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!)