Tuesday 17 May. Pierowall to Periowall Roads to Periowall. 8 nm

Anyone reading the title, will realise that today didn’t quite go to plan. Leaving s pontoon is quite a lot of effort especially in a wind ( which blowing 20 knots in the harbour) . Sorting the lines out into ones which you can slip from onboard, fenders sorted, everything stowed, clothes on. Etc etc. We had to motor back against the spring rope so that the bow blew out enough for us to go forward without hitting the boat in front. All was well with that! We were immediately out beyond the harbour wall and wow! I had to get the fenders and lines in and attached/ stowed bouncing around, but attached to my harness line which is clipped onto a running strap which runs the length of the boat, allowing you to feel safe ( ish). 😳 we ploughed on into big waves under motor, but we’re not making much progress. The wind and waves are against us even though the tide should be with us. We put the headsail out to help and tacked a few times before Julian announced that we were returning to Pierowall. A good decision. We wouldn’t have got to where we needed to be and maybe the weather will be better tomorrow. I texted Tom to say we were coming back and bless them … they were all there to take our lines when we made it back into the harbour. A great relief. I spent the next bit of the day trying to locate an appropriate bolt for the sliders on the frame of the cockpit tent which had randomly completely sheered off since we had put it up two days ago! No luck but we’ve cobbled it on for now. This evening we went for a lovely meal at the Pierowall Hotel after the arrival of a beautiful boat …. a Fife ….. Called “ Swan” into the marina. You can google her! Tomorrow we try again.

What I learned today……. giving up on something can be the best decision

Sue x