Fifth Leg

Sat 19 june
Harwich to Ramsgate
We awake to sun showers and a bit of wind but decide to go for it. We both want to get this bit over with as the Thames Estuary is a maze of sand banks to meander across. As we come out of the channel dozens of boats out, racing, cruising. There are about 10 old barges with full gaff rig gracefully cutting through them all - might is right even under sail!!
We get the sails up and decide not to put a reef in (!) and choose to go inshore of the wind farm at Clacton. Just as we got past the 1 st squall hit us. The wind shot up to 30+ kn per hour, I was down below, Ivan steering and I heard him shout 'we're going over babe' and my response was 'we ****ing not' !!!! Well we didn't and the rig and boat thankfully took it all in it's stride!! Thanks to Pip for pestering andWilliam for advising. Rob, the anchor points welded to the deck were just fine.....!! Had about 3 or 4 more big squalls and as the day went on the sea got bigger and bigger and very shallow in some places (2 metres when Ivan cut the corners on sand banks!!). By the time we got to North Foreland we were both worn out and were in the biggest sea I have ever been in, and Ivan said the last time he was in seas that big he was on the lifeboat!!
We had to motor the last few hours again. The North sea is having it's las say!! But the engine is doing really well thankfully. By the time we get to Ramsgate we have a few repairs - the AIS aerial bracket and 2 sliders on the foot of the main have failed. Ivan got whipped on the nose by the foresail sheet and Angela got bruised being thrown around in the wheelhouse so a day of rest and repair is definitely in order. But we have at last escaped the North sea !!

Fourth Leg

Fri 18 June
Sorry no pics but having computer problems! Will put on lots of pics when we get a good link!
Lowestoft to Harwich. The forecast is OK. We have planned to have the flood tide with us virtually all the way but when we get out there, after dodging gas platform barges in the estuary, the sea is flat but there is next to no wind - we really can't win!!
We get the sails up and do a steady 5 kn but by 1 pm the wind has died completely! It does pick up later and we get a few more peaceful hours under sail and arrive at Harwich at out 6 pm. The biggest container ship we ever saw followed us in but no room for him in the lock to the marina!! A good day , and we are keen to capitalise so if looks good will go for the next leg in the morning.

THIRD LEG

After a long stay in Wells, partly due to re-charging batteries, catching up with family and strong winds from the North, we set off for Lowestoft. It was an early start and although we had plenty of water to get out over the Wells bar it was all a bit nerve wracking, and we both felt a bit gippy. We get out and head East but its 1.30 before we can put a sail up. She sails really well in quite heavy seas, but with gusts and lulls of wind, shallow and confused seas, we decide to go back to the engine at 5.00pm til we reach Lowestoft at 8.15pm. An exhausting and long day, as soon as we are sorted out, we head into town for a fish and chip supper, but make the mistake of asking a local the way to a good chippy. We follow him at a stiff walk for 10 mins to be told the chippy was another 10 mins further on as he ducked into an off licence! We promptly turn around and head for the first Indian restaurant and come to the conclusion he just wanted company whilst he walked to get more booze!! A full on day, and we are strating to believe the weather is conspiring against us!

SECOND LEG

Weds 9th June
3.00am rise, anchor up and we are off across the Humber in the fog - scary as all we can hear is a very loud fog horn behind us!. Very shallow acros Haile sands with just seals and balloons to keep us company. No wind so just motoring all the way. Take it in turns to have naps to catch up on lost sleep and as the sun comes out, the fog clears and the sea gets flatter and more oily - a perfect sea for diving, not sailing!! Balloons have found a happy place to be, at sea away from spiky things!. About an hour from Wells the wind picks up, but too late to faff with the sail now. Guided into the channel by the harbour tender and put on the new pontoons in the outer harbour. My mum and dad are here - all the way from Nottingham! We are a bit frazzled, but a quick scrub and a lovely meal and we can relax as we have made our first port of call safely!!

FIRST LEG

Tues 8th June

Up early (with a hangover - cheers Bruce, Karen and Rob!!), sorted a few bits n bobs, then headed for a breakfast at Marks - but too early for him so a tea at the teapot instead! Met by Rob, Carl, Craig and Bruce. Very low cloud, rain and no wind - marvellous!!

Back to the boat with Bruce. He cast us off at 10 am. Thanks Bruce. Nice and easy we spun her round and headed out, with a few tears from me! We motored all the way to Flamborough Head and it brightened up and the wind got up, so up went the sails and the motor off - peace at last! A few more tears - from both of us this time! She is really well balanced under sail, nice and reassuring! We even left her to her own devices and went below and she just sailed herself and kept a course with no bother!

At Hornsea we tried to tack, but were heading back to Scarborough, so back under motor. We pulled in around Spurn point about 10.30pm, anchored, got some tea, and slept til 3.00am.

An emotional day and we motored more than we wanted to do, but after so many good byes from all our friends we just needed to get going!. The short section under sail was a joy, and a hint of what is to come. the engine was fine too so all should be well.