West Country to the Scillies
Like many people, we have found the winter COVID restrictions particularly trying, and are pinning our hopes on a safe summer to come. The memory of the weeks we did manage to spend on the water last year has certainly lifted our spirits.
There was a time last spring when we thought we wouldn’t have a cruise at all. We were not even allowed to go out on the river to check that Thea, our homebuilt motorboat, was OK.
Fortunately, we had excellent harbour staff who checked the security of moored boats. As restrictions eased in June we could visit the boat for day trips but could not stay overnight, and certainly not visit another harbour.
On 23 June the Prime Minister announced that, on the glorious 4th of July, cafes, pubs, restaurants and holiday accommodation could open for business, with the appropriate social distancing and wearing of masks. Boat owners all over the country heaved a sigh of relief and, I believe, a number of new and second-hand boats were bought as a means to a ‘safe’ holiday.
Like many people, my husband Tom and I, together with Buddy the cat, were probably safer on board the boat than at home. We were naturally socially distanced on the boat, and we tailored our summer cruise in terms of where we went and who we met to suit the new circumstances.
We stayed away from towns and busy holiday areas and used our previous experience of the south west coast to pick more isolated anchorages, but with access to small shops and outdoor cafes and bars.
We have always included stocking up boat supplies as part of our weekly grocery shop throughout the winter; it’s a great way
