Water Mouse and Kaipara formed part of the large DCA gaggle — flotilla? — genially led by Aidan de la Mare which sailed from the Fal to the Helford River on Wednesday 10th July. However, instead of returning on the evening tide, they overnighted at Scott’s Quay in Polwheveral Creek, a delectable spot handy for pub grub.

Thursday produced a trip which demonstrated the versatility of the useful little Potter. Up early to catch the flowing tide, we first motored against it and the wind to regain the main river, passing a heronry as we went. Turning west, we sailed downwind in one leg the length of the river right up to Gweek. The river is bounded by woods and fields, with occasional quays and is very beautiful. The Gweek shipyard is improbably located at the very head of the river, past countless places where one can go aground, yet there were moored against the quay an enormous diving rig, which had clearly negotiated all the perils and was being worked on.

The return trip downriver and upwind was a dead beat, and we had no compunction about motoring. Others, more punctilious are probably there still. Arriving at Frenchman’s Creek about 10am we breakfasted and addressed the more serious issue of getting back to St Just in windy conditions.

We stowed all loose gear firmly, deflated the tenders and brought them aboard, in my case in Kaipara’s cabin, took a reef in the mainsails, donned waterproofs and closed off the cabins with washboards and hatch.

We then set about motoring through the moorings where it was very breezy and few boats stirred. Helford River is like a funnel opening to the east; the wind was dead on the nose and wind-against-tide was raising a fairly strong sea. So we motored until safely clear of the moorings. I could see Water Mouse pitching, exposing almost all her hull as she crashed up and over the waves. Then she turned back — although she followed on soon after. Apparently her propeller had suddenly weeded up.

Once clear of the moorings I tried sailing. This proved much quieter than motoring, and Kaipara gradually worked her way to the mouth of the river, assisted by the tide. The wind rose further, and Kaipara seemed very small and the waves very high. Although the wind probably did not exceed F4 except in the narrows, the lower river and the sea were pretty empty. In the gusts, particularly when climbing the lee side of a steep wave, she heeled more than I liked, so I took in a second reef. This did not affect her speed but improved her controllability. A couple of large yachts entered the river, and a Dutchman departed. It took a couple of hours to reach the mouth of the Fal. Due to leeway and the effect of the ebbing tide from the Fal, Kaipara made good a course of about 60° off the wind, and she could not clear Pendennis Point on one tack, but had to claw round. Once round Black Rock with the wind abeam it was a very pleasant doddle. I hove to for lunch, watching the Laser school at work in the shelter of Carrick Roads.

Apart from a little spray, Kaipara remained dry, and I was pleased with her performance in a heavier sea than I willingly encounter. Likewise Brian McClellan, who on arrival announced that Water Mouse was henceforth to be known as ‘Water Tiger’.