We reached Padstow at 1700, a little earlier than expected, and contemplated the aptly known Doom Bar. This is a ridge of sand which protects the mouth of the Camel estuary in which Padstow sits. The bar is very famous and has counted for around 600 recorded ship wrecks including one in 1995. We arrived at almost low water, but careful plotting meant we could proceed although Mark spotting the changes of depth in the clear water, just in case. I called this activity Doom Watch (picture to follow).
When we had crossed Doom bar, which is less than 1m chart datum, the depth increased for a while but then there is a very shallow and drying channel ending in the town. The new chart showed a channel which had changed from last year and we kept touching the bottom and admitted defeat. A harbour master launch came and showed us to the rapidly drying channel so that we could stay in the deeper Pool, collect Alastair, and eat ashore.
We tied up in the docks using a variety of springs and warps, against the harbour wall. However, the length has to be right.. Too short, and the boat will be pulled down as the tied rises. Too long, and the boat will swing as it refloats and damage itself or another vessel. I have elected to check the tension of the ropes at 0100 in the morning, Alastair has elected to check them again at 0400. These are long but satisfying days. tomorrow, we expect to sail to Milford Havens where I
have a berth guaranteed.
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