Scillys or Bust

Rob Jones · 02 April 2005, 20:29

Just to let everybody know my attempted crossing to the Scillys was a complete success.

We left from Penzance and to dampen the onboard fears we decided to follow the Scilloin 3 ferry - but of course 3 lads trying to get ready ensured we missed it. No worries we set off on our own.

It had rained for 12hours before hand and the wind was whipping up the sea but my 5.5m Tornado handle perfectly - not that I would know what perfect is as I have only just bought it with previous experience of zero!!

Nobody on board had ever been to sea and not seen land - which was a great first, so we took bets on who would spot land first. The scale was 6, 4,and 3 miles the gps indicated we were less than 2.4 miles from St Marys and not a single sighting of any land. Not ideal but another 2 mins and we seen the looming hills ahead of us.

The crossing took about 1 1/2 hours and took 70l of fuel.

We spent a night camping on St Agnes and debating who would swim back to the boat in the morning - Point to note a tender is needed as every day consisted of drawing straws for a nominated swimmer.

The next day was spent exploring the islands and a warm blue sky return crossing.

The week as a whole was ace - we were visited by 2 dolphins off St Ives. Dived a numerous wrecks, broke a ringo and learned to wakeboard.

If anybody is interested I will post some pictures on Monday.

Richard B · 02 April 2005, 20:49

Nice one Rob

Please post pictures!

MarkWildey · 03 April 2005, 08:01

Rob

Well done, the Scillies is a great place to visit.

Mark

Rob Jones · 03 April 2005, 10:30

It was amazing - the freedom of whizzing from island to island was just as I had dreamed of. I now need to get my 5 year old into it and and I shall be off with you in May. I may even popthem onto the ferry and solo it with you across.

Incidently can you recomend a decent fibre glass repair shop? I haved a long crack along the hull (the part where the tubes sit) it had a previous repair job done but #i want to get it sorted good and proper. Any recomendations??

ADS · 03 April 2005, 10:39

Rob,
is it cracked along the flange where the tubes glue onto?

Alex

Richard B · 03 April 2005, 13:53

Which part of London are you based at (ie where you keep the boat)... N S E or W?

behavin · 03 April 2005, 16:02

Hi Rob
i'm glad you liked my playground

I saw you in the harbour on a couple of occasions I was in our works RIB the redbay stormforce (with the green house on the front)

Next time say hello

Shaggy · 03 April 2005, 20:05

Well done Rob

I hope to make the trip this summer from Hayle...

Proper Job..

Shaggy

Rob Jones · 03 April 2005, 20:27

The crack is along the flange as suggested - it has been there for a while but I want to get it fixed up.

The boat is currently kept under armed guard at a military in Camberley, Surrey.

ADS · 03 April 2005, 20:36

Had the same problem on mine Rob, I had to have the tubes off so that the grp man could reinforce it from both sides. Does it leak into the hull? and where abouts on the boat is it, mine was at the stern.
regards,

Alex

Rob Jones · 03 April 2005, 22:31

Hi Alex,

Yes it does squirt a small amount of water into the stern of the boat - if you dont mind me asking how much did it cost to repair?

Richard B · 03 April 2005, 23:04

I'm sure that DJL found someone not too far from you, but it was a couple of years ago. Might be worth dropping him a pm. Alternatively this chap has a good reputation: http://www.ribrepair.com

EdwardH · 03 April 2005, 23:37

sounds good rob, am considering the same trip myself when I come back up in August - I'd be very keen to see the pictures...

ADS · 04 April 2005, 09:19

Scott Braye at Rib Repair took my tubes on and off from the stern to about the middle of the boat. Including a new inner valve whcih he did at the same time this came to £380.
I had my local grp specialist reinforce from both sides the flange, this was a £70 cash in hand job.
However, if your cracking is just on one side your should be cheaper as mine was on both sides.

Good luck,

Alex

Rob Jones · 04 April 2005, 09:47

I have sent an e-mail to Scott.

Thanks for the advice

ADS · 04 April 2005, 09:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Jones

I have sent an e-mail to Scott.

Thanks for the advice

No problem, congratulations with your trip, and hope you have many more. Scott is really good, very flexible and does a good job.

regards,

Alex