3 weeks cruise to Isles of Scilly
Having taken delivery of “Gone Nutty”, the 3rd X-40 out the mould, in mid June we had a couple of weekends shake-down sailing at home around the Solent prior to setting off on the family cruising holiday for 3 weeks to the Isles of Scilly. Previous summer holidays had involved sailing our last boat, a Sun Odyssey 37, down to Falmouth, and we were looking forward to a new life at the performance end of cruising – and we got it!
Where “Gone Nutty” goes, toys go too, so we strapped ‘Oliver’ the Optimist across the coach-roof so the boys, Philip aged 7 and Matthew aged 5 could have some fun sailing around the tranquil anchorages we were hoping to find as we headed west.
Fully powered-up at low wind strength
Once fully loaded, we set off from Warsash on Friday evening, picked up a buoy off Yarmouth for the night, rose early on Saturday and set out on our first long passage across Lyme Bay to Dartmouth. After 2 hours motoring, the morning breeze filled, and we hoisted the new crinkly sails for an 8 hour beat across the bay. It made such a difference being able to get fully powered-up at lower wind strengths, yet be able to de-power the rig when the afternoon breeze filled in. A short hop the following day took us to Salcombe when we passed some IMX’s heading back up the channel on their way back from Cork week. In Salcombe, it was now the boys turn to play for a while, so out came the surf boards, beach gear and BBQ and we spent the next few days enjoying sandcastle building and the bustle of Salcombe’s town.
We left Salcombe on one of those willowy days, the left-over swell being just enough to knock the light wind out the sails. But it wasn’t enough to stop the fun. On a close reach, we hoisted the asymmetric kite, got the apparent wind going and headed off to Plymouth making a better speed than all the other boats which were having to motor sail in the same direction!
Wonderful empty beaches in sight
The next day was another long hop down to Falmouth. We generally aimed to make our passages early in the morning or late in the day when the boys were asleep in the aft cabins so they don’t get too bored with nowhere to run and let off steam. But we had to plan for another couple of long days together as we made it to Falmouth and on to Scilly. After a quick game of find the treasure, ‘The Goblet of Fire’ Harry Potter audio tapes were discovered, in went tape 1 and the boys were gripped for the next 22 hours. Lying in the saloon behind lee cloths engrossed in their quidditch match, all was quiet below, so mum and dad could now enjoy some serious sailing as we beat down the Lizzard peninsula in 15-20 knots of breeze. Dad’s smiles just continued as we were able to point 5-10 degrees higher than a Rival and Bavaria which were making their way in the same direction, not to mention the extra speed we had. Late in the afternoon, we caught our first glimpse of Scilly which soon unfolded to offer wonderful empty beaches, basking seals, super anchorages and a different set of sailing friends. Gone were the motor cruisers and large sailing yachts with full home comforts, and in came the wind generators and that search for the pub with running water for a shower!
“Great, this saves my trip to Denmark”
Luckily fine weather was on our side and we were able to spend the next seven days hoping from anchorage to anchorage exploring the islands by foot and bicycle, and Oliver sailing the Oppie along the coast to take it all in by sea. We saw a couple of other X-Yachts exploring the islands before set off back for the Solent. Being the first X-40 in the UK, we had a few “what is she” conversations along the way, many admiring glances, and even a “great, this saves me a trip to Denmark, can we have a look around please”. I understand the folks who looked round have now placed an order!
Performance cruising at its best
We followed a similar passage back to Falmouth, Salcombe, Dartmouth, Poole then home, this time with the wind from behind. With the asymmetric loaded in a snuffer, we found “Gone Nutty” a great balance between having power and fun on tap versus being able to sail short handed. Our trip back from Dartmouth across Lyme Bay was a prime example. With Jane and the boys asleep below decks, I was able to lift the anchor, motor out, set the main, hoist the kite and be making a steady 8 knot in the sun rise before anyone surfaced for breakfast. Performance cruising at its best!
Bruce Horten,
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