Baltimore > Sherkin > Baltimore

Tying up to the pier on Sherkin

The plan for today is to sail around the bay a bit, stop in on Sherkin, and return to Baltimore. We prepare to set off, checking things off our list. I hank on the staysail, but then I can’t find the staysail sheets. I take it down again and put it back in its bag. We’ll go with the main and jib and I'll figure out the staysail later. We prepare the main with the intention of putting in the first reef but then end up putting in the second one too, and decide to just go with that. The first sail of the season can be like that sometimes, where things don’t come easily to hand, don’t seem to fit, or can’t be found at all! Human and machine both need time to get back into the groove.

The winds are light and we sail around the harbour a bit but I’m very conscious of not wanting to overdo things. The girls can quickly get bored of seemingly going around in circles in the harbour, while I'm loving every minute. Must keep the balance right. So we take in the sails and prepare to anchor in our usual spot off Sherkin. Once we are confident that our anchor is well dug in, we climb into the dinghy and row across to the pier. Tie up to the handrail, then climb the steps and up the hill to the Islander’s Rest where we take our usual table in the bar. The chowder is lovely, and washed down nicely with a pint. 

We head back to the boat and pull up the anchor. The wind has picked up and it’s a bit blustery now so we don’t bother hoisting the sails. We're all feeling a bit tired and lazy. We motor across to our mooring just west of the pontoon, stow everything and row back ashore. We can’t seem to pass the Jolie Brise without going in, the pull is just too strong. And it feels like a bit of a reward for having successfully sailed a small boat around a mildly windy harbour with lots of rocks, tidal currents, traffic, and other stuff that can ruin your day. We deserve it!

5/07/2018

REL, F1-3

Baltimore to Sherkin and back. Sunny and hot. Flat water.