As the Autumn storms start to roll in across the Atlantic we keep a watchful eye on the weather forecast. The extremely changeable forecast went from a force 7 to a force 3 over the coming week. We decided to go for it with some of us opting for electric hook up at Martleaves campsite to keep a bit warmer !
When it actually came to launching on the Saturday the winds were a strong 5 gusting 6 North Westerly and bitingly cold. We attempted to get to the site of the British Inventor with the mistaken belief that there would still be shelter from the coastline but the wind against tide meant the chop was not pleasant. We headed for Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove with all of us getting our first soaking on the way there as the waves crashed over the boat ! We decided to dive just outside Lulworth Cove, sheltered from the wind and waves.
A new dive site to all of us, it was a fantastic suprise and very enjoyable with large rocky boulders interspersed with gravel. With depths of 10 – 14 meters and visibility 3 – 5m, both buddy teams had a good hours dive. Every rock was covered in colourful sponges, a variety of anemones and fan worms. Some of us were lucky to see a large cuttlefish camouflaged against the sea bed waving his tentacles at us.
Our second dive was in the shelter of Balaclava Bay and the Dredger. There were juvenile bib amongst the boulders making up the harbour wall and some lovely Snakelocks anemones on the dredger. We finished the day with a meal and drink at the Smugglers Inn.
With similar strong winds for Sunday we decided to have a leisurely start to the day, pack away the boat and enjoy a mega FEB at the Sailors Return at Weymouth Marina before heading home.