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Setting the scene: Although The Manacles are not visible in this
Pendennis pic they actually stretch out from the spur of land you can see
in the distance. There's a dip in them where we first saw Berri's sail.
Yesterday was a strange and exciting day. G and I motored down to Falmouth.
It takes about 1 1/2 hours, depending on traffic. We arrived at about
lunchtime and our first mobile phone call from Alex was at about 4 pm. We
waited up on Pendennis point from about 5.30 but then abandoned for an hour
or so when we heard they were going to be a lot later. We found a beach
side cafe and had mussels and coffees. I'd asked Alex to text me when they
could see The Manacles as we could see them from the cafe and they were
about the furthest point west we could see from Pendennis. He texted us at
about 8.30 and I stood up to look through the nockies. The Manacles stretch out in a line
from a point and at the end of the point the rocks dip and then rise again.
In the dip, just for about half a minute, I saw the white triangle filled
with an orange triangle and I asked Graham to confirm he could see it too.
Felt all gluggy and broke a glass of water reaching for the mobile
phone.. anyway we then went up to Pendennis point again and it was ages
before we had another proper sighting. All the yachts we'd seen coming in
earlier and were so clearly visible must have been larger. We saw Leopard pass swiftly by on
the horizon. Amazing sight.
Berri came and went for a while before we saw her clearly and the light,
sadly, was fading very fast for any good pictures. HM Customs and Excuse
vessel appeared at the opportune moment for panic (shown in pics) but
wasn't at all interested in Berri's cargo of wicked things, nor has anybody
official shown the remotest bit of interest since, as far as I can gather!
The couple who left their names in the Gust book kindly leant us their
better pair of binoculars and as Berri came closer we flashed a huge torch
and our headlights in totally childish manner and the boys found their
Leroy kit and flashed back. Strange, isn't it. With all the achievements in
the world, it all comes down to waving at each other in the end.
So we then swiftly went down to the quay and watched our intrepid pair
trying to find their way round the harbour in the dark. Not amusing, but
finally managed to reach the pontoon which was full so they needed to
double park. Having assumed a catamaran on the end was empty, we called
them across and an angry blonde stuck her head out and complained that we
were going to wake her baby.. and she did all this in an Australian accent.
So we decided the welcoming party had better move up the pontoon a bit and
they fetched up beside a charter fishing boat which was definitely empty
and had a convenient engine cover on which to arrange the gin and tonic.
We think Alex required the oblivion this afforded so he could switch off
for a while - he claims unconsciousness for the rest of the night.
Not so this morning.. Pete found the shower block and emerged gleaming.
We then did the rounds of the RCYC and I expect Alex has told you the
rest. If not, briefly, they can moor on the Yacht club's moorings for much
less than the horrific £20 per night and use the launch to go back and
forth. Jeremy's shed is in for filling tomorrow when they move the boat.
They are staying at a place like a backpackers' while they empty the boat
to clean it and allow the marine electrician to inspect and repair the
wiring.
We have their washing and it's remained in the garage until we dare open
it up.
We are a bit knackered.
Isabella.
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