1st September

Tenacious was moored mid stream, so we took a water taxi before moving alongside port to make way for the spectacular Dartmouth Regatta fireworks. We saw a fantastic display by the ‘Water Jet Man’, providing entertainment for the crowds on shore.

2nd September

We left the berth at 08:45, and once we found some wind, we were able to set both square and fore and aft sails. The wind eventually expired, so we motored to our destination of Lyme Regis, where we anchored off the Cobb, made famous in the film ‘The French Lieutanant’s Woman’. Numerous local boats came to view Tenacious in all of her glory.

3rd September

After morning briefing, those who wanted to climb had the opportunity to do so, going up the mast and out on the yards under the glorious sunshine (life is a struggle!). We then weighed anchor and headed eastwards towards Chapman’s Pool on the Jurrasic Coast under engine and fore and aft sails. Unbeknown to us (until the following morning), we dropped anchor onto a poorly marked fishing float, anchor and net. Jurrasic Coast provided an excellent swimming venue, getting everybody in high spirits for the quiz which followed (we was robbed, but we are not bitter!) After some confusion as to whether it was or was not Tony’s birthday, a large cake appeared, providing everyone with a tasty snack.

4th September

A lone fisherman appeared, saying he couldn’t pull up his ‘fish nets’. Emergency assistance was offered from the permanent crew. On pulling up the fish nets, they found it was full of crabs. He was given a peace offering from the Bar stock to ease his discomfort. The fisherman went off smiling.

Once on our way, we managed to put up all the sails up for the first time on the trip. We raced on at 3.8 knots, leaving the power boats in our wake…

On our travels, we came across a ship in distress… The STS Prolific had ran out of tartare sauce. Despite all efforts to transfer said sauce via hook and crook, in the end they had to make do with the recipie.

We were then buzzed by a Royal Naval Lynx helicopter, which came alongside to take a picture (as did we).

We are now approaching Sandown Bay for anchorage.

Martin, Chris, Steve, Tony, Douglas, David, Roy and Tom.