And we're off.....

Despite being told we wouldn't get a lift out till the 7th August, the brilliant staff at Ipswich Haven Marina managed to fit us in the next morning. Our friends from Seaduction were lifted out just before us as Chris had heard an annoying knock. (They had has their lift out booked for a fortnight.) His suspicions were correct and it was growth on the prop. This long hot summer has been an ideal breeding ground for the little beasties.

Our turn next.

Going into the lift.

No wonder we had no power. The little beasties decided our prop was a brilliant breeding ground.

Tim about to jet wash the hull and prop.

John giving an extra scrub with a wire brush.

Getting ready to go back in.

The difference once it was done was amazing, just back to normal.

1st August - Down the River

As previously planned we went out of the lock on freeflow. Quite uneventful going down the river, but it was full at Halfpenny Pier. We rafted up next to another yacht on the outside. We had a nice wander round Harwich and nipped in the Alma. However we didn't feel like  full meal so had a starter each. It was up to the normal standard. It wasn't the most comfortable night so was glad when it was time to get up at six. We chatted to the guy next door. He obviously had a habit of throwing the dregs of his coffee over the end of his boat. He obviously forgot someone was tied on to him! quite a lot of coffee stains down or boat!

We left the mooring at 6.43 and had the mainsail up straight away. It was quite a good journey and we did a fair bit of sailing. Though it was a question of engine on and engine off. I think we did more sailing than the whole of the previous trip. It was a good journey and quite smooth.  As we passed North Foreland we slowed down as we had the tide against us, but we knew that this would happen. Actually going into Ramsgate was very bumpy but all in all a good journey - 8 hours in all.

Last year when we were in Ramsgate I filled in a visitors survey, which put us in a free draw. I'm pleased to say it was us that got drawn out. This meant two free nights in Ramsgate.

Our time in Ramsgate was hot, hot, hot. We did a lot of touristy stuff and went to Margate (visited the Turner Art Gallery), Sandwich (lovely old town) and a walk to Broadstairs. I didn't take many photos of Ramsgate as we took a load last year.

Sailing information.

Harwich to Ramsgate 44.1 NM, 8 hours flat

£33 pounds a night.

Lots of facilities in town.

Laundry £5 a wash!!!!

Very friendly marina staff