YACHT “AQUILA” SAILS TO SUNNIER CLIMES

I’ve just had the good fortune to sail 43ft Aquila (a Bruce Roberts design yacht) to St. Peters Port on Guernsey in the Channel Islands for her owners, Bev and Barry. They are planning to live aboard and enjoy life, and Guernsey certainly seems to be a perfect choice for this venture.

20.9.03  We, (Peter and myself and a lad called John) got the train down to Lowestoft on 19th September 2003 ready to set off on “Aquila” the following day. Unfortunately John had to return home, so that only left myself and Peter, (Bev and Barry were on board as well). We set off at 09.30hrs and headed towards Ramsgate, a very nice sunny day and quite warm, unfortunately we had to motor as there wasn’t much wind. Arrived in Ramsgate at 23.10hrs after sailing 85mls.

21.9.03  We left Ramsgate at 08.30hrs heading for Brighton. At 15.00hrs thick fog descended and the wind went round onto the nose. The radar came into its own, as there were quite a lot of ships about. Altered course by 40degrees to try to get some drive into the sails. Our ETA was 00.30hrs, the fog cleared then returned even thicker. We dropped the main and rolled away the foresail then headed directly for Brighton, the fog cleared as we began our approach to the marina. Arrived at 23.54hrs after 95mls just got tied up and the fog closed in again!

23.9.03  We had to stay in Brighton an extra day due to the weather conditions, set off at 09.50hrs, (Barry had to leave due to work commitments, so then there were three). A perfect wind was blowing so it was all sails up and full including the staysail, sailing between 7.5 and 9.3kts, a sunny day but chilly, the sailing more than makes up for that! Reached the Alderney Race at 01.00hrs after negotiating the English Channel in total darkness. We sailed through it at nearly 12kts, passed the Big Russell then sailing conditions changed between Sark and Herm – 15kts of wind the engine on and doing 6.8kts but only 2.2kts S.O.G.  Arrived at St Peter Port at 06.15hrs after sailing 132mls in 20hrs, not bad going at all!. Total miles sailed – 312 miles.

24.9.03  After a brief sleep and a shower we went to explore the town, it was red hot out, and the sun was beating down. The town of St Peter Port is really very nice and quite picturesque, the people were also very friendly and if you wanted to cross the roads the traffic actually stopped and they waved you across - remarkable.

25.9.03  We caught the bus to Baucette marina but it was like a hole in the wall to get your boat into. Walked back to St Peter Port via Port Samson (and a pub) we collected some brambles on the way and Bev made a delicious bramble and apple pie for tea.

26.9.03  We went for a look around the castle, it was red hot yet again.  We explored more of the town, (it was a lot bigger than we first thought). Watched the tide rising over the marina sill, it looked like rapids due to the colossal rise and fall in the tides (30ft+).  Bev made us a Sunday lunch, roast beef and all the trimmings, superb! Well it was all over and we flew home the following day after a really great trip to a really beautiful island. Wishing Bev and Barry all the very best – and an enjoyable life aboard.  Good Luck on you visit to Sark!! Mick Fellows