As Autumn starts to take hold, we have one last weekend cruise of the season before the winter haul out.
We set off on Saturday morning; a brisk breeze in the Exe Estuary soon placed us as the Exe Safe Water Mark off of Exmouth beach. Sails were hoisted and we set course to Brixham. The girls helped trim the jib whilst Martin was at the helm. Once out at sea, the waves started building. We were healing over but Suzy Blue, our Jeanneau Sunfast 2500, was more than capable to cut through the choppy sea and we were all quite happy on board; the girls squealing when the waves splashed over the deck.
Our course was direct to Brixham, but it took us a fair way off of land. We were cruising in company and another yacht called us on the radio to suggest we might find it more comfortable if we tacked towards Teignmouth to give a bit of protection from the north easterly wind, which was now gusting up to 20 knots. We changed tack and the weather started to close in. An ominous looking black cloud was rapidly heading our way - would we make it to our destination before it dumped it's rain on us?
The familiar red cliffs along the coastline were being enveloped in low lying cloud, and with the sea state picking up, we were slamming through the waves along the coast before rounding Thatcher Rock and into the shelter of Torbay. As we finally made it to Brixham, the rain hammered down. We were mightily glad to tie up along the visitor pontoon, and head to the shore for a hot chocolate!
The following morning couldn't have been any more different.... blue skies, calm seas and just the mearest hint of wind. As we set off back to Exmouth, the conditions were perfect to hoist the cruising shute. Downwind sailing , and with the sun on our backs, we were then joind by a pod of dolphins who danced alongside our bow - a truly magical end to our season of sailing. Thank you Suzy Blue for some amazing adventures - we can't wait for next summer!