Friday 21 May 2010 St Mary’s Harbour Isles of Scilly N490 55.112’ W0060 18.796’

Awoke early in Newlyn to find thick fog enveloping the harbour with visibility down to maybe 50 yards, the trawler moored astern of us was only partially visible. Hence, returned to a warm bunk! However, slowly the fog lifted – fishermen advised that if it had lifted by 10:00am it would not return. It did and Alcyone left at 0900 hours bound for the Scilly Isles.

Guy tells me that we had three high points in a most enjoyable day; they are, in order of importance, are (i) retrieving a new fender from the sea, (ii) having a school of dolphins play around the boat, and (iii) after previous abortive attempts, navigating Alcyone to the Isles of Scilly.

Alcyone arrived in St Mary’s Harbour at 1700 hours and so loosing her Isles of Scilly virginity. The passage to St Mary’s Harbour was motoring all the way in bright sunshine, calm seas and no wind – itself a highlight, being warm for the first time in this cruise. In 2005 we set out form L’Aberwac for Isles of Scilly but a North West Force 7 wind made Plymouth the only viable harbour. An attempt in 2008 also foundered on bad weather with a forecast of rough seas, fog and Force 7 winds. And it is worth the effort – clear blue water, blindingly white beaches, wonderful light, and a magical a ambiance.

Early afternoon, midway across the traffic separation zone, we became aware of a commotion alongside and under Alcyone; beautiful dolphins had come to play in the sunshine with another beautiful friend, Alcyone. A wondrous experience but very difficult to photograph as they swooped and dived around an under the boat.

As for the fender, what can one say about Guy’s fender, except that the cockpit locker really is full now!