Our Journey Begins!

We are gradually making our way along the south coast of the UK to Plymouth where we will be joining the ARC Portugal early next month. We set out from Ocean Village Marina in Southampton on 20 May as planned and had a short hop across to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight to wait for the tidal gate at Hurst Castle to open the next morning. 
 

Val dodging traffic in the Solent

Portland on the horizon

 The next day (21^st) we sailed to Portland Marina in readiness to pass Portland Bill on the next favourable tide. 

Rounding the 'Bill'

At 7.30am on 22^nd we set off for what would be the smoothest passage we have ever had around the ‘Bill’ and had a cracking sail across Lyme Bay under full canvass over to Brixham; one of our favourite places on the south coast. 





 

Entering the River Dart

We decided to spend a couple of days there before moving onto Dartmouth; a very picturesque location at the mouth of the River Dart and another of our favourites.













 We decided to stay in Dartmouth for a few extra days . There are far worse places than this to pass the time!

Mooring at Darthaven Marina

Kingswear seen from Dartmouth

A Clean Bottom Again!

Ready for the lift!

 We had Snow Goose lifted today for a final scrub off and anode check in readiness for our trip south. As usual the prop and propshaft anodes had to be replaced but the others were fine. The Coppercoat was still in excellent condition on the hull after almost 5 years and the light coat of weed was quickly disposed of by the guys in Shamrock Key Marina.

Not in too bad condition!

All done and going back in!

She is now back on her berth in Ocean Village ready for the final bits and pieces to be stowed (assuming we can find any more space!!).

Moored up again

We will be spending the remainder of our time here saying goodbye to friends and family but more importantly we are going to my son's wedding next week! A  piece of excellent timing and forward planning.