Small Boat Voyages

Things are getting back to normal after my gall bladder operation. A week after the op I was up and about, and two weeks later fully fit I was ready for my first sail. The waiting list for that op was nearly a year during which time I had been advised by my doctor to not do anything too strenuous or risk another painful episode. Now feeling fit as a bosun’s dog and rearing to get back onto the water. Re rigged Tarka to complete the work needed for this year after moving to the new trailer and sorting out the rollers so all that remains it to get onto the water to check everything out.

First opportunity arose. A few days after full moon we have the highest spring tide at roughly 3pm at Meols, Wirral. A tide over 9m provides sufficient water to flood the ‘lake’ aka Hoylake, which is the area between a huge sandbank some 500m offshore and the concrete flood barrier with its slipway at Dove Point. As the surf broke over the sandbank and water raced into the lake it became apparent that any sailing would be challenging. My good friends John Hughs and Chris Woodworth had volunteered to join me on this day sail, both very capable sailors and experienced in this location assessed the conditions and did a last minute dynamic risk assessment, taking into account that it was my first sail in a year and with a fresh rerig and advised me to cancel.

This  weekend storm Lilian had just blown over so I expected it to be lively but as it turned out it was still very windy and with Johns assessment taken on board I decided not to launch. A little disappointing but on the bright side I had accomplished a fully laden road test and complete rig followed by partial derig leaving Tarka in a ready state pending the next sailing opportunity. Not to mention a day out in the fresh air, plenty of rigging practice, and the company of friends. What could be better? Well maybe a few hours sailing, but the best advice anyone can give in these situations is: know when to quit while you are ahead.

Tarka rigged and ready to go.