Today’s the big day when Chione will be launched after 11 months ashore. This day has been a long time coming and Martin and I are looking forward to being able to sail again.

There is still quite a bit of cosmetic tidying and cleaning to be done (as a result of being ashore for so long), but a few buckets of soapy water and some elbow grease will soon have her ship-shape again!

At the start of Jul 23, Chione was lifted ashore at Plymouth Yacht Haven Quay for a two-week maintenance package……..

Earlier in the year, when we had sailed to Falmouth, I had noticed that the bottom edge of the tiller was chafing on the opening that it passes through in the stern to connect to the rudder stock. Initially, I thought that the nylon bushes on the rudder pintles had worn, so I set about replacing these. A few hours work later, I clambered back up the ladder to check if the new bushes had made a difference and…… no, they hadn’t! It was at this time, and on closer inspection, that I realised that the socket in the top of the rudder stock had begun to rot, allowing the tiller to sit lower and chafe on the stern opening. My presumption is that the rudder and stock are original, so at 25 years old, some rot was to be expected – especially as the socket in the rudder stock doesn’t freely drain, allowing rain water to collect.

Finding a shipwright who was willing (and had the capacity) to repair the rudder stock took some time and it wasn’t until October that the rudder stock was repaired and re-instated. A new top section has been scarphed in and the cheeks have been reinforced with stainless steel plates. By the time the work was complete, the weather had deteriorated to the point that the Copper Coat anti-foul that was being applied to Chione by H2O Marine couldn’t be completed.

Fast forward to May 24 and finally the weather in the West Country improved enough for the copper coating to be applied and the topsides buffed. The sojourn ashore has allowed some other maintenance work to be completed, which has included replacing sea-cocks, having a new mainsail cover made (by Armada Sails, Plymouth), new hatch covers and replacing the solar vent in the forepeak.

Of note, the white paint on Chione’s propeller is Marlin Velox Plus propeller anti-foul. It’s a two coat system consisting of undercoat and top coat. I find it works well, and as long as the prop is turned regularly, it will remain clear of fouling. 

Chione is scheduled to be launched on Wed 5 Jun after which she’ll return to King Point Marina where we’ll get her ready for sailing again!

Chione ‘dressed overall’ for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Sat 6 May. Martin and I spent the day onboard and watched the Coronation, while it rained outside. By the afternoon the weather had cleared and there was lovely early summer sunshine.

On Sun 7 May we sailed over to Jennycliff Bay, tacked and then headed into Cawsand Bay. Very light winds and warm sunshine made a pleasant day’s sail. During the afternoon, while becalmed, we caught the first mackerel of the year! As it was only small, it was let go.

Some more images of the trip to Falmouth and back over the Easter weekend. Looking back at a foggy Plymouth; the intrepid sailors(!); a small libation to celebrate passing St Anthony’s Head Lighthouse; Mylor Yacht Harbour in early evening sunshine; and, an anchored freighter that we passed on the way to the Helford River (note the change in weather conditions to overcast and gusty winds).

We left Plymouth in thick fog at 0700 on Fri 7 Apr and headed out towards the breakwater. I’ll admit to being a bit apprehensive due to the poor visibility, but there was no need to worry as the fog began to clear as the breakwater came into view and by the time Cawsand Bay was abeam, visibility at sea was good.

We motor-sailed most of the way to Falmouth as the wind was light for the majority of the day, only picking up as we passed Dodman Point, at which point the engine was stopped and we sailed the rest of the way into Falmouth Harbour and up Carrick Roads to Mylor Yacht Harbour. The Staff at Mylor were very friendly and welcoming and, unlike other Falmouth marinas, they allowed us to pre-book a Visitor Berth. Also, the facilities at Mylor were excellent as was the meal we had on Saturday night at Castaways Restaurant.

During the day on Saturday we sailed up to Malpas, passing Trelissick Gardens, the Tregothnan Tea Plantation and King Harry Ferry amongst others. Sunday saw us head over to the Helford River which was an enjoyable sail despite the blustery weather and overcast skies. Helford was very quiet and the majority of the moorings were still vacant which allowed is to pick up a mooring for lunch just to the East of Frenchman’s Creek.

On Monday we headed home and what a sail it was! Leaving Falmouth at 0600 it was just getting light and the wind was gusty from the SW at approx Force 4 – 5. Under just headsail and engine we were making 6 knots over the ground in a lumpy following sea. As we passed Dodman Point the wind increased to Force 5 – 6 with the occasional gust at Force 7. I estimate that the swell was in the region of 3 metres with the odd breaking crest from the starboard quarter. Wash-boards were firmly in place and we were both clipped on with life jackets. Other than trips below for snacks, drinks and to update the log, we both remained on deck for the duration of the passage. I think we were both a bit apprehensive about the conditions and I did consider diverting to Fowey, but this would have resulted in a 4 – 5 mile passage with the sea on the beam, so standing on to Plymouth seemed more favourable. From about 1100 onwards conditions remained steady and despite the swell and breaking crests, Chione remained dry on deck throughout. The worst of the conditions were experienced off Penlee Point when the waves became quite steep and we had 10 minutes of surfing down the front of them. We were both relieved to get back alongside King Point Marina at 1400 when we had a well deserved (late) lunch. Storm Noa hit the following day and the wind and sea state that we experienced on the way back from Falmouth would have been a precursor!

Had a great day’s sailing on Sunday with light NE winds and warm sun. Chione has not been lifted out of the water now for 18 months, so marine growth is starting to build up which slows her down noticeably! That said, in light winds and a smooth sea state she still pushed along at between 4 – 4.5 knots. Sailed East to the Wembury Mewstone at which point we decided to head back into King Point Marina. As the 2022/23 berthing season has come to an end, we have managed to move berths to the one on the outside of our previous berth which, due to prop-wash, makes coming alongside port-side-to much easier.

For our next outing we are planning to head West on Fri 7 Apr to spend Easter in Falmouth. Fingers crossed for favourable weather!