Day 17, Passage 7 and Day 18

Well we made it - thank goodness! What a long hard journey.  Left Lowestoft at midnight.  I hate night sailing - always have done.  I just kept reading out waypoint data to I didn't have to look into the blackness.  Had a bet on about first signs of false dawn - Perry won, it was 0415.  Very roly poly sea, which was awful in places, and made me feel quite sick.  Also bitterly cold.  Absolutely nothing to see except windfarms.  As we approached the Humber, wind started to pick up a bit (as forecast) and sea got even more roly poly!  Got down to Grimsby Fish Dockland (Meridian Marina inside) but couldn't enter lock for another 90 minutes, so had to wallow about!  Sea was incredibly confused and it was still bitterly cold.  Finally got in and tied up at 1850 - what a long ride.  Whipped Bertie off and he had the longest pee ever, level of marina went up a foot!

It is now Day 18, and we all slept incredibly well.  Sun is out, but it's very windy.  Saw locks gates open on free flow, and there is white water out in that harbour! Marina is part of the old Fish Dockland and although basic is run by Hull Sailing Club.  The main fishdock is used by fishing boats but main by windfarm support vessels.  The club has done a really good job and it is packed here.  Done some washing and Perry is catching up on jobs, while Bertie is catching up on sleep.

They are an incredible bunch of yachtsmen here and manage to do some phenominal miles..... again makes us look like whimps. Going out after lunch to explore the town.  Don't think we'll be moving just yet due to the weather.

Days 15 and 16

Yesterday only some odd bits of excitement.   Some nutter managed to steal a dinghy in the marina, row it along, then got out - but did not tie it up.  Went off for something and then came back to find the dinghy had drifted off.  Not to be deterred, he threw himself into the marina and tried to swim to it.  Fortunately he had a fender strapped to him.  However, when the patrol boat which was parked near him decided to try and get him out of the water, he swam off to the outer harbar (or tried to).  He was eventually rescued, but it appeared that he had also partially untied a couple of other boats.  All a bit strange and confusing.

A schooner from Australia came in about 8.00 last night.  Very impressive, although the owners didn't appear too friendly.  Perhaps they were tired.  They had sailed yesterday from somewhere in the Thames.

We are now ready for our midnight departure to Grimsby.  All the planning has been done, but it is still a very long sail.  I am not sure if I will be able to post anything tomorrow, it depends on the time we tie up in Grimsby and whether we can lock onto their wifi. Glad we are finally moving, although to be honest, I hate night sailing, so I am a bit nervous.  Fortunately, Bertie hasn't a clue what's going on.

Day 13 and day 14
Typical.  Everywhere else in the UK has light SW winds and sunshine.  What does the Est Coast have - snow, hail and wind!

It looks as though we will be here until the end of the week, but we'll be checking the forecast daily.  Additionally, we may be going directly to Grimsby  not via Wells next the Sea.

Not a spectacular place, as we are finding out

sand at Lowestoft

more sand at Lowestoft

 but Bertie is happy that we are not moving

a happy Bertie

Have met quite a few Dutch sailors.  What an intrepid bunch.  The cross, sometimes sailing 36 hours, stay one night, and then go back.  We must look like total woozies to them!

Perry has been chasing some dampness we've had in the forecabin, and is now refitting a load of deckscrews with more sealer in the hope that that's the problem.

Meeting up with Alison this evening, to hear about her adventures.  Bertie is not allowed - in fact dogs have not been welcome anywhere yet.  Quite different to the Island's attitude.

I was unable to send this blog yesterday, so we have now moved on a day.  Met Alison and had a really good time catching up on her exciting adventures (she must have some Dutch blood in her not just Scottish). 

We are catching up on jobs, chasing leaks, washing and navigation.  It is looking as though very late Friday will be departure time, but will confirm later with further updated weather forecasts.  Still very cold with sleet, rain and hail. However, nice and warm on the boat.

Day 11, Passage 6 and Day 12

Left Shotley Marina at 8.30.  Started out fine with a good wind and tide to get on to Lowestoft.

Pretty imposing site as we left the marina

However the lift by the tidal stream got much stronger and although we were tramping along, there was a lot of yawing about.  We passed Sizewell but although pretty impressive from the sea, not so when I looked at the photo - sorry.

Wind picked up and put in first reef.  Tide got stronger and wind changed direction to SE - not the direction we wanted.  We were surfing down waves and showing more than 8 knots - not really what we wanted.  All this meant that we would arrive at Lowestoft too early, making it hard to get into the harbour due to strong N setting tidal stream.  Bertie was starting to show signs of strress.  This was all quite a handful for three hours! 

Got to Lowestoft too early, but got permission to enter the harbour and whooshed in!  Turned a sharp left into the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club - tied up.  Wind was increasing all the time and pushing us off the mooring.  A cup of tea later, went down to the sea front, waves really crashing in now.  Perhaps it was better that we arrived early!  Had a portion of chips, but halfway through, wind picked up the packet - and that was the end of that.  Don't think we'll be moving tomorrow and Bertie is fine now.

Day 12 - I couldn't type up day 11 yesterday as we had poor wifi signal.  I am now in the club catching up.  Confirmed, that because of the weather we will not be leaving today (or tomorrow probably) due to weather pattern.  Wind in wrong direction - again.

Day 10
Decided to stay here for the day, but perhaps in hindsight it was not the best idea! Perry nearly drowned himself in the shower because the water wouldn't drain away and when I was doing the washing, the machine broke down.  By the time it was all sorted and everything dried and put away, it was too late to take the (not very regular) ferry to Harwich town.  That meant just a stroll around here.  Some places were inaccessible so we were just left with the muddy water's edge.  Although we had some bits of sunshine, the day was a bit overcast and very cold, hence no photos.  Lots of very expensive boats here.

Tomorrow we are leaving for Lowestoft.  Should be interesting.

Day 9, passage 5

Well we made it to Shotley Marina, Harwich.  It was a very, very long day.  Left Ramsgate at 6.30 and arrived here at 5.00. Bertie had really  had enough.  The day was just grey and overcast, and although we crossed the Thames Estuary, which is very busy with shipping, we saw very little because it was so overcast.  The entrance into Harwich/Felixstowe was very long and it seemed to take forever to get to the Marina.  No photos because there was just nothing to take of.  We will be checking out the weather shortly to see if it's a good idea to move on to Lowestoft tomorrow.  I think Bertie will rebel, but his part in crewing is a bit minimal!  However, this marina is lovely.  I think I will do a review of marinas...... We have now moved three charts and two tidal stream atlases into the filing system.  Only another 14 left!  We have now also completed 180 nautical miles, i.e. 10% of the trip.  I'm off to have a shower now in these lovely facilities.

Day 8, Passage 4
Finally moved from Dover to Ramsgate.

Bloto in Dover marina

Wind was light and finally in the right direction.  Visibility was a bit hazy.
 

Famous White Cliffs of Dover!

Arrived Ramsgate about 1030 and refuelled.  Marina not that special but the marina staff are very nice.
 Interesting architecture but the town is a bit naff.

Inner basin, showing interesting architecture.

Apparently this bnridge/arch was built by POWs from the Crimean war.....

Managed to get some supplies, even found a Waitrose (not the best I've seen).  Anyway it looks as though we will be moving on to Shotley Marina, Harwich, tomorrow, assuming weather stays good.

Thank you all for such lovely messages of encouragement via email, text and the blog.  It''s really good to read them.

 Decision made.  We will be off tomorrow at 7.30. Wind direction and strength are all good.  Today we walked up to the castle in the sun and had a lovely time even though it is very steep to get there.

I was wrong this is a Saxon church and next to it is where the Romans build the first lighthouse.

Edge of castle looking out over the battlements

If you look really hard you can just make out Cap Nez Gris - only 20 miles away.

So that's it, just get ready for tomorrow.

Thank you Annie, Angie and Ruth for your kind comments.

Day 6
Another day of rest.  Caught up with the washing.  I've also now sorted out my clothes, the filing and the charts.  Lockers have been rearranged.... Anyway, had quite a lot of heavy showers, and a lot of very strong winds, so there was never really any chance of us going out today.  Got in the next load of supplies via the most sad M & S I have ever used, it was like BHS in its death throws! As the weather was so bad today, we didn't do any adventure walking.  Although the weather forecast is strong winds again for tomorrow, no rain is in the forecast, so we've decided to try and walk up to the castle.  Still looks good for a Thursday depart, but this time it is likely to be about 7.30. 

Yesterday we watched a boat wrestling with the wind and sea as he came into the harbour.  We met up with him later - single handed! My goodness, that took guts yesterday!

Lucky we can exchange books in the Marina Office, I've just finished a John Grisham book.  Amazing what you can read with the wind whistling in the rigging.....

Day 5
Much to Bertie's delight we made the decision not to sail on to Ramsgate today.  The weather forecast was not too good, even though there was a small weather window in the afternoon which could have proved OK to move on.  However, we decided that it would probably be a bit too risky as it would anyway be wind over tide, so lumpy sea!  As it turned out, the wind did drop this afternoon, but is likely to pick up this evening and tomorrow!   So what to do?  First we tried the Royal Cinque Ports Yach Club, but it was closed.  Then decided to walk past the ferry port and see how far up the cliffs we got.  It was very very steep and we ended up in a National Trust area which looks after the White Cliffs.  Gave them a quid to help them in the upkeep, and trudged on.  All had aching feet by the time we decided to stop and turn round, but the views were pretty spectacular.

The White Cliffs (or part of them!)

Turn around and there was a Norman Church 

and a bit to the right Dover Castle, lovely

We popped in to the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club on the way back, but they would only let Bertie in if we sat outside - a bit cold for that!
As the weather is still not good for tomorrow, there is the very slight possibility that we may walk up to the castle...... if our feet can take it.  I also have to get more supplies in as we seem to be eating our way around - as usual!

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Day 4

Dover castle

Lovely Georgian building

View of Castle

Think everyone may have seen this!

Following the weather forecast for today, we decided to have a day of rest.  Forecast said F5 for this afternoon, and although the morning was still, low and behold the wind is here this afternoon.  Very cold and overcast again.  Bertie is happy as there is no sailing today.  Dover is not the most exciting of places, or perhaps I missed something.  Took a few photos and picked up some supplies

Day 3, Passage 3
Another overexciting day in our adventuring! Wanted to leave Eastbourne at 0830 only to discover there wasn't enough water the other side of the lock.  Anyway finally went into the 0930 lock and unfortunately just after we locked out into a very narrow channel I managed to wallop Bertie on the head with a fender.....He was, as you would expect, totally stressed. Managed to start sailing away from Eastbourne at 1000, with the wind behind us.  Most of the time we were managing 6 knots.  It was a bit dull and overcast, so the only photo we managed to take was of Dungeness Power Station.

Dungeness power station

version 2

As we approached Dover, it all became a bit fraught.  Although the sun came out, the waves got rather huge, and we were absolutely whizzing along.  However, entrance into Dover therefore became rather more exciting than we really wanted.  Had to get the main down before we whooshed into the harbour wall, then once inside the harbour it didn't appear to be obvious where the marina was.  Eventually found it, got sorted and looked after. Managed to average 6 knots and the trip was 1 hour  less than we had anticipated (thank goodness).  We are now settled in and will be here tomorrow, because the forecast for Sunday is not too good.  Better take Bertie out for a walk now as I really need to creep round him.

Day 2, passage 2
Well what a day!  First thing we couldn't leave the marina because we were stuck in the mud! No warning from the marina that the visitors moorings had not been dredged.  So we didn't leave at 8.30 as intended, but at 9.20.  It was quite dramatic trying to get out of the mud, with probably limited water and the wind pushing us into the boat moored behind us.  Unfortunately, we tapped it, but nothing dramatic.  When we finally got out, there were problems putting the main up.  Five of the cars which hold the main to the mast had come out.  So that had to be sorted.  Then there were problems with getting no signal from the GPS.  Fortunately we have a second one, so we used that until we could get a proper signal Finally got underway proper, but we were an hour behind our schedule.   Although it was sunny, not a terribly exciting trip

nice cliffs near Beachy Head

again just a bit further east of Beachy Head

looking back on Beachy Head before going in to Eastbourne

 
So we are now sitting in the marina, just about to check out the weather to decide if we are off tomorrow. Very sunny and warm, although we are now experiencing a rather cool fresh wind.

Forgot to say that yesterday a shackle came off the main sheet attachment to the traveller.  Not just came off, but snapped in half!  Fortunately, Perry had a spare.  Let's see what happens tomorrow.

Day 1 Passage 1
Just typed stuff in and managed to delete it, so here we go again.  Here we are in Brighton Marina.  Weather was dull and overcast, but at least not windy, so no pictures.  Slammed into a couple of waves, which moved Bertie's bed.  Spent a long time trying to settle him.  Problems with handheld VHF which Perry is now going to go on the internet to sort out, and also check the weather.  Looks as though it's probably on for Eastbourne (Sovereign Marina) tomorrow.

Now or never.  We are tied up in East Cowes marina.  Everything is ready.  We are going to have a meal shortly in the Lifeboat then get tucked in at a sensible hour. We are due to leave at 4.30 tomorrow morning, and hope to arrive at Brighton Marina somewhere about 1300. Have received some lovely best wishes cards and presents. 

Nicely tied up in East Cowes marina ready for early departure.

Just remembered as I start my 10th cup of tea of the day, we met a lovely couple who live aboard their 45 foot ketch.  Got a tour of it yesterday - absolutely enormous!  What a boat.  They sail in UK waters about 6 months of the year, then the rest of the time they find a suitable mooring and rest.  Fantastic.

Last couple of days now.  We will be moving the boat to East Cowes Marina this afternoon after we have topped up with diesel.  Had a good weekend away.  Sailed to the Beaulieu river, Gins farm.  Fog all the way there, so had to be very careful, tracked the route right in to the mooring pontoon.  Our visit allowed us to blow up the rubber dinghy to see if it really worked, and how we got on with it.

stage 1 - get the dinghy out of the boat

stage 2 - take it out of the bag and see what all the bits are

stage 3 - start blowing it up

stage 4 - looks good to me.  Now just get it in the water and put the dog in it.

Well Bertie liked the rubber boat, once he realised he was expected to get in it!  Had a walk ashore, but couldn't find any walks on the saltings. Never mind.  Had a drink in the club house and then had a fun dinner on the boat with friends. 

Left Sunday morning, but motored all the way home.  Very hot and sunny, but wind was in the wrong direction for sailing.

 getting very close now.  Tried to get Perry up the mast the other day, but failed miserably.  So he made a few adjustments, and so on Monday had another go....

And there he is poor boy, up  the mast sorting out a halyard for the cruising shute.

 On Wednesday we did our final shakedown cruise before the big event, which consisted of sailing round the Island.  Left at 8.30, great conditions, ate our way all round.  Took 10 hours, Bertie was pretty fed up most of the time.  Only two other boats on the south side of the Island. 

Going round the Needles - take a left hand round

And here we are the other side of the Needles, just to prove we did go round

And here is St Catherine's lighthouse on the extreme South Side of the Island - no turning back now.

Tomorrow we are off to Gin's Farm on the Beaulieu River, before moving and loading the boat Tuesday and Wednesday.  Bertie has had his hair cut and suffered the injections at the vet.

The start of chaos... only two weeks left to get everything together.  Bertie is booked in at the vet's and the groomer, and I have a hairdressing appointment just before we go.  Bloto was out last weekend getting spruced up for the voyage.

Nice clean bottom, doesn't she look nice.

Bloto was out from Thursday until Monday.  We moved her from the yard on Monday aiming to have a sail on Tuesday.   All the time she was out the weather was absololute glorious, as soon as she was back on the morning, no more sun.  Although we went out, it was not the most glorious of sails and we both (well actually all three) got a bit chilly, so cut the event short.  After that, the sun came out again!  However, it has been a bit windy since then.

I managed to mess up the lazy jacks which Perry has so carefully reinstalled.   He had to sort them out again.

In the meantime I managed to do a couple of oil pastel paintings, which I submitted to Wet Canvas on their OP challenge.  Ages since I've done OPs.  The comments were nice and gentle - basically try harder next time!

Oil pastels are not the most forgiving of mediums, but I will carry on!

Also Bertie and I have been doing some longs walks which have been fun, and I have been running (short distance) a couple of times - this time no problems with knees.

Have got to hoist Perry up the mast tomorrow - should be interesting! and next Wednesday we are hoping to do our (finally) shakedown cruise, 60 miles round the Island.  So far weather looks right for it.  Must do some distance before we set out on the big trip......