Sailing Season 2018   -   The Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, Jersey and Guernsey

This page simply wants to be a reflection of the possibilities offered to the offshore navigation of a small sailboat somewhat old but well maintained and equipped. Petit Prince 2 is a sailboat of the Sangria type. Built in 1979 by Jeanneau boatyard, it will celebrate its forty years next season, in 2019 (presentation of plans and technical details under the heading "Petit Prince 2 in pictures and links"). It is also a way to share the trip with those who follow me, navigators, radio amateurs, stopovers, acquaintances, friends or family. The notes and images recorded here are for the past season. This is a brief summary of Petit Prince 2's activity. A new page will be published at the end of each sailing season. The content should be enriched also with small videos. This season ends successfully with a long-standing project. After the preparation of the sailboat during the 2017 season, the exceptional weather of this year has allowed the realization of a journey filled with beautiful discoveries and unforeseen events. After a short visit to the Chausey Islands (some pictures in the gallery 1), Petit Prince 2 left for a great tour of the Western Channel (map of the journey, heading "Petit Prince 2 in pictures and links").

Departure Granville (Normandy), for a journey of 200 nautical miles nonstop. Fair weather, light weather and sometimes lack of wind were at the rendezvous, which prolonged somewhat the duration of this crossing. Finally, after two and a half days of sailing, Petit Prince 2 was anchored at Scilly Islands, in the harbor of Hugh Town, St. Mary's Island. The capital of the archipelago, Hugh Town is a small town of about one thousand inhabitants. You will find there the essential necessary things for the boats and a shipchandler. A note anyway, the port is not equipped for grey water drain. In addition to St. Mary's, several parts of the archipelago have been visited: the marvelous Tresco Gardens (gallery 2), the Northern Rocks and St. Martin's Island (gallery 3). The influence of the Gulf Stream and a lot of sunshine make the Scilly Islands archipelago an idyllic stopover.

Next stop, still in Cornwall, Falmouth (images gallery 4). A beautiful sail upstream along the picturesque Penryn River from the mouth of the Fal River to Falmouth Yacht Marina (recommended for its comfort), about 1 nautical mile from downtown. Beware of the draft, there is a sill at the entrance of the marina and a gauge indicating the level of water over it. There is a nice yacht club. Sailboat competition on the river every Friday. Some good moments with the OCC Port Officer and members of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club.

Then, Dartmouth, county of Devon. This charming port, at the entrance of the river Dart, is another popular tourist destination (gallery 4).

Second crossing of the Western Channel, shorter this time, towards Guernsey. First upwind, then flat calm, and then the wind gradually turned to crosswind. Leaving at midday, Petit Prince 2 reached Guernsey the next day at dawn and entered St. Peter Port with the high tide (gallery 5). Friendly welcome at Victoria Marina as well as at the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club. After a few days of rest and a visit to the Guernsey Yacht CLub, a short crossing, with a downwind, led Petit Prince 2 to St. Helier, the capital of Jersey, by doubling the La Corbière lighthouse. Arrived at the beginning of the evening, it was necessary to wait at Albert Pier until midnight to be able to enter St. Helier Marina closed by a gate at low tide. Difficult to find a place, in the darkness what's more. A few days of pleasant and interesting stopover. After the passage of a short stormy depression, the return journey to Granville was accompanied by a crosswind of force 4 (at last!) forcing first and then softening around the Chausey Islands. Boat side, using the gennaker, 8 knots speed peaks were recorded. Petit Prince 2 made an entrance in the port of Granville on a glassy sea under a bright sun, for a well deserved rest before heading south next season.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff of St. Mary's Medical Health Center, the staff of Falmouth Yacht Marina, the super mechanic who replaced the engine at Falmouth, OCC members and OCC Port Officers, met at stopovers and very helpful people, Coor aboard Kittiwake my pontoon neighbor in Dartmouth, Brothers of the Coast Overdrive and Solo Slim on the yacht S/Y Vesper met at the Scilly Islands, the Breton Girl boat met in Jersey, the friendly crew of the yacht Minerve from Granville with whom I became acquainted in Jersey, the radio amateurs of the Waterloo radio club in Belgium, and all those who lent me a hand to moor the boat and who will recognize themselves here. And a hello to Golondrina of Granville.