The Lonely Cygnet

A skeletal mast stripped of sail motored into view as the first yacht of the year, the "Cygnet," came bound down channel for Clovelly. As they made good their approach they fendered down their starboard ready to lay alongside, but unaware, thanks to the winters gales, of a bank of stones built up across the harbour entrance, and late on tide, the yacht taking a wide berth in order to have a look into the unfamiliar harbour ran in and grounded before any communications could be made as to the vessels draught. Oh dear!!

A hurried attempt to get a small local boat off its moorings and out to assist was heavily watched by those quicker to condemn than to help, but with purposeful endeavour and a sharp knife! Lines were freed and............Too late! The yacht had freed itself of its pebbly burden and put out into deeper water. Sensibly deciding that a safer option was to re-enter on the top of the following tide, in the meantime they took a mooring and came ashore, pub bound, in their tender.

The night settled peacefully with calm seas and still winds lulling the bay; until a phone call from another cruising yacht, requesting assistance for a sick crew member threatened to ebb away the peace. The tide had drained from the harbour so I was unable to get out to them myself and with the added worry of the crew developing chest pains, they decided it would be prudent to contact the Coastguards.

The Lifeboat crew mustered quickly, responding to every call with equal dedication, whether a calm sea and simple evacuation or terrible gale and night long ordeal, the training, the commitment, the service, is why they turn up night or day, wind or wet. With the tide at low water it meant a clanking, shaking launch over boulder and stone, but when afloat the Lifeboat sped quickly to the grateful casualty and rendered assistance. Such is the start of another season and the duties of the mariner, to be ready to assist others at all times.

The "Cygnet" eventually made good her entry and remained weather locked for the next four days. Her crew enjoying the roaring Red Lion delights, until the briefest of lulls saw them make good their escape. Plymouth being their destination, a long passage down around the land; and a pleasant summer cruising, their intention.

Our first yacht of the season, our first shout of the season. No one knows what the season will bring, no one knows what adventures are yet to be had, but as we wave farewell to one yacht you can rest assured that there will be another one heading our way very soon.