Sunday 31 May 2015

Lousy Weather

No sailing this weekend. Lousy weather.

Thursday 28 May 2015

Fixing Mekićevica's Rudder

Like many trailer-sailers, the Mantas have a rudder that can be lifted out of the water when they are not sailing. The drawback is that when sailing in choppy conditions the rudder swings a lot, which is unnerving and inefficient, as we were reminded last weekend.
So, I decided to do something to fix that: a piece of wood screwed to the wooden support of the rudder will prevent it from swinging.
It is not visible in the photo but inside there is a plastic bit that pushes against the rudder to keep it from swinging. The construction is fragile enough to be what breaks if we hit the bottom. 

Tuesday 26 May 2015

Upwind Fight and the Reward

The second of the May long weekends, Pentecost, is approaching. What does the weather and wind forecast say?
Saturday: some rain, NE 4-5 Bf.
Sunday: sunny, little wind, W-SW if you're lucky.
Monday: cloudy but dry, N-NW 3-4 Bf.
We came up with a cunning plan:
1. Fight our way up-wind on Saturday, from Bruinisse to Scharendijke.
2. Sunday, short hop from Scharendijke to Outdorp, with whatever wind there is.
3. Monday, downwind run back to Bruinisse.
You know what? It worked!

Friday, 22nd of May. Getting ready.
On Friday morning, the skipper got on the little Honda and rode to Bruinisse to clean-up little Mekićevica and change the head-sail from the huge Genny to tiny Jibby. Then in the evening First-Mate joined for drinks and light dinner aboard.

Saturday, 23rd of May. Tough, upwind sail.
When we woke-up on Saturday morning, it was sunny and absolutely calm. But the weatherman was warning that it would soon kick-up a stiff NE 4-5 Bf with some rain. He was right, apart from the little rain... it was a lot of rain.
It was drizzling when we got out of Bruinisse harbour, hoisted full main and jib, and set-off on a close-haul up the Grevelingen. The drizzle persisted, the wind continued to build-up to the point that we decided first to put a reef on the main and then to shorten the (already short) jib.
We managed to go all the way to Scharendijke on the same tack, but it was one of the most demanding trips we have ever done. Even with such short sails Mekićevica often had the toerail in the water. When we came out of the lee of Stampersplaat, where the waves from the NE had the most fetch, she was really rolling. Then suddenly when we got behind the Kabelaarsbank and turned into a broad reach everything calmed down and we glided smoothly into Scharendijke harbour. We were tired, cold but immensely happy with Mekićevica's performance.
We spent the rest of the afternoon on a walk to the nearby villae of Looperskapelle.

Sunday, 24th of May. Ghosting towards Outdorp.
During the night the wind died completely and the sun was shinning. We even had our first breakfast al fresco of the season.
Finally the jacket can come off and breakfast outside.
When we left Scharendijke there was a weak westerly wind, enough to push us gently along on a broad reach. We had to turn into the wind to negotiate the Hompelgeul and I anticipated a couple of quick tacks as the wind was starting to build-up slightly. But when we turned all wind seemed to vanish and it was very slow progress, sometimes having to tack suddenly when the wind shifted unexpectedly. Eventually, we made it across, got more wind and continued on a broad reach, sailing right to the entrance of the yacht harbour.
Finally nice weather!
After a lazy afternoon we went for a run and then to Outdorp for a delicious dinner out.
It started to rain again as we were having dinner and we got had to walk back in the rain.

Monday, 25th of May. Downwind run back to Bruinisse.
By Monday morning the rain had cleared and there were good sunny spells. The wind was a weak northerly. Out of the harbour we unfurled the genoa and sailed gently on a SE course.
Leaving Outdorp behind...
...with Big Genny pulling us on a broad reach.
Instead of the usual Grevelingen main channel, we took the quieter Hals. A couple of jibes as the wind backed to the NW and the channel changed direction brought us back to Bruinisse.

Monday 18 May 2015

Playing the Winds and Tides

Over a four-day weekend we cruised on the Oosterschelde and returned to Bruinisse having always had the wind and tide with us. Here is how we did it.

Thursday 14th of May: Bruinisse to Zierikzee. Nearly ran out of fuel.
As the first long weekend of the sailing season approached, the weather forecast started to look gloomy. On the Wednesday before Ascension Day we as good as gave up. When when we woke up (late) on Thursday the sun was shinning and the weather forecast had radically changed. So we quickly packed, had breakfast, and left for Bruinisse.
It was one of the quickest preparations for sailing we ever did. Unfortunately in the haste I forgot to open the fuel valve of Yoyo Ma and as we left the berth the motor stalled and we were left adrift. There was not that much wind and no damage done, but it was only the first of many motor troubles during this cruise.
Anyway, shortly after noon we were queuing for the Grevelingen lock to get out to the Oosterschelde.  There was a moderate to fresh breeze blowing from the NE and the tide had just started ebbing. Perfect! With only about three-quarters of the genoa out we cruised easily down the Keteen, crossing the shipping lane twice to keep out of the way of the big ships. We had left our options open as to stop in Stavenisse or continue, but all was going so well we continued to Zierikzee. As we motored up the mile-long channel to the harbour, now against both wind and tide, I started to regret I hadn't checked how much fuel we had in the tank and rehearsed in my head the manoeuvres to do if we ran out of fuel. After we were safely tied-up at the far, sheltered end of the harbour, I checked the fuel tank. It was completely empty!
Entering Zierikzee harbour with the last drops of fuel.
Friday 15th of May: Across the Oosterschelde, Zierikzee to Roompot marina.
Brilliant, sunny morning. The wind is a fresh breeze, northerly but forecast to turn NW. We plan to cross the Oosterschelde in a SW course towards Roompot marina. We decided to wait for high water to have the tide with us and avoid a wind against tide situation that always kicks up a big fuss in these waters. We filled the morning going around the beautiful town of Zierikzee and doing some shopping.
Zierikzee city gate.
This sailboat is a strong cruiser and has been through a lot of adventures. And the one on the left has taken many tourists around.
View of Zierikzee from the harbour, the windmill and the town hall spire in the distance.
At around 1330, we motor out of the harbour and immediately unfurl the genoa to about three-quarters, leisurely sailing down the channel. We are in no rush as it is not quite high water yet.
Once out we need to hoist the main to go around the mussel banks (Vuilbard). The wind has already backed to the NW and for a while we have it ahead of the beam. There are some waves and Mekicevica is digging the rail in the water. I don't bother to reef the main because soon we will be turning downwind. Instead I let the main spill a bit of wind. As soon as we turn a southerly course everything becomes calm. Both tide and wind are now with us. Bliss! But it could be a bit warmer...
Only in front of the Roompot marina, now on the lee shore, things become a bit more lively again. Nothing compared to Medemblik last summer. Yoyo Ma is starting to give trouble to start. What is going on with it?
Anyway soon we enter harbour together with two small sailboats, but still larger than Mekicevica.
New beach huts in Roompot.
For diner we walk to the nearby village of Wissenkerke and enjoy a plate of locally grown lamb.

Saturday 16th of May: Short, miserable hop to Colijnsplaat.
Saturday was a wet, windy day. The wind has increased further to a fresh to strong breeze, bringing a fine, persistent rain. The good news is that it backed further to the west. We plan just a short hop along the coast to Colinsplaat, and as long as we get there before 3pm we will have wind and tide with us. We left Roompot marina around 1100, again unfurled three-quarters of the genoa and let wind and tide push us swiftly towards Colijnsplaat. The only difficulties were that the wind was more NW than W, forcing us to be further away from the coast than anticipated and in the moderate visibility the buoys were hard to spot. That plus the fact that Yoyo Ma is getting more difficult to start. It took us just over one hour to get to Colinsplaat, so we didn't have to endure the miserable weather for too long. In the afternoon the sun came out and we were able to go for a run before having dinner aboard.
Drying out after the rain.
Windmill and oak in bloom in Colijnsplaat.
Just opposite to us in the yacht harbour was one of the small boats that had entered Roompot marina with us the previous day. An old wooden boat with Italian flag. We started talking to them and it turned out that the lady is a work colleague of First-Mate.

Sunday 17th of May: Colinsplaat to Bruinisse. More great sailing, more motor troubles.
The sunshine was back with a vengeance on Sunday. Moreover, the wind is now moderate from the SW, and the tide will be flooding from 0930. What could we ask for more? LESS COLD!
With full main a genoa, on a broad reach and pushed by the tide we make our way to Bruinisse. We only had to jibe twice to pass under the bridge and run goose-winged for a bit before entering the Keteen. For the rest it was just relax and enjoy the ride.
A whole flotilla chasing us up the Oosterschelde.
Until the manoeuvring to enter the crowded Grevelingen lock, when Yoyo Ma kept failing and putting us in trouble. We eventually made it to our berth in Bruinisse, even if the skipper botched the berthing again.
We still had time to enjoy the sunshine a bit more, clean-up, and make our way home.


Monday 11 May 2015

A Weekend in Brouwershaven

Early season, unsettled weather. Friday sunny, warm and light easterlies. Saturday is going to blow a hooley, and Sunday light west or southwest. Here is how we made the most of it:

Friday, 9th of May: Single-handed to Brouwershaven
Friday morning, I got on my motorbike and rode to Bruinisse. As promised it was sunny and warm with a light easterly wind. I got Mekićevica ready and just after noon I hoisted sails out of the harbour.
Than it was a most relaxing sailing up the Grevelingen. After tweaking the sails a bit, I could even leave Mekićevica sailing on her own and go below to change to lighter clothes, or shoot photos and movies.
As usual, in the corner around Bomenede the winds were shifting all over and I dowsed the main and continued on Genoa only, especially as in the Geul van Bomenede we were going almost straight downwind.
Almost approaching Brouwershaven, there was a big Halberg-Rassy (38 or something like that) beating and going well out of the marker buoys. Just as I was thinking "they must be locals and know these waters well", they tacked, the sails filled... and they stopped! For a few seconds they just stayed there with sails full, boat heeling, but not moving. But then with a bit of jiggling with the sails and rudder they managed to come free.
In the evening, First-Mate joined me for a dinner at the Zwarte Schaep.

Saturday, 10th of May: Sailing Cycling Walking around
As forecast, on Saturday it was blowing a "yachtsman gale", i.e. 7 Bf. We're not brave enough to sail little Mekićevica in those conditions. We know, because we tried it before!
But we had a plan B: we had the bicycles in the car to go cycling. It was not to be. As soon as we left the shelter of the town, the wind was almost blowing us off the road. So, we gave up the idea, just went for a walk to the charming village of Zonnemaire, and returned for dinner aboard.

Sunday, 11th of May: Variable winds on the return trip.
By Sunday morning the wind had weakened. It begun sunny but soon low clouds came in from the sea. The weather forecast promised they will soon clear so we hung around a bit but finally decided to leave. With no sunshine, it felt so cold I had to go below to change into thermals.
The wind was weak with many slight gusts and constantly changing direction. All the boats out were turning in all directions in some kind of not well rehearsed choreography.
During the afternoon the sun finally came out, the wind picked-up somewhat and the approach to Bruinisse was the most delightful sailing, close-reached to close-hauled with full genoa and main, heeling but not excessively, with the shifting wind forcing us to concentrate on steering and sail trimming.
In the shelter of the harbour it was very pleasant to sit in the sunshine.
Than it was just riding the motorbike to Brouwershaven to retrieve the car, than First-Mate drove me there again to get to the bike and off to home we go.
The pleasant memory of the wonderful sailing approaching Bruinisse stayed with us well into the next day.



Saturday 2 May 2015

Opening of the 2015 Season

It is the 1st of May long weekend. Friday was spent in a frenzy of finishing preparing Mekicevica, and Saturday is Ready-Or-Not-Here-We-Go.
There was plenty of sunshine and only some high cloud and the wind was a weak easterly (2-3 Bf), perfect for the first sail of the season. But it was unseasonaly cold.
Sunshine but still thick clothes and gloves.
We did not sleep aboard, so had a late start. Just after noon we cast-off, hoist the sails immediately out of the harbour and head up the Grevelingen on a broad to beam reach.
Broad to bream reach in a weak easterly wind.
After a little over two hours of relaxed sailing, as we were in front of the harbour of Bommenede, we turned back for the beat back to Bruinisse. Then we really started feeling the cold, especially when on port tack when we were in the shadow of the sails. Fortunately as the sun moved east we could enjoy her warmth again.
About half a dozen tacks and three hours later a frozen but happy crew was back in Bruinisse.
Unfortunately it is going to be very wet on Sunday, so we returned home for the celebration of the start of the season.