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!)