I hate it when the weather doesn't look brilliant, there are times when it's hard to make the call. Yesterday we made the call to divert to Dover, which was the right decision at the time, but ironically it passed by quickly and turned out to be a lovely evening.
We had more or less made our minds up we would be staying in Dover for more than a night. However it did look as if there was a weather window and it was only a three hour sail so we decided to go for it. This was after a full English breakfast cooked by yours truly.
As always we had to ask permission to leave the marina and enter the harbour. Dover Harbour are brilliant with yachts, they are polite on the radio and always manage to get us through despite an endless stream of ferries, cruise ships and various other boats.
Loads of work is being done at Dover at the moment so we had to be escorted through the new cut. Once in the harbour it was quite rough, which did not bode well. We got out to sea and it wasn't pleasant, in fact the sail didn't go up.
It was lumpy and bumpy and the wind was more on the nose than it should have been. Plus there was more wind than there should have been, We were definitely in a force 6, the wind was 26 knots, the forecast was up to 20 knots.
Not long out of Dover we were passed by a Spitfire as it fly along the cliffs. John heard it before we saw it as the engine sound is unmistakable. It was good to see. No photo as it was far too bouncy. It, or a second one passed us once more.
Despite the rocking and rolling the leaping up and down it didn't take as long as we thought it would, just three and a quarter hours. it was a long three and a quarter hours. I felt as if someone was just throwing buckets of salt water over me. It was also hard to see the buoys as we approached Ramsgate
the sea was that rough. At this stage I need to say we must have our sea legs as despite an incredibly rough journey we had no seasickness tablets and the full English had remained in place.
Although not as busy as Dover, Ramsgate is quite a busy harbour and you need permission to enter. This was swiftly given and it's such a relief to be in the outer harbour. We then contacted the marina who basically gave us three pontoons and said choose a berth. It's great when that happens as you can get the one you are most comfortable getting into.
They say practise makes perfect and my throwing of the ropes to loop round the cleats has improved considerably, to such an extent that ive not jumped off the boat to moor up for the entire season.
Agin the wether gods decided to play with us and the weather decided to be glorious for a couple of days. We still didn't make the Ramsgate War Tunnels but did walk to Broadstairs. It was the Broadstairs folk festival and there were more Morris dancers than you could shake a stick at and there were a lot of sticks been shaken. Every pub had live music and was also full. It was a really great atmosphere.
Sailing info
As before but the toilets on the pontoons were now back in action.
Staff as friendly and helpful as always.
Distance logged. - 17.2 miles
Time - 3 1/2 hours
Monday 14 August 2017
Ramsgate or Dover
Today was a day of discussions, do we go or don't we. Do we go to Ramsgate or Dover? In the end we did set off, but missed the 7 am lock, due to our lengthy discussions so got the 7.30am lock instead. The decision had been made we'd go to Ramsgate so we're prepared for a long day.
Coming out of Eastbourne it was lobster pot city so we really needed to keep a sharp look out plus the fact I was worried about nets put out between pots. The last thing we needed was to be caught up in fishing gear. A friend got caught by nets a couple,of weeks ago.
Sadly there was not enough wind to sail, but as always the mainsail went up to steady the boat. We were making good time and it was turning into a nice day, neither of us were wearing coats.
Despite the lack of wind the tides were with us and we were averaging over 6 knots an hour. At these speeds we would definitely get to Ramsgate. There were no problems with the firing range, I radioed in and they were fine with out course, thanked us for our cooperation and wished us well.
Just off Dungerness we spotted two harbour porpoises, this is the first wild life we have really seen. Near enough to spot but too far away for a good photo.
We could see Dover coming up so knew once past here it was only three hours the tides were really with us by this stage and were now going at over 7 knots. Then the weather gods decided to kick in, big style, the sea suddenly became bumpy and the skies went black, really black. At this stage we were 1 1/2 miles off Dover and we decided that perhaps we ought to divert. We go the all clear from the port authority to head to the western entrance but now we were pushing the tide in a very bouncy sea. As always with the Gees when we want to come in other larger vessels either want to leave or enter, in this case it was a rather large dredger, there were also several other yachts who also suddenly thought Dover was a good idea. They unlike us were coming down rather than across so made better time. Eventually we got the green light so soon were safely in the harbour.
When going to pay I took the receipts from last time as we had had phone calls from accounts in Alderney saying we owed them £57, we didn't. Anyhow our account was clear so that was finally sorted out.
As quickly as the weather blew up it was calm again. Ironical, as we could have made Ramsgate, but we made a call and at the time it was a good call. I resigned myself to a few days in Dover.
sailing information.
THis time it was £28 per night, I asked if it had gone up? No , we were under charged the first time.
Lots more work has gone on in the harbour since we were last there. The pile driving didn't start till 8.30 am so we weren't disturbed by it.
Distance logged - 46.8miles
Time 8 hours. ( The last3.1 miles took 1 hour!)
Coming out of Eastbourne it was lobster pot city so we really needed to keep a sharp look out plus the fact I was worried about nets put out between pots. The last thing we needed was to be caught up in fishing gear. A friend got caught by nets a couple,of weeks ago.
Sadly there was not enough wind to sail, but as always the mainsail went up to steady the boat. We were making good time and it was turning into a nice day, neither of us were wearing coats.
Despite the lack of wind the tides were with us and we were averaging over 6 knots an hour. At these speeds we would definitely get to Ramsgate. There were no problems with the firing range, I radioed in and they were fine with out course, thanked us for our cooperation and wished us well.
Just off Dungerness we spotted two harbour porpoises, this is the first wild life we have really seen. Near enough to spot but too far away for a good photo.
We could see Dover coming up so knew once past here it was only three hours the tides were really with us by this stage and were now going at over 7 knots. Then the weather gods decided to kick in, big style, the sea suddenly became bumpy and the skies went black, really black. At this stage we were 1 1/2 miles off Dover and we decided that perhaps we ought to divert. We go the all clear from the port authority to head to the western entrance but now we were pushing the tide in a very bouncy sea. As always with the Gees when we want to come in other larger vessels either want to leave or enter, in this case it was a rather large dredger, there were also several other yachts who also suddenly thought Dover was a good idea. They unlike us were coming down rather than across so made better time. Eventually we got the green light so soon were safely in the harbour.
When going to pay I took the receipts from last time as we had had phone calls from accounts in Alderney saying we owed them £57, we didn't. Anyhow our account was clear so that was finally sorted out.
As quickly as the weather blew up it was calm again. Ironical, as we could have made Ramsgate, but we made a call and at the time it was a good call. I resigned myself to a few days in Dover.
sailing information.
THis time it was £28 per night, I asked if it had gone up? No , we were under charged the first time.
Lots more work has gone on in the harbour since we were last there. The pile driving didn't start till 8.30 am so we weren't disturbed by it.
Distance logged - 46.8miles
Time 8 hours. ( The last3.1 miles took 1 hour!)
Sunday 13 August 2017
Onwards to Eastbourne.
We knew it would be a quick journey to Eastbourne, about Three and a half hours. We didn't know what a strange journey it would be. Firstly the halliard got caught round the mast light as we were trying to put up the mainsail. It was very lumpy and rock and roll so there was no way we could retrieve the situation at sea, so no sail. Although we would have motor sailed that day the sail does stabilise the boat.
Also almost as soon as we had switched the radio on there was a mayday starting. We had this on the radio throughout the journey, it was unsure what had happened but it was thought two boats had collided during the night. One person had been found and three missing. Over the journey we heard another person has been found. Sadly we later found out on the news that this person was dead.
The whole scenario unfolding was amazing, so many people were involved in the search. We heard the search patterns change as more information was gained. They also asked other boats not involved to keep an eye out. One of the search boats had found an oil slick, then another boat some wreckage and other a fender. We then spotted a fender, we weren't able to retrieve it, but were able to radio in and report it with it's position. Speaking to a German boat at the marina, they were glad we'd radioed it in as they too had spotted it but were worried their English would not be up to it.
The whole experience just shows what a wonderful system we have with the coastguard, RNLI and various other folk like the fishermen and boats from the wind farm. Sadly we found out on the news later that although one man had been found clinging to a buoy by a fisherman, this raised the alarm, one body was recovered and the search for the two missing men was called off. As yet it is unknown what caused the boat to sink. Shows why you should always have life jackets on.
The journey put everything into perspective, however, as we were coming into Eastbourne a fisherman was dropping a net between two badly identifiable floats. I found out the next day that some friends had been caught by such a net earlier in the week and had to be brought back to Eastbourne by the RNLI. To add insult to injury the nets were by the safe water mark. Apparently the fishermen have been asked not to drop their nets there but they still are. We will be very vigilant on the way out.
This was only the second time we have seen wildlife apart from birds. We saw two porpoises on the way to Eastbourne. Always pleased to see them.
This was only the second time we have seen wildlife apart from birds. We saw two porpoises on the way to Eastbourne. Always pleased to see them.
Although we were up and raring to go this morning, the weather forecast was not suitable. However the annoying thing was the weather we had today did not resemble the forecast in any way so we could have gone. . We will try again tomorrow. I did the washing instead!
Sailing information.
Distance 21.1 miles
Time - 3 hours to the harbour but missed 11.30 lock so got on 12 noon lock.
Sailing information.
Distance 21.1 miles
Time - 3 hours to the harbour but missed 11.30 lock so got on 12 noon lock.
A few more days in Brighton.
After our journey from Gosport we had decided to have a rest day in Brighton. We went to see Dunkirk, I can't say it was a film I enjoyed but was pleased I'd seen it. This year we have had been to so many places that were impacted on by the war. Also at Dover we went to the war tunnels where Dunkirk was planned.
Unfortunately after our rest day the weather set in, one day we didn't leave the boat all day, but it has only been the third time this has happened so we can't complain. We did get out for a walk on the break water that night.
The next few days we didn't have rain, just very strong winds, so we were able to go for our walks. We walked to Rottingdean on the undercliffe path. It was amazing to watch all the waves breaking over the breakwater. There were also lots of surfers out.
At the marina waves were crashing over the breakwater, it just shows how fierce the storm was the break water is a two level one, the higher level can be seen from our boat. Sadly I couldn't get the pictures of the waves crashing over as you couldn't se them coming and had to just guess where they might be.
It might be heresy to say but we actually prefer the cliffs of Brighton to that of Dover, they are quite spectacular. I also realised that it's a good job I'm no longer at work as the ruck sack would have been full of bits of flint, which is plentiful amongst the chalk cliffs. In fact the layers are a super illustration of how they were laid down in prehistoric times.
Another walk was into Brighton, once there the lure of fish and chips was too much, so we ate on the sea front. On our walk we realised that the following day was the Pride parade, as we knew we would be still in Brighton we thought we would go.
More by good luck than good judgement we had a brilliant spot to watch the parade. It was as the floats left the sea front to turn as the floats went up to the town. There were one or two hairy moments as the lorries had to make a tight turn to the left in not a lot of space. We both felt it had been worth staying in Brighton to see Pride.
Sailing Info
Mainly as before, we had a berth on an inside hammerhead which was super.
I don't do laundry here as there is nowhere to sit and wait.
Gosport to Brighton 43.7 miles, time 8 hours and 5 minutes, sailed 6 hours!
No photos yet as the computer/internet wont cooperate.
Unfortunately after our rest day the weather set in, one day we didn't leave the boat all day, but it has only been the third time this has happened so we can't complain. We did get out for a walk on the break water that night.
The next few days we didn't have rain, just very strong winds, so we were able to go for our walks. We walked to Rottingdean on the undercliffe path. It was amazing to watch all the waves breaking over the breakwater. There were also lots of surfers out.
At the marina waves were crashing over the breakwater, it just shows how fierce the storm was the break water is a two level one, the higher level can be seen from our boat. Sadly I couldn't get the pictures of the waves crashing over as you couldn't se them coming and had to just guess where they might be.
It might be heresy to say but we actually prefer the cliffs of Brighton to that of Dover, they are quite spectacular. I also realised that it's a good job I'm no longer at work as the ruck sack would have been full of bits of flint, which is plentiful amongst the chalk cliffs. In fact the layers are a super illustration of how they were laid down in prehistoric times.
Another walk was into Brighton, once there the lure of fish and chips was too much, so we ate on the sea front. On our walk we realised that the following day was the Pride parade, as we knew we would be still in Brighton we thought we would go.
More by good luck than good judgement we had a brilliant spot to watch the parade. It was as the floats left the sea front to turn as the floats went up to the town. There were one or two hairy moments as the lorries had to make a tight turn to the left in not a lot of space. We both felt it had been worth staying in Brighton to see Pride.
Sailing Info
Mainly as before, we had a berth on an inside hammerhead which was super.
I don't do laundry here as there is nowhere to sit and wait.
Gosport to Brighton 43.7 miles, time 8 hours and 5 minutes, sailed 6 hours!
No photos yet as the computer/internet wont cooperate.
Tuesday 1 August 2017
Return to Brighton. 31st July 2017
A look at the weather forecast did involve a discussion, but we felt it would be okay. The first job was to get fuel, we are using more on this trip as we have done more motoring than sailing, The price of fuel here is virtually double that of Jersey,
Once off the fuel pontoon we were into a busy bit straight way. Gosport ferry, marine mooring boat specialist, Wight Link Ferries, Hoover craft and Brittany ferries. Plus your normal assortment of yachts, both sailing and motor. Obviously the trick is to avoid all of them, which we did, but for twenty minutes it was like you needed eyes in the back of your head.
As soon as we had negotiated all the traffic and had passed the shipping lanes for Southampton we went head to wind to put the sails up. Normally I steer for this bit and John goes up front but it was a bit bumpy and I was worried about keeping the boat head to wind so I elected to be at the front. Sails up and engine off, however it soon became evident that we would need a reef in. The first reef was not sitting well at all, so we went for the second reef which was fine. Such was the extent of the wind we also had to reef the genny, which made life a lot more comfortable. We were shooting along.
It was nice to see the coastline this time as last time this part of the journey was in thick fog. I had marked every buoy we would pass as a way point as we had to we very precise passing Selsely Bill. One the tide had to be in the right direction so we couldn't get there before 10.30 and two you had to pass between two buoys to make sure we were in the Looe channel. If we didn't take this route we would of had to go much further out to see and added miles to the journey. There were two yachts in front of us heading in the same direction so that boded well.
It was not the easiest sailing as the wind was coming from the southwest and was virtually behind us, things were a bit frisky. The skipper was doing a marvellous job despite some mutterings. We passed through the buoys at 11am exactly so I was pleased with the timings, it was now a straight, if longish run to Brighton. We were making good time and for four hours travelled over 6 knots in each hour, however it was best not to look back as there were following seas with big swells.
The autopilot was on for about an hour but then John helmed for the rest of the way, which made the journey more comfortable, but need a lot of concentration from him. I'm not sure what the Navy would had said about John's treatment of the ensign, but it was slapping him in the face, so needs must.
We sailed to within two miles of Brighton and decided to take the sails in, it was a bit hairy as the seas were very bumpy. I didn't need the advice from the skipper of hold on tight - I was. We decided that we would wait until we were actually in the harbour before putting out fenders and lines. I rang for instructions, it was quite comical as during his conversation with me the berthing master suddenly said, someone has just gone in your space, ring me back in five minutes while I go and sort them out. Once I got back to him all was sorted and we had a very nice inside hammerhead berth.
I was pleased to see the boiler was fixed as when Seaduction was here a few weeks ago they couldn't shower on this side but had a long walk to the East facilities.
Sailing information
Marina as before
Dredging operations are continuing.
Distance 43.7 miles
Time 7 1/2 hours (6 1/2 sailing!)
Once off the fuel pontoon we were into a busy bit straight way. Gosport ferry, marine mooring boat specialist, Wight Link Ferries, Hoover craft and Brittany ferries. Plus your normal assortment of yachts, both sailing and motor. Obviously the trick is to avoid all of them, which we did, but for twenty minutes it was like you needed eyes in the back of your head.
It was nice to see the coastline this time as last time this part of the journey was in thick fog. I had marked every buoy we would pass as a way point as we had to we very precise passing Selsely Bill. One the tide had to be in the right direction so we couldn't get there before 10.30 and two you had to pass between two buoys to make sure we were in the Looe channel. If we didn't take this route we would of had to go much further out to see and added miles to the journey. There were two yachts in front of us heading in the same direction so that boded well.
It was not the easiest sailing as the wind was coming from the southwest and was virtually behind us, things were a bit frisky. The skipper was doing a marvellous job despite some mutterings. We passed through the buoys at 11am exactly so I was pleased with the timings, it was now a straight, if longish run to Brighton. We were making good time and for four hours travelled over 6 knots in each hour, however it was best not to look back as there were following seas with big swells.
The autopilot was on for about an hour but then John helmed for the rest of the way, which made the journey more comfortable, but need a lot of concentration from him. I'm not sure what the Navy would had said about John's treatment of the ensign, but it was slapping him in the face, so needs must.
We sailed to within two miles of Brighton and decided to take the sails in, it was a bit hairy as the seas were very bumpy. I didn't need the advice from the skipper of hold on tight - I was. We decided that we would wait until we were actually in the harbour before putting out fenders and lines. I rang for instructions, it was quite comical as during his conversation with me the berthing master suddenly said, someone has just gone in your space, ring me back in five minutes while I go and sort them out. Once I got back to him all was sorted and we had a very nice inside hammerhead berth.
I was pleased to see the boiler was fixed as when Seaduction was here a few weeks ago they couldn't shower on this side but had a long walk to the East facilities.
Sailing information
Marina as before
Dredging operations are continuing.
Distance 43.7 miles
Time 7 1/2 hours (6 1/2 sailing!)
Gosport 29th July 2017
The weather forecasts were spot on. There was a gale overnight and then in the morning the wind switched off. Absolutely amazing. We wanted to leave at 9.30 am so informed our Dutch neighbours who were rafter on to us. They moved forward and another neighbour helped with our ropes as John sprung off. This meant John could then reverse out. The wind was none existent so no sails at all, but the tide was with us so we were going along at 7 knots at less than 2000 revs.
We could spot Cowes long before we got there as it is Cowes week and the sea was full of sails. As we got nearer it could only be described as organised chaos. There were obviously several races going on at once. We had to be very careful as we were motoring and had to give way to everyone and they were coming from every direction.
As soon as we passed Cowes calm was restored. We had spotted a large warship anchored nearer Portsmouth, John checked it on the AIS and it was U.S.S.GEORGE BUSH. As we got near it was looking very impressive, all the aircraft were on deck.
We were in the marina by 12.30 pm. Three hours door to door. Not bad for 19 miles. No sooner had we finished mooring up when the heavens opened again and it rained for the rest of the day. It had stopped by 8 pm so we went to Morrisons. We know how to spend our Saturday nights!
Sunday morning was bright and sunny the choice between a walk and doing the laundry, the walk won as the last few days we haven't done much. So we had a six mile walk down the coast looking at where we'd been yesterday.
They were playing nice with the lifeboat and we watched it being launched with a tractor. Reminded me of Filey lifeboat.
When we returned John commented that he was sure that he'd seen the boat on the berth opposite before. Yes he had, it is usually opposite us at Ipswich!
The weather is looking okay for tomorrow so we've booked into Brighton. Checked the tides, done the passage planning. We need to get round Selsey Bill, it will be great to see everything as when we came here some weeks ago it was thick fog.
Sailing information
Marina as previous
We found the Morrisons, a bit up the road from Aldi.
Distance 17 miles.
Time 3 hours 2 minutes!
We could spot Cowes long before we got there as it is Cowes week and the sea was full of sails. As we got nearer it could only be described as organised chaos. There were obviously several races going on at once. We had to be very careful as we were motoring and had to give way to everyone and they were coming from every direction.
As soon as we passed Cowes calm was restored. We had spotted a large warship anchored nearer Portsmouth, John checked it on the AIS and it was U.S.S.GEORGE BUSH. As we got near it was looking very impressive, all the aircraft were on deck.
We were in the marina by 12.30 pm. Three hours door to door. Not bad for 19 miles. No sooner had we finished mooring up when the heavens opened again and it rained for the rest of the day. It had stopped by 8 pm so we went to Morrisons. We know how to spend our Saturday nights!
Sunday morning was bright and sunny the choice between a walk and doing the laundry, the walk won as the last few days we haven't done much. So we had a six mile walk down the coast looking at where we'd been yesterday.
They were playing nice with the lifeboat and we watched it being launched with a tractor. Reminded me of Filey lifeboat.
When we returned John commented that he was sure that he'd seen the boat on the berth opposite before. Yes he had, it is usually opposite us at Ipswich!
The weather is looking okay for tomorrow so we've booked into Brighton. Checked the tides, done the passage planning. We need to get round Selsey Bill, it will be great to see everything as when we came here some weeks ago it was thick fog.
Sailing information
Marina as previous
We found the Morrisons, a bit up the road from Aldi.
Distance 17 miles.
Time 3 hours 2 minutes!
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