First Voyage of the Year is called the Shake Down Voyage Last Place

Shake Down Voyage for Eve of St Mawes

Eve’s shakedown voyage is always a bit of an adventure. The first voyage of the year is called a shakedown because it is where we literally take her to sea and try out all the sails and equipment. The sea gives everything a good shake down after the winter refit and reminds us of anything which is not quite right.

The climate in Cornwall is pretty mild all winter, so be March we are all looking forward to a bit of sea spray and hopefully sunshine on our skin.  The beaches are empty and it is easy to find space alongside town quays and places that are too busy in summer.

Tweaking the Rigging and Sails

Each winter Eve is de rigged and everything is checked over: Blocks are oiled and varnished, running rigging is removed to stop it deteriorating over the winter, and booms, gaffs, topmasts and sometimes masts and standing rigging wires are taken down for maintenence.

We have always managed to get her on the water on time and in a safe condition. It's just that you might find yourself putting one two things together or putting the sails up and down until they set correctly and are the right way up! If you love rigging and messing around with rope then this is the voyage for you.

Sail Eve whilst she is nice and shiney !

It is also a shakedown for the skippers and crew. We look forward to sailing on a nice shiney boat again after the winter. Eve usually starts her season in March which is a lovely time of year for sailing and blowing a few cobwebs away. With a freshly anti fouled hull we should reach some fast speeds if the wind blows strong.

South and West

During this three day voyage we may sail south west towards The Lizard and the tiny fishing villages of Cadgwith and Coverack, should the weather permit we can anchor overnight along this rugged shoreline.

North by East

Heading out to the north east, and Eve can go into Mevagissey or makes a spectacular entrance into the tight entrance of Fowey, a lovely historic port with great local seafood and welcoming pubs.

Whatever the weather there is always somewhere to sail to and discover in the Fal and Helford Estuaries; Frenchman’s Creek, the smugglers hide out of Tolvern, and the historic port of Falmouth itself! Enjoy a well deserved pint of Doom Bar at the Chain Locker and watch the sailors, fishermen and locals go by… what a way to enjoy a great weekend!

Debbies dog Rio watches a pilot cutter sail into St Mawes