A couple of single handed sailors came in yesterday. They are on something called the Jester Challenge….Plymouth to Baltimore Ireland…and back presumably. They both look a bit knackered as light winds and/ or winds on the nose have meant that they have spent over 2 nights at sea with not a lot of sleep!

We are also moored next to an old classic wooden boat who, like us, are planning to head off to the Sciliies. We both resign ourselves to motoring most of the way in very light airs. Our purist guilt is slightly mollified when we learn that he is a very well known yachting journalist (ex of the Times) and writer for Classic Boats. He and his wife have cruised the west coast extensively and are not only well seasoned but also not afraid to burn some diesel.

There is a decent period of settled weather and we feel that it would be silly to lose the opportunity. So…into town for some of Aunty’s May’s pasties and some local saffron cake and then off.

The sea is calm and the diesel purrs away as we leave Newlyn behind in company with a few other boats. The auto helm is on, there are no sails to set. Just a watch kept for pot buoys….and so the day passes. The headlands and Minack Thestre slip past and we leave the mainland and the Longships lighthouse behind.

We reach Wolf Rock light and watch it slide past in the company of pasties and a cup of coffee. The temptation  on days like this is to keep snacking…and still the wind is on the nose…

We get our first sight of the Scillies and start to feel like we will actually touch them for the first time. We have opted to head for St Mary’s although another St Mary’s has a special place for half the crew! On match days, the red and white St Mary’s has around15 times the entire population of the island.

The different islands start to become distinct and we head for the rocky passage between Gugh and St Mary’s.

There are some easterlies later in the week so we’re heading for the western moorings or anchorages, accepting that there may be some swell left over from the previous winds. We don’t expect to find a mooring buoy, but take a turn round the harbour just in case…and there is one left!!! Here we are and a celebratory toast confirms our arrival.

The pasties for lunch were very filling so supper is just some eggs, cheese  and the odd dram or two of rum.

The sun goes down on a near perfect day in an amazing spot.