The summer of 2022 turned out to be perfect for local pottering with our new "boat dog". Molly was acquired at 8weeks old in November 2021, from a local litter of eight cocker spaniels. she seemed the least boisterous and hopefully would be small enough to lift aboard with ease. Plans to introduce her to sailing at a young age were partially scuppered, along with Falmouth Classics, by a retro orbital infection, fortunately dealt with in Bristol under her insurance.
She eventually embarked with us, in August, for a gentle introductory cruise in local waters. However the weather was so benign, that her first passage was around the Lizard to Mullion Cove for her first night aboard.
This went well and after an early run on the cliffs, we raised the anchor and headed west across Mounts Bay, towards the Isles of Scilly.
The wind remained favourable and we arrived at St. Agnes well before dark, to a very crowded anchorage. By the time we had found a spot, with somewhat less scope than we wold have liked, Julie gave Molly a run ashore and it was dark with a brilliant full moon, while we dined aboard.
A long walk around Ghue was followed by a tidal sail through St Mary's Sound, to St. Helen's Pool, after finding the most sheltered spot from the gentle swell, the anchor was laid for five days of island hopping by dinghy. Teal the first evening, Round Island then, Tresco and the Gardens on day two, all followed by a swim.
On day three, "Nomad", the Shaws successor to "Susan J", was anchored at New Grimsby (we missed them at Tresco Gardens the previous day) and it is but a short walk form Old Grimsby, where we landed the dinghy, across the Island to the New Inn where we enjoyed a pleasant breakfast with Mike and Dan and Dan's family.
New Grimsby was as packed as St Agnes, as we had anticipated and a fair few Helford and Falmouth boats were at anchor, including two Luke Powell pilot cutters. A long walk around the NW of the Island, included a thorough exploration of Cromwell's Castle, ended in a swim from the fine white sand, south of Old Grimsby, where Molly actually swam out of her depth!
The next day, with a slight mist but otherwise glorious sunshine, was spent on St Martin's, enjoying another swim and on our return to the dinghy we visited the Seven Stones Inn, where we chatted to Luke, Jo and "Pellew"'s crew.
A last day at anchor and ashore, in perfect weather and light, before an early meal aboard.
It took a while to raise the anchor after four days, there being considerable kelp wrapped around the chain from swinging in the tide. We left the anchorage with plenty of light left for the pilotage out through Crow Sound and on towards the Lizard. The night was frustrating, in as much as the wind was almost directly astern and some motoring was required in the calm patches. Otherwise, an uneventful passage was completed, stopping at 09:00 off Coverack for Molly to have a run ashore, before a hearty breakfast and a sleep, returning to the Helford for a night near the entrance. Before returning to our mooring in the rain.
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