Albert and Robert assisted me to get the Gannet ready for the sail at 1.00pm.The oil and fuel were checked before the key to start the engine was turned. At the first attempt there was and ominous click then nothing. The second attempt had the starter motor spinning and the engine firing in no time. The Gannet was taken across to the Three Brothers and moored alongside. The head ropes were released and two crew members climbed aboard after the stern was against the harbour wall.

Albert and Robert took the Gannet to the offshot steps to pick up the remainder of the crew. The large jib sail and the main sail were set on the Three Brothers and the mooring ropes removed. The Gannet was positioned for a side tow and the Three Brothers was released from the head buoy. The Three Brothers was towed to the sailing buoy no seven before the tow was dropped.

The bowsprit was pushed out and the jib sail raised followed by the main sail. The light northerly wind filled the sails and took us out into the bay. When nearly level with the south outfall buoy we tacked to the north and headed back towards land. A tack was made as we approached land and the Three Brothers again headed seawards past the outfall buoy .Several more tacks were made until at 4.00 pm it was necessary to return to the harbour.

The Gannet picked up the side tow at 4.30 near the sailing buoy seven after the sails had been lowered.

The Three Brothers was returned to its berth and the crew transferred to shore via the Gannet.

The sails and gear were stowed and the Gannet returned to its moorings by 5.30 pm.

Crew members : David Beaumont, Allan Ross, Michael Stracey, Roy Dayman, Ian Thompson, Gwen Puremont, Albert Brownhill, Ernest Puremont, Robert McCall, Keith

Pictures by Ian Thompson

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Contact michael.wilson@tesco.net for further information.