We had stayed at Chichester longer than intended but a weather window opened up so the plan is to go to Brighton, Eastbourne, Ramsgate and back across the Thames Estuary in four hops.
We couldn’t have an early start from Chichester as we needed to work out several tides windows.
1. Getting out of the marina.
2. Going over the bar.
3. Hitting the Looe Channel as the tide turned.
4. Not arriving at Brighton Marina near low tide.
This meant we would not be able to meet up with friends Margaret and Chris in Brighton. We had planned to travel the day before but knew we wouldn’t be arriving before eight in the evening so a meet-up was out of the question.
As we left the Marina the lock was on free flow, that is always a bonus. I actually had all the fenders and ropes away before we went through the lock.
As we left the Marina the lock was on free flow, that is always a bonus. I actually had all the fenders and ropes away before we went through the lock.
Once again travelling through Chichester Harbour was picturesque but you needed your wits about you as there were several fleets racing.
We got out of the marina no problem and across the bar but it was incredibly bumpy and bouncy over the bar. Once over the bar we tried sailing but to no avail as the wind was behind us and was very flukey. We noticed that the other boat around us weren’t sailing but more importantly heading in the same direction. It’s always good when heading for a tidal gate that others are heading in that direction. Makes you feel you’ve done your calculations correct.
A first for us, we saw a water spout. Not the most brilliant of photos. I'm glad we didn't get too near.
Not the most pleasant of journeys. It was wet and bumpy with not a lot of wind. We also had a problem with the chart plotter as the screen kept moving from the chart to the home page, which was
most disconcerting. To say the least.
The entrance to Brighton Marina was as always like being in a washing machine. They also have a weird way of numbering their berths. We found it but had to ask a passing gentleman if he could read the numbers on the pontoon as we couldn’t. We had picked the right one and he took our lines, which was an added bonus. I’m afraid that Brighton Marina is rather tired and needs a bit of sprucing up.
We set off for Eastbourne knowing it would be a bit of a rough journey - it was. It wasn't helped by the fact the chart plotter was switching itself off repeatedly. We did have paper charts but it wasn't much fun as we didn't always have knowledge of our depth.
John helmed for the entire journey normally we share two hours on and two off. You can tell how rough it was as I didn't venture down stairs to make tea. However once we went round Beachy Head everything went smooth. We were also treated to the view of a couple of porpoises and a very friendly seal. I tried to get a picture of him but didn't manage it. he came and swam round the back of the boat and was having a good look at us.
The weather forecast meant that we wouldn't be continuing with our four hops but would be staying in Eastbourne for a while. We also wanted to try and sort out the chart plotter. Despite seeing someone from Raymarine it wasn’t possible to fix. It is now 6 months out of warranty.
Once again the weather intervened and we ended up staying in Eastbourne for 7 days we weren’t the only ones. A yacht did venture out but returned within a couple of hours. The problem was very high winds, so we were able to get around and see a couple of new places. Also we were in Eastbourne for the annual air show.
We set off for Eastbourne knowing it would be a bit of a rough journey - it was. It wasn't helped by the fact the chart plotter was switching itself off repeatedly. We did have paper charts but it wasn't much fun as we didn't always have knowledge of our depth.
John helmed for the entire journey normally we share two hours on and two off. You can tell how rough it was as I didn't venture down stairs to make tea. However once we went round Beachy Head everything went smooth. We were also treated to the view of a couple of porpoises and a very friendly seal. I tried to get a picture of him but didn't manage it. he came and swam round the back of the boat and was having a good look at us.
The weather forecast meant that we wouldn't be continuing with our four hops but would be staying in Eastbourne for a while. We also wanted to try and sort out the chart plotter. Despite seeing someone from Raymarine it wasn’t possible to fix. It is now 6 months out of warranty.
Once again the weather intervened and we ended up staying in Eastbourne for 7 days we weren’t the only ones. A yacht did venture out but returned within a couple of hours. The problem was very high winds, so we were able to get around and see a couple of new places. Also we were in Eastbourne for the annual air show.
There was a pop up museum in town run by English Heritage. This was excellent, we found that Eastbourne was actually built as a tourist resort. It has links with the Devonshire Family (Chatsworth House).
We also had a super day out at Pevensey Castle. A case of renovation rules okay as it started off with the Romans and then was used both during and after the Norman Conquest. It was by the sea in those days.
From Eastbourne we set off for Ramsgate. In retrospect we should have waited another day as the sea was quite rough. We motor sailed the entire way. The chart plotter is getting worse!
We are quite familiar with Ramsgate Harbour now, we were fully moored within 20 minutes of entering the harbour.
Once at Ramsgate we wanted to visit The Roman fort near Sandwich. We have made such good use of our English Heritage cards. Another fascinating day. Although not much of the fort left the information was excellent.
Sailing Information
Chichester to Brighton 41.8 miles 9 hours
Brighton Marina - Premier Marina - not their best.
Basic toilet facilities - not enough for number of boats
Friendly staff
Lots of eating places out of marina
Asda nearby
Can't arrive two hours either side of low water
Brighton to Eastbourne 21.4 nm 4 hours 35 minutes
Lock 24/7
lots of eating places
Asda near by.
Eastbourne to Ramsgate 60.8nm 7hours 46 minutes
See previous blog for information about Ramsgate.
