now gone. No social program set as I wanted to see what other would like to do. Stu and Pam Naylor invited myself and John aboard for an afternoon drink. Sheltering behind Laykin's spray hood we enjoyed the hospitality and more than one drink. John Hasker had made tremendous effort to get here after a very early start from Heathrow. Thanks guys.
After dragging myself away from the interesting chat and another drink I got ashore about 18:00. I brought the tender close to the steps so that I didn't have walk over the beach. You need to see the cove at a really low tide to see the growlers that can rip out the bottom of the toughest tenders. They come very close to the steps on the West side. A polish guy helped me up after seeing me struggle. I offered him some ciggies but he didn't smoke. I wanted to put a lock on the O/board but left the lock on board. Fingers crossed I went off to the Dandylion Bistro for Ham, Egg and Chips. Only the best for me??. Well the Ham was that processed type so really disappointing £7-85 worth it??.
Later I went up to the Lulworth Cove Inn to check out roast Sunday Lunch. Book early and come at 11:30 we are busy. Its really nice there very modern in a trendy way.
Its dark, so back to the tender and get some sleep. Easy to drag Red Dwarf back down the beach but sticky on the sand. Try to get the bow in first as cove has a bit of a slop from the swell. Made no difference. Still got loads of water in and got very wet. The tender is finally slipped quietly into the dark water and I jumped aboard and got the oars working digging them into the sand to get me off the shore. Straining to see the buoys in the black. No torch. Ten black marks for safety. I might have screwed my night vison if I had used one. Got back to Heatwave to see the Super Nova mast light of Antaris Regal and the warm glow from Laykins cabin. I was cold and wet and they were warm tucked up in their boats. Light on. Kit off. Kettle on. A night cuppa and dry kit will sort me out. On deck with my cuppa and ciggy on I look up at the Stars. This is Heaven. Off to bed.
Sunday: Wind is fresh F4. Still a nice run home on the main will be good. Get up and make a cuppa. Deck is wet from a cold night. The people in the Yacht moored in the center had a bad night in the swell. I keep my normally loud voice quiet to maintain the peace of the moment. Dive into the cool box for breakfast of Sausages beans and bacon. Using the one burner cook sausages slowly then add the bacon. Prep the beans in another pan and start to butter rolls that were as stodgy but hard than dumplings. I have added this in as its cramped below and you need to be well organised to do a good job. Cant say that I achieved that but got it sorted. OMG that tasted good. Washing up done. Another cuppa and a chill on deck. Laykin had left earlier as advised on Sat as forcast was for stronger winds. Missed them going. Still eating my sausages. John came across and we agreed to go ashore about 11:15. John gave a weather update. F5 to F6 later. We decided to ditch lunch to get away quickly. We had a walk about and coffee before before I called in the fudge shop for my thank you present for Mrs Moore.
Back on board we agree to weigh anchor at 12:30. I said to John I will hoist main here as to do it out of the cove would be lumpy. John said it would be better to do it out side to avoid drifting over to other boats. I consider the risk of that lower than a problem outside. John later got his sail up before setting off. No boats around so plenty of room to maneuver if donkey dies.
I said to John I will sail all the way back and see how the Auto helm performs in a following sea. Running at about 3.5 to 3.8Knts SOG we got across the bay in two hours to the North Entrance. The Autohelm did it job but put Heatewave into a heavy Jybe causing wires to break on the kicking strap. It held. Should have tied the main back so it wouldnt jybe. I still kept a good look out. However on the way back I ran into a shoal of Jelly fish. The dinner plate ones. They are very heavy and I have hit them before. Its like a dull thud and it slows the boat. Bigger craft may not feel them. After about 7 hits it stopped however after a further 5 minutes a heavy metalic bang accompanied by a judder and severe slowing. What have I hit. Or was it a bots failure which I ruled out as we were still sailing. Looked to stern, nothing and boat gathers speed. Safety. Check below for water. Is hull breached. No. Waited, still no water. Sighed relief. Ok; we are in Weymouth Bay but the seas are big. No one will see you in the water or hear you above the wind. Depending on the magnitude of a Hull Breach you will only have a specific time for mayday and launch of Life Raft. My Tender is my Life Raft so can get it ready in about 30 seconds including grabbing the safety bag. Palliative action will give more time. Stuffing the hole if you can get at it. Bilge pumping. Buckets. Stay with boat as long as possible. Its something like man overboard that we don't practice but maybe we should.
Moved in behind the Harbour wall to take down sails as it might be lumpy at the moorings. Time to whip the Donkey across the Harbour a nice 4.8 Knts Towing Tender. Easy pickup and Sea's Ok.
