GALE-BOUND IN THE SCILLIES
The boatyard had been usually busy all summer; all good intentions of finishing the work on my lugger, Veracity, and getting away for a few weeks of summer cruising had long been stowed on the ‘next year’ list. So when the opportunity arose for a weeks’ cruising at the very end of September, I grasped it with both hands, as the last scrap of precious free time that might be had before a heavy winter work schedule would take over my life until the new year.
The initial temptation was to run for Ireland. The Green Isle is somewhere I have not yet sailed, nor my crewmate, despite longing to visit for a long while. Even the weather was tempting us with a lovely sou’westerly which would have offered quick passage for a boat that loves to be free and by. I perused the almanac and the cruising guides, picked out several spots I’d love to visit, then realised that our salty seadog Clipper, sans passport, may not be welcome. A few
