To Brixham

Day 9
Tuesday 11th May
Left Weymouth at 08.00 and reached out to Portland Bill. Encountered a little rough stuff, but by the time I had started the engine we were out of it. The wind was not as strong as forecast, and it soon became apparent that we would have to motor all the way to Brixham, so we changed plan and made for Axmouth running along at some 4kts using the cruising chute and main. Even so the wind was disappointing and eventually went northerly. So we motored inshore and then sailed parallel to the coast past Lyme Regis towards our destination. The sea was very calm and Steve prepared a fine meal of beef braised in wine with peppers. We did manage to catch two fine mackerel. They will do for tomorrow. When we were about half an hour away the harbourmaster at Axmouth advised us that the bar was not really safe today. Accordingly we motored back to Lyme Regis and tied up against the harbour wall at 17.35.
After tea we walked over to the yacht club and enjoyed a pint and a chat with one of their senior members, also an ex-teacher, before turning in at 10pm. Early start required tomorrow. HW 0600.
Day 10
Wednesday 12th May.
Woke at about 5.00 and made porridge for breakfast. It did not take long to ready the boat for sea. As thee was no space to turn under way we wound the boat before setting off. The forecast Nef3 was there as soon as we left the shelter of the harbour, and we were soon moving along the coast, about half a mile off, towards Axmouth. Here we came close inshore so Steve could see the narrow entrance, and then we set course to pass close in by Beer Head. The wind seemed ideal to run double headed down to Brixham, and so we hoisted the chute and did so for a short while before the wind petered slowly out and began to vary in direction. Some shower clouds were advancing. We accordingly snuffed the chute and changed tack with the genoa, but the achieved speed of just over two knots was insufficient, and so the engine was employed. Then came the rain, not heavy and not prolonged, but then the wind moved round further so that we were motorsailing on a beat into a southerly sea breeze. This continued to Brixham where we tied up on the club pontoon at 14.00.
Shortly;y after that the dinghy was launched and paddled over to the steps. The clubhouse was open but unattended, so we moseyed off down to town and a spot of food shopping.