An 82 Year Old Man's Dream to Sail His Mirror Dinghy Across Some of the World's Most Dangerous Seas

The Atlantic Ocean between The Isles of Scilly, some 28 miles southwest of the United Kingdom mainland, and Land's End is dangerous. There are probably more wrecks per square mile in this area than anywhere else in the world, but this did not stop 82 year old Tony Clee from dreaming about making the 40 mile passage from The Isles of Scilly to Marazion in his 10 and a half foot Mirror sailing dinghy, 'Auk'.

However, Tony was not just a dreamer. He really wanted to turn his dream into reality so the planning commenced. More than a year and a half later, at 07:07 hours on Friday 25 July 2008 Tony and his crew, 16 year old Beth White, finally set sail in a very light southerly breeze, and headed out of St. Mary's harbour, Isles of Scilly, north-east into Crow Sound - destination Marazion.

The visibility was poor but both wind and visibility were forecast to improve. By 08:00 hours 'Auk' had crossed Crow Bar and just passed the south cardinal mark for Hats rocks. The wind had increased to force 2-3 (still from the south) and the sea state was a one foot swell. Visibility had improved, but the sky was still overcast. Over the next hour as Auk began to pull clear of the islands at three knots the seas gradually increased to a two foot swell. The skies were still overcast, but it was beginning to look like the perfect day for a sail.

Tony passed the helm to Beth, who decided immediately to hoist the spinnaker. The wind had now veered slightly towards the west, the seas had decreased a little and speed over the ground had increased to five knots. And the sun had finally come out. By 10:30 hours they had reached the south bound shipping lane, between The Isles of Scilly and mainland Cornwall. Two ships, a small coaster and a container ship, passed ahead and then it was all clear. Just before 11:00 hours 'Auk' passed the Scillionian ferry on its outward passage to St. Mary's. The support boat made contact by VHF radio and staged some photographs. By 12:00 hours Tony and Beth had cleared the north bound shipping lane without incident and were some three miles north-west of Wolf Rock lighthouse. The wind had now veered further, steadying at force 3 and 'Auk' was now travelling at five and a half knots with the spinnaker still flying.

The wind continued to veer and by 13:00 hours it reached westerly; after more than five hours on starboard tack it was time to gybe onto port. There was no way that Beth was going to pull the spinnaker down so the gybe was carried out with the spinnaker flying. The change in wind had by now given rise to a two foot swell with some occasional larger waves to surf down. 'Auk' was still managing to average five and a half knots.

The advance passage planning had indicated that it was essential to get the tidal flow right. This meant that 'Auk' had to keep well clear of the coast from Land's End to Mount's Bay and keep a sharp eye out for shipping. By 14:00 hours the wind had backed just a little and Marazion and St. Michael's Mount finally came into view in the very far distance. 'Auk' was now travelling at four knots. Over the next hour the wind began to drop. By the time they reached Tater Du lighthouse it had dropped to force 2 and the swell had increased to three feet. 'Auk' was now travelling at just two knots.

It then took an hour to reach the fishing village of Mousehole, and a further hour to cross Mount's Bay to reach St. Michael's Mount. Finally, at 17:17 hours Tony, Beth and 'Auk' landed on the beach at Marazion. Tony is certain that they are the oldest and the youngest crew in the smallest sailing boat ever to attempt the 40 mile crossing.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4642590

Create An Email Newsletter !!

Send Your First Email Newsletter Today - AWeber Communications

Xavier Cowes Week 2011 Video

A boat in a harbor is safe but that's not what boats are for !!

Cowes Week - Day 03

Extreme Sailing Series - Cowes 2011 - Action Ramps Up on Day 1 at Cowes

Cowes Week Sunday 2011

AAM Extreme 40 sailing practice for Cowes Week, August 2011

WILDWIND SAILING HOLIDAYS PART 1.m2ts

Sunsail Flotilla in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

High Wind Laser Sailing - 18 Knots!

Extreme Laser Sailing

Caribbean Leeward Islands - Great For a Sailing Holiday

Sailing in Leeward Islands is both fun and sundry because the region is composed of several stunning places. These are are the islands of Dominica, Saint Bartholomew, Anguilla, the American Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Guadeloupe. Although it is not officially recognized as part of the group, the Isla Aves has been informally included as one of the Leewards. The British part of Leeward Islands once have a colonial flag. It was officially used from 1871 to 1956. However, the formal use of the flag was discontinued when the colony of the Leeward Islands was ended in 1956.

The name "Leeward" was given to the group of islands because of the current winds in the area that blows from northwest. These trade winds are almost constant all over the year and blows from 10 to 25 knots. Because of the Atlantic ocean, the strongest currents and largest waves are most often on the northeastern sides of the islands. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are generally much calmer and make easier sailing.

Sailing in Leeward Islands is best done from the months of November to July. This period is recognized as the most perfect yacht season of the year. Also, the months of December to March is recognized as the peak season wherein thousands of local and international sailors all around the world flock the Leewards and sail its magnificent coastal waters.
Average air temperatures range from 22º to 30º C (72º to 86º F) and the water temperatures stay between 20º and 23º C (68º and 74º F).
July to October is the least attractive months because this is when the hurricane season is very prevalent.

Leeward Islands have been considered as one of the most excellent sailing areas in the world. This is true especially along the areas of St. Martin, Antigua, and Dominica. At present, you will notice a lot of big cruises such as luxury motor yachts and Super Yachts while cruising in the Lewards.

One of the best starting points when cruising in Lewards is in Antigua. This islet is a major yacht hub not only in the Lewards but also in the Caribbean. Antigua became famous when it became Great Britain's base in the West Indies during the 18th century. Antigua has remarkable beaches with beautiful white sand.

From Antigua, you can turn your route to St. Kitts and Nevis - one of Caribbean's several "twin island nations". Sailing in Leeward Islands through the St. Kitts and Nevis, your itinerary can be filled with adventure and fun. The place is beautiful and its waters so magical. It is also very historic as evidenced by its old sugar plantations, forts, and monuments.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/698794