After a long drive from Charlestown (including being stuck behind a bin lorry and struggling with car park app - stressed to the max!) we joined Pilgrim in Dartmouth, greeted by Skipper Brendan, First Mate Julie and crew Lynda and Neil. After a cup of tea and the safety briefing we moved to the fuel barge, Brendan slipped while refuelling and snapped the nozzle off the fuel hose, which now lives in Pilgrims fuel tank! We headed out of the river and headed West. Brendan took us out in the dinghy while we were underway to get a good look at the ship - she's gorgeous. Our first stop was Salcombe, where we picked up a mooring buoy and settled in for the night.
The next day we headed for Plymouth. I took a turn at the helm - Pilgrim's tiller is somewhat larger than the one on Ramble On, but for such a big boat, she's very responsive.
The day of the festival was upon us. It was a very busy day, tacking and gybing all afternoon and really putting Pilgrim (and us!) through her paces. We went under the Tamar bridge, got a military Destroyer to move out of our way and impressed (annoyed) the river police by sailing into places we shouldn't be able to fit. Later we squeezed her through a sea lock and reversed her into her mooring, ready to watch the fireworks. I made myself a hammock out of the staysail and watched the fireworks from there - it was fantastic.
We spent the next morning looking around Plymouth. Jack and I went for a pint at a pub next to where Tall Ship Kaskelot was moored. We set off back toward Dartmouth after lunch. It was a really fast, but lumpy sail, perfect sea state for sea sickness, which I eventually succumbed to and was tethered to the boat for my sins. I soon perked up when Lynda appeared at the top of the companionway steps with a tray of cream tea scones!
We arrived back at Dartmouth in the early evening and spent a final night aboard before making our way back to the car the next morning. We loved every minute of our trip, Brendan, Julie and the crew were brilliant, (and so fun, we didn't stop laughing all week) - big thank you to Julie especially who took the time to teach Jack and I a lot, the whole crew are very knowledgeable. Pilgrim is a lot of fun, can't wait to sail on her again.