Managed to tear ourselves away from the “fleshpots” of Milford Haven (LIDL AND Tesco!). Spent Tuesday night at the anchorage at Dale so as to start early.  It was still pretty windy, fortunately the holding was good.  We set off at 6am into a big sea, guess we must get used to such for the Atlantic crossing (but hopefully it will be warmer then). Gradually the waves flattened out and we had a good sail with Hydra the Hydravane doing the steering which means less amps for Wendy the wind generator to replace in the batteries.  And it was mostly sunny and it DIDNT RAIN!!  It was a beautiful moonlit night.   We rounded Lands End at midnight then sailed along the south coast of England finally berthing in the Mayflower marina in Plymouth about 6pm, 202 miles.

Force 9 forecast for the Bristol Channel so I think we will be here for another day at least.  Have been trying to sort out our IT, thought we were winning with good internet access with the wifi extender this morning, but nothing doing in the afternoon.  Maybe everyone else was using it then?

Sailed from Holyhead at 5 pm in time to catch the S going tide. Wind from NNW and behind us at last.  Good sail overnight, quite a strong wind, and had to reef.  It’s ages since we’ve done a proper night sail, the Stars were amazing, but so so cold and Timshel charging along in the darkness through quite a big sea. Lovely sunny morning, 5 dolphins came to play around the boat, I think they were a family group with various sizes, always lovely to see them.  Eventually sailed into Milford Haven, lots of craft out enjoying a nice day, but sadly not forecast to stay that way, gales and rain for  tomorrow so we may be here for a few days.

July 24: we are slowly making our way down the Irish Sea – slow because we are mostly going against the prevailing SW wind.  Anchored at Lamlash, Isle of Arran – it was wet. Swedish sail training ship Atlantica anchored next door, some of them went in for a (v quick) swim – mad young things!  Then Lady Bay, Loch Ryan – rocked none too gently by big ferries going too and from Stranraer and Cairn Ryan.  Good sail once the wind got up to Peel, Isle of Man where we tied to a buoy.  Saw a pilot whale en route.  Then a long and sometimes boisterous sail down to Holyhead, more big ferries to avoid.  We are tied up in the marina here, the marina manager was very welcoming.  No need for new Bimini sunshade, thermals more the order of the day. At last have some 3G again to update the blog.  Lots of jobs to do here – get fuel, water and shopping and get rid of rubbish, and showers!

This the website for Westerly Oceanlord Timshel.

MMSI number: 235087832

CALL SIGN: 2ESR4

July 19 2015: At last we have left! Spent the day cleaning the teak and filling water tanks (A) and making fender boards (doubling as place to lash deck cargo of water and fuel cans (S helped by Steve P). Filled cans with fuel, paid our marina bill, said fond farewells to marina and chandlery staff, and Malcolm (Offspring), and went. Jane and Steve waved from their garden in Skelmorlie, the sun shone and there was a gentle breeze. We haven’t gone far yet I’m afraid – anchored at Great Cumbrae for the night. The AIS switch is unreliable at the moment  so you may not be able to  track us yet.

June/July 2015: we got lots of Bon voyage cards including these wonderful collages made by Samantha and Joanna MacDonald.  Also of course retirement cards for Steve, 60 th birthday cards for Steve (22 June) and anniversary cards (11th July).