Thisbe Arrives

Early this year, we sold little ZigZag, to a family of sailors based in Dungarvan and became the latest owners of a beautiful boat called Thisbe, a Nicholson 32.

We flew to Cornwall, got picked up by the fantastic couple, Sue and Manny Cockle and went straight to Mylor Marina to see our new baby.

There on the pontoon, after a shake of hands and a few tears, Thisbe changed owners.

We had a very quick motor around outside the marina, loads of instructions from Manny about the innumerable extras he had fitted aboard and an hour after first stepping aboard, we headed out into Falmouth Harbour.

Manny & Joan drove up to Pedennis Castle to see us off. We could just make out their car headlights  and by 7.30 pm on that Saturday evening, we were passing a row of anchored ships, looming out of the mist on a dirty evening. The forecast was Easterlies, which suited our planned trip home to Dublin.

But first we had to pass The Manacles, pass under The Lizard and then around Lands End. I had read about the fearsome reputation of these spots and now we were here. It was blowing about F5 so we went nearly 4 miles south of The Lizard to be well away from any confused water and passed with everything to starboard during the night.

Martin had sailed here before on the Fastnet but for Thomas and me it was a first. It was curious to pass all these famous nautical landmarks in the dark and see only flashing lights.

We were reaching due North in the early morning, sailing between the TSS and Longships at up to 7 knots, while the wind maxed out at 30 knots on the dial. She felt solid and we never had a moments concern about her sea-keeping abilities.

The next morning was beautiful but not much wind, so since this was really a delivery trip, on went the engine.

Our trusty little tiller pilot came out and the crew could relax in the sunshine !

My favourite spot was a seat Manny had fitted at the stern. Great place for a relaxing view.

Later on, the dolphins came out to play and push us on heading home.

They never fail to charm, free swimming, warm-blooded mammals who choose to swim beside us. Such a pity we can't talk with them, I'd love to know how they see their world.

Manny, Sue and Manny's brother had sailed Thisbe across the Atlantic in 2009, as part of The ARC Rally. She was fitted with lots of little extras for that trip, including a new Beta engine, fridge and hot water !

The roller boom reefing for the main was new to us but works perfectly when reefed head to wind.

Because our practice sail was so short, it was fun to check over all the details of a bigger boat and get used to how she handled. Compared to a 21 footer, every fitting is bigger, and more substantial, as befits an ocean-crossing vessel.

The workmanship of these boats is impressive and the motion in a big sea was comfortable, her sharp bow slicing through the waves with no hint of pounding.

The evening was glorious and we took shifts for the night.

The early night was good but before morning it turned lumpy again,  just like the night before.

As Sunday morning wore on, we were glad to see the East coast of Ireland. The sea was lumpy, the tide and wind had turned against us so the going was slow.  We had to decide, do we carry on for a third night as far as Dublin or make for Arklow. And work was looming on Monday morning.

Arklow won, so we motored in and tied Thisbe up for her first time in Ireland.

We had covered 250 miles in less than 48 hours, in less than favourable conditions, non-stop from Falmouth to Arklow.

Thisbe feels like a boat with a pedigree, I hope we can do her justice !