Eastbourne - IOW - Weymouth May 2019

We were absolutely shattered after the journey from Ramsgate so stayed two nights at Eastbourne. Whilst passage planning to the next stop on the Isle of Wight I also did the next leg to Weymouth.

Another long journey and another early start, we dropped our moorings at 04.50 as we had to be in the lock before 0500. It was worth it for the sunrise as we came out of Eastbourne. The sails were up and we were sailing as soon as we left the harbour. We even hit 9 knots, which is very fast for us, but we were getting a good push from the tide. The wind lasted for two hours and we had a cracking sail for before we had to switch the engine on. This was a feature of the day as the engine was on and off another couple of times.

Sunrise at Eastbourne

It did not take us long to reach Beachy Head, when you look at the lighthouse it makes you realise how high the cliffs  are.

Blue skies and fresh winds.

Sadly the wind died just as we were passing the Rampion Wind farm off the coast of Brighton, which coincided with the tide changing so we really slowed down. However, we would have had to have slowed down eventually as we had tidal gate to meet and couldn't arrive too early. But after the wonderful sail we'd had, 3.5knots in an hour seemed really slow. The tide was back in our favour for going down the Looe Channel. Going this way saved many extra hours. We went through the buoys marking the safe passage at 7 knots and by this time the wind was against the tide.

Last time we were at Brighton they were still building the wind farm.

As we were going round the Isle of Wight the tides ,as planned, were very much in our favour but there was a distinct lack of wind. When the wind did kick in again we were just by Cowes. As it was once again wind against tide it was very lump and very slow. It took two hours from Cowes to Yarmouth. That really slowed down our overall journey time.

During in our time at Eastbourne and as we were going down the side of the IOW we were treated to a Spitfire flying by. Its hard to get a decent photo.

When we arrived at Yarmouth we were moored up alongside our friends Ann and Steve from China Girl. We had a well deserved shower, quick bite to eat and then a drink on China Girl. As we were too tired to go out for a meal that night we arranged to have breakfast the next morning. So a good time was had by all.

Trying to get a picture of the two Cruising Association Burgees flying side by side.

Rascal laying alongside China Girl.

Although we would have enjoyed staying in Yarmouth an extra night, the tides and weather were both right. We couldn't leave before 13.00 as once again we had a tidal gate to meet. This time it was going past the Needles. The sea was very calm and we had some lovely views of Hurst Castle and the Needles. We did try to sail, but there was very little wind and at two knots we were going too slow. If we'd were on a sorter passage we would have maybe sailed slowly, but we didn't want the tide to change on us.

It was a good journey to Weymouth and the sea was so calm we could make tweaks to navigation as we went along. The Lulworth firing range wasn't operational so once again we could cut a corner, we also were able to go nearer to the overfalls by St Albans Head. We didn't go in the buoys marking the overfalls but could go quite close to them.


Normally when we enter a harbour a ferry or large ship comes out, a ship anchoring in front of us was a new one.

Coming into Weymouth is lovely as you go through the town. It really is a very busy harbour. Sadly the batteries of my camera died as we were coming in so not as many photos as I would have liked.

Nothe Castle

Entrance to Weymouth.

When we arrived at the waiting pontoon to go through the bridge a yacht had moored slap bang in the middle. The owner came across saying 'I've been a bit selfish with my mooring haven't I?'
I smiled sweetly and nodded thinking he'd move it down, but no he helped us to moor where technically we shouldn't, then informed me he was waiting for his pint to out of the pub. I'll not say what I thought. Its not often you get such selfish boaters. We elected to go to the  marina beyond the bridge as we felt the harbour would be very busy over the bank holiday (it was), also the toilets are wonderful at the marina. For those who think I have an obsession with toilets and laundry rooms - I have. So I think I will compile a star chart to see which is the best. Just to let you know Weymouth is winning! The facilities here are special because you actually have your own private bathroom comprising of toilet, sink and shower. Its lovely.

We knew we would have to have a few days in Weymouth as the next decent tide to get round the Bill of Portland was 29th May. However we like Weymouth and as always had a few jobs to do. Plus the fact I had laundry!

We can also highly recommend Bennetts fish and chips.

Sailing Information

Sovereign Harbour to Yarmouth IOW - 75.7 nm
Journey time 13 hours 55 minutes
The average speed comes out about 5.5 knots per hour.
Cost per night £30.87 without electricity.
Reasonable toilet faculties - clean and plentiful.
Near by ASDA


Yarmouth to Weymouth - 41.2 nm
Journey time 6 hours 37 mins to the harbour
The bridge opens every two hours - last opening 8pm but in the summer they add a 9 pm opening.
Average speed 6 knots.
Laundry - £2 per wash, £1 a dry - but that is only 20 minutes and you cant alter the temperature. So in essence you need £3 to dry.
Tesco Express about 5 minutes from the Marina, Aldi about 10 minutes, ASDA a bit further.

Moving on 19th May 2019

Ramsgate to Eastbourne
Now the tides were slightly better, we decided to try for plan a again and move on rapidly. This meant an early start as we were sailing from Ramsgate to Sovereign Harbour (Eastbourne).

The mooring ropes were dropped at 05.01 (a minute late!) As soon as we left the harbour a pan pan came on the radio, all marinas were asked to look for a small vessel in the channel. So we kept a wary open. The weather was not very good, showery and misty. so we didn't get many good views. Just before we reached South Foreland we passed an anchored ship, Patricia. She is one of the Trinity Lighthouse fleet. Her job is to lay and reposition various buoys and lightships. We heard later in the day she was working in the channel.

A misty Dover in the distance.

South Foreland through the mist.

Patricia

On the way to Dover the coastguard let us all know that the pan pan had been resolved as the boat was being 'assisted' by Seeker (Border Force). In fact as we were approaching Dover, Seeker was asking permission to enter. We also heard on the radio a ship reporting another suspicious vessel, they were asked to keep the Coast Guard updated. Later we heard Seeker being sent out to this boat. On the news that night was the fact that two migrant boats had been intercepted. Our Border Patrols work hard.

We were lucky going past Dover as there were only two ferries, one in and one out, they were miles in front of us so we didn't have to take any evasive action. Even though we have to ring up Dover Port Authority to let them know we are passing, they are always so polite and thank us for radioing in.

Well wrapped up Skipper and Navigator.

The tides were with us and we had good speed, over 7 knots for two hours, but not dropping below 6 knots. Sadly there was no wind and we did have to motor most of the way. The tides changed after we passed Dungeness (as we knew they would), so our speed slowed. The firing range was not in use so we could cut a bit of a corner.

A wobbly Dungeness.

Pleased with this passage as we entered the harbour at 14.55 and through the lock and fully moored by 15.22.

Looking at these pictures you can see why you need to stick to the channel when entering the harbour.

Sailoring information
Ramsgate to Eastbourne 60.6nm
Time taken 9 hours 55 minutes to the lock
Average speed 6 knots

Sovereign Harbour is a modern well equipped marina. Good toilet facilities and laundry room.

Lots of eateries near by and an ASDA in walking distance. There is also a cinema if you are there for a while. A decent but pleasant walk into Eastbourne, but you can catch the bus from Asda

Efficient locking system, there are two locks, one in and one .out. You enter the lock and they close the gate to commence locking in or out on the hour and half hour.

Sovereign Harbour is part of a group, you can buy 7 nights for the price of 5. These can be redeemed at the majority of their marinas. This makes the per night stay £24.28. You have to use all nights within a 12 month period.

Our route.

Seven days in Ramsgate

Weather and tides meant we would be staying in Ramsgate for seven days. We could have left after six days but basically the seventh night was free, so it would have been rude not to stay the extra night.

In our initial planning we decided we would skip Dover this year. We caught the train to Dover so we could do the bits of the Castle we missed last time we were there. Luckily for us we choose the day that was calm so had good views from the top. There is still a lot of building work going on there and apparently They don’t think the new marina will be ready this year. Dover Castle is spectacular, we concentrated on the Hospital tunnel and the Medieval tunnels. these were areas we didn't get to when we visited two year ago. It’s really amazing how many years this Castle has been in use.

View of the harbour from Dover Castle.

Keeping to the theme of tunnels we also visited the Ramsgate Tunnels, which we’ve not managed on our previous visits. They were really worth a visit, the history is fascinating, they were constructed prior to the outbreak of World War 2 to shelter the population of Ramsgate. They served their purpose and are an amazing testament to a the people who thought of them and the engineers who built them. The tour was a good one with an informative guide. It lasted for 1 1/2 hours and involved a lot of walking. I would recommend it. The pictures weren’t very good unfortunately.

Another place we have never visited whilst in Ramsgate was the Sailor's Church. We had a quick visit there.

Whilst we were in Ramsgate two tall ships came in, one from Sweden and the other from Holland. We watched the Dutch one dock, our friends Ann-Marie and Mick on Fleur had seen the Dutch ship in full sail as they were sailing towards Whitby.

The Border Force were also in evidence, when we arrived Searcher was moored up, later to be replaced by Seeker whom we had last seen as we left Ipswich. Alert  was also there for the duration. We felt that things would be relatively quite for them as the weather was so bad. For most of the week we were in solitary splendour on E pontoon.

We had a plan!

We did have a plan for this season and it seemed a good one. The plan was to get to Brixham as quickly as possible and then explore the West Country at our leisure. Charts went home, passages planned, dates set and then the Weather Gods intervened. As if to say to heck with their plan. We arrived at Ipswich on the set date, Tuesday 7th May, ready to go down the river on Wednesday. However as we were driving down we knew this wasn't feasible. On the plus side Ann-Marie and Mick from Fleur were still at Ipswich. So over a brew we arranged to go to our favourite Chinese Restaurant on the Wednesday. A good time was had by all. We had checked the weather and were ready to set off the next day.


Weather Gods intervention 2. Just as we were getting ready to set off, the sky suddenly went eerily black and the heavens opened - a total monsoon. Delay number 2, silver lining no 2 - Ann-Marie and Mick came round for a bottle of wine. This time we decided we wouldn't say goodbyes.

To cut a long story short we finally set a date to go down the river as Saturday 11th May. As chance would have it Fleur decided that was the day they were off. This meant that Ann- Marie and I had chance for one last shop around Ipswich and a visit to a Craft Fayre. Sadly the wool shop where we used to go to Knit and Natter has closed.

Seeker - one of the Border Force Boats at Ipswich

After a night's mooring they would turn left and we would turn right. We had a lovely night on the buoy and were about 4 buoys down from Fleur.

It was a beautiful calm night on the river as the pictures show.

On the dot of 6.30am we dropped the mooring lines and set off for Ramsgate. I cant say we set sail as there wasn't enough wind. However the wind picked up and we were able to get the Genoa sail out and she increased the rate of knots. It was a good journey enhanced by seeing quite a few seals. its amazing how seeing wildlife makes us happy. We also saw a guillemot fishing.

It was very quiet passing only one container ship and we had a solitary yacht quite a way in front of us. It was a bright day but quite cold but we were wrapped up warm.

We were pleased with the passage and passage time and were moored up at Ramsgate within 8 1/2 hours of leaving the mooring buoy. The plan was to leave the next morning for Dover and Eastbourne the following morning.

Weather Gods intervention mark 3 - the winds for the journey to Eastbourne were forecast to be force 7. Plus because we had delayed our start date the tides were not favourable and it would have been an afternoon/evening sail. After much thought and consultation with weather forecast and tide table we decided to stay put in Ramsgate. So we are here till next Sunday morning and if all goes according to plan we will go from here to Eastbourne. I'll not share the rest of the plan as it's bound to go adrift if I do. Needless to say we will be in the West Country a lot later than expected. However, the joys of retirement means we are not on a strict timetable.

Sailing Information.
£31.99 a night, but if you stay seven nights, the seventh night is free after the discount. That was one of the reasons we decided to stay the extra night.
I still moan about the cost of the laundry here - £5 a wash and £3 a dry.
The shower block is kept clean (cleaners twice a day), however there is always a musty smell, I think its the drains.
As always the marina staff here are always friendly and helpful. There are lots of things to do in Ramsgate. (See the next blog!)

Shakedown Cruise to Chatham 19th - 23rd April

My aim this year is to keep on top of the blog and get the posts out as soon as possible. How long these good intentions last is anyone's guess.

This year I choose the shakedown cruise and elected to go to Chatham. The logic for this was we are hoping to do some longish sails this year and I thought it would to get right into it. Plus the fact I like Chatham.

As it was the Easter weekend, the lovely ladies from the marina office came round the pontoons bearing gifts.

We started this journey with  quick trip down the Orwell to stay on a mooring buoy at the end of the river. It always gives us a head start in the morning if we have an early start and it is a lovely peaceful night. We went through the lock on free flow, which is always an added bonus. Saves jumping off the boat, tying up and waiting for the water to be at the right level. Once at the bottom of the river I realised I'd not charged up my camera so there are very few photos. However here is a view from the boat, you can see why we enjoy this mooring.

Saturday dawned bright although a bit on the chilly side. We were well wrapped up for our journey.

One day I am going to take a glamorous sailing shoot of me!

There was of course no wind so we had to motor sail. I was really pleased with my passage planning as we got the tides spot on and apart from the first and last hour never did less than 6 knots and we were over 7 knots for 4 hours of the journey. From dropping the lines to mooring up in Chatham took us 8 hours and 50 minutes. I was pleased with this as this also included the time to go through the lock at Chatham. The mileage was 53.97 nautical miles. We were a little worried as we went past the Naze as there were some very poorly marked lobster pots.

Chatham is a lovely marina and plenty to do round about. As we had tickets for the Maritime Museum (when you buy your ticket they last a year), we thought we'd go there on Easter Sunday. Sadly it was an event day (Steam Punk), this meant out annual pass was not valid and would have had to pay (a discounted price) to go in. We politely declined.

Rascal at Chatham

Easter Monday was time to come home. We knew we would have some night sailing because of the tides we didn't lock out of Chatham until 13.00hrs.  The tide was against us in the Medway, which we knew it would be as we wanted to catch the better tides in the Thames Estuary. Once on the Estuary it was wind against tide so it was quite bouncy. 

We went over the Swim Spitway before it got dark (which was planned), and darkness fell as we went up the Wallet. Again the tides were good here as we were hitting 7 knots, which was all tide as we never run the engine hard and there was no wind to sail. We also were sail slightly off the course I'd planned as we didn't want to run into the lobster pots we'd spied on the way there.

The conditions were perfect for the best display of phosphorescence we have ever seen. It was like we had two florescent lights attached to the side of the boat. However I spent less time look at the light display as I was on lobster pot look out. We did see some and I was able to alert John to turn quickly to starboard.

The log got messy and incomplete as I am unable to write in the dark and couldn't find my red light torch! So I'm not sure what time we were moored up by. But I was pleased to have hooked a mooring buoy in the dark and we were sat eating our meal by midnight. We felt the need for something hot.

After another restful night on the mooring we had a full English and headed back to the Marina. Once again we planned it well and managed to go back through the lock on freeflow.

Although it was a good weekend John has said he's choosing the destination of next year's shakedown cruise. 

By the way all was well with the boat apart from gremlins with the auto pilot.

We did 121 nm over a four day period. As we had a loyalty card with MLD Marinas we had a free night there. So paid only one night, however at £41, it's not a cheap marina.

2019 Season

Over the winter we did our normal jobs, engine service, cleaning sails etc etc. We also had to buy a new life raft and they only last bout 14 years and you can't have them serviced after that. So winter is usually a time of expense. It also is a time we use the boat as our caravan on water. So we had many trips down to Ipswich, not just for jobs but also for social events.

We are very lucky that the Suffolk section of the CA (Cruising Association) is a very active section and we attended many of their excellent talks (and meals) over the winter.

Our Marina also organises events and this year we managed to go on the lock tour. We were pleased to get on it as in the past, the dates have never worked out for us. That was an interesting couple of hours. We regularly go through the lock but have never been in the office area to see how it all works. It was interesting to see the lock from a different perspective. Sadly it was a dank and misty day otherwise the views would have been brilliant.

This propeller blade was found in Prince Phillip lock during dredging operations in March 2012. After extensive research it was found to be from a Focke-Wulf during a bombing raid on Ipswich 2nd June 1943. Many were killed that night including the 20 year old pilot. It is thought this blade was from his aircraft, the MOD were informed of the find and are happy for it to be displayed at ONS (Orwell Navigation Service).

John always feels that we can give hours of entertainment to anyone one passing as we put the sails back on the boat. We must be getting better as we achieved this task quite quickly this year.

Nothing says the end of winter like the dehumidifier going off the boat and back home.

A couple of views, one of our friend's boat Fleur on the hard standing. By chance she was placed just above us. So I had to take a photo. The other is our Marina, had to take this one as an ex colleague's facebook tag is Charlotte Rose.