14th October

We tried to make a passage across Lyme Bay to Weymouth on the 13^th but the sea was too rough.   The forecast for the 14^th was for a moderate, rather than rough sea, with slightly less wind.  The wind was north east but promising to swing north, so we finally left Dartmouth on the 14^th at 0120 hrs.   The sea was indeed moderate and very lumpy, but as the wind was a only a force three when we got out of the harbour, we decided to carry on.   Half way across the bay it was still dark and very cold.  We both had several layers of clothing, including thermals, oilies, hats and gloves but we still felt chilly!  Warm drinks, a bacon roll, three hot water bottles and a cuddle helped warm us up a bit.   The occasional lights from passing fishing boats kept us alert, but sadly there was no sign of wildlife to entertain us. 

As dawn broke we could see the Isle of Portland in the distance, which lifted our spirits.   Once closer to the island, I contacted the Portland Coast Watch to check on the state of the water off Portland Bill.  At the bottom of the Bill, a strong and dangerous tidal race runs for ten out of every twelve hours.  The water rushes down both sides of the island to meet at the bottom and cause very confused and dangerous seas.   We had two options.  One was to avoid the area completely which meant putting fourteen hours on our journey.    Or we could use an inshore passage that hugs the Portland coastline.   This inshore passage is only possible in daylight and in reasonable weather, however timing is crucial. It is best to arrive at slack water.   I did a final check on our speed and distance to the Bill and was happy that we would reach the Bill at Dover High water +0530 (0947hrs).   I set a course to arrive half way up the west side of the island (To avoid being swept into the race) and we hugged the rocky shore as we headed south towards the Bill.  Another quick call to the Coast Watch confirmed the inshore passage was still OK.  We rounded the bill just at the time the tide would turn eastwards.   Tony and I had planned to use the tide to carry on to the Solent.  However, with just a couple of hours sleep the previous evening, we were both shattered and made passage to Weymouth instead.   We moored up at 1050hrs in Weymouth Old Town Harbour.

Photograph shows Portland Bill Lighthouse