Challenging singlehanded sailing back from Scilly

After a couple of excellent weeks on Scilly on my bilge keel 1980 built Westerly Fulmar, I picked a day to return to the mainland, which was challenging, but not as bad as it would have been the days before or after! I stopped at the Helford, Salcombe and Dartmouth to find good weather windows. In the video I set out some of how I manage the boat singlehanded.
Filmed with GoPro Hero7 Black, iPhone14 Pro and DJI mini3 Pro. Edited in DaVinci Resolve 18 free version.

[@chrisy6707]

Lovely video Derek! Thanks for posting.

[@derekhathaway]

Thank you for watching!

[@bertie6358]

Just found you and really enjoyed that. Had a Konsort but would have loved a Fulmar, a proper sea boat. My last boat was a Moody 346 and in the days of two week holidays from work (!) managed to get to Padstow from Porthmadog as our launch point to the Scillies. But the weather and time was against us and we never made it, a big regret. It’s not quite the same by the Scillonian!!

[@derekhathaway]

Thank you for your comments! There are also many from the south coast who get to Falmouth and are beaten by bad weather and don’t make it to Scilly. I count myself fortunate to have made it many times - fortunate and retired so I can pick my weather window!

[@DaveandGinny972]

Always enjoy your videos Derek, and this one was up there with the best of them. I've been sailing all my life and despite being only just behind you in 'vintage', I feel I always pick up something interesting from you. Many thanks!

[@derekhathaway]

Thank you fir your kind comments

[@redsnappersadler34]

Really enjoyed this video. I have a ST4000 auto pilot, an older version of your pilot on my Sadler 34. It would often get overpowered beam reaching so bought a Windpilot Pacific. It works very well, and saves worrying about the battery. Maybe worth thinking about

[@derekhathaway]

Mechanical wind vane steering in tandem with my EV100 would be the dream ticket especially for long passages and overnight sailing. It’s not cheap though! In the short term I may have to contain my solo sailing to day passages- short unless I have good UV or motor sailing!

[@terrydickinson7252]

I also enjoy your videos. As someone new to sailing, it’s inspiring to see an expert at work and play!

[@derekhathaway]

Thank you!