Blog

 

Welcome to Bella Sailing's 'Leg One' Round Britain Live Blog!

Here you will find all the latest updates and news direct from Bella and her crew for Leg One of our Round Britain experience:

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Monday 4th July - 18:55:

"Ahead of our scheduled departure at midnight, the crew has managed to prepare the vessel for sea and after the skipper's final checks, the crew has cast the lines at 18:55 and we are now en route to Kinsale!"

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Tuesday 5th July - 07:05:

"We motored into the wind and sea last night and, faced with 30 knots on the bow, we hid behind all the headlands until we arrived at Portland Harbour at 02.20 this morning, at which point we dropped anchor to allow the storm to pass through before entering Lyme Bay. This morning we are due to motor inside the tidal race around Portland Bill before sailing into the lightening NNW winds."

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Tuesday 5th July - 15:10:

"We are now just south of Start Point at 15:10 BST so we are hoping to make Lands End by lunchtime tomorrow (Wednesday)! Currently, the sea state is calm, and the sun has finally made an appearance to everyone's delight. The crew has all settled in and are currently engrossed in a line whipping competition with the prize of a cold beer awaiting the winner in Kinsale! More to follow later today."

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Wednesday 6th July - 21:55:

"We are currently mid-Irish Sea with white sails. We made more fresh water today to allow for mid sea showers to freshen up, and we even saw dolphins earlier! Our spinnaker has been up and down all day, and we are now expecting to reach Kinsale in the early hours of Thursday. At present, we're experiencing a calm sea state and 10-knot southwesterly winds. Another evening of sailing ahead and we've got some awesome music on!"

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Thursday 7th July - 00:03:

"We have arrived in Kinsale at 22:45, very wet, after a particularly quick crossing of just 20 hours. The crew are all knackered, so we're off to bed then cleaning Bella in the morning before a well deserved Murphy's!"

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Thursday 7th July - 09:40:

"So we're here! We've now all caught up on our sleep and in the process of cooking a hearty breakfast before we begin preparing Bella for the second leg of our Round Britain trip. I have to say Ireland is beautiful despite the liquid sunshine!"

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Thursday 7th July - 12:20:

"Three motley members of the crew having just finished the cleaning and now ready to venture into Kinsale for beer o'clock!"

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Thursday 7th July - 14:55:

"Sharples, known for his legendary maritime cuisine leads the charge for a taste of Ireland."

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Thursday 7th July - 22:20:

"Well done to Tom 'The Conquerer'. He finally made it to the top of the skateboard ramp in Kinsale, three days after the young bucks from Plymouth Uni. Quite a feat for a 50-something motorcyclist!"

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Friday 8th July - 12:45:

"Putting Bella to bed for the week! Next week will see our next crew embark on leg two of our Round Britain adventure!"

For leg one we completed 404 nautical miles.