Andrzej Charczuk

Waited for strong winds in North Sea to subside before leaving on Friday morning. Good sail across North Sea to Dover where easterly tide at 2.5kts made slow going. With strong winds forecasted we pushed on to Eastbourne. With bare poles and under motor we battled through 45kt gusts and big seas to Eastbourne. After getting some sleep we left early to complete the final 11 hours in sunshine arriving Chichester at 6pm. Strongest winds and biggest seas for me and Elfride.

Round the Island Race 2025. 0830 start and set off from Shepard's Marina in Cowes around 0715 13kts built to 18 gusting 25 by the start and throughout the day. Paul at the helm - good start beating up to the Needles, staying North and mid-channel. I took the helm for the Downwind past the Needles. 2m following sea and wind over tide, but managed to find the more favourable tides. after St Kat's, managed to goosewing and hold a steady run to Bembridge. Hugged the mark with quite a few boats bearing down of us. Handed the helm to skipper Mark who took us through the rain and squalls to the finish at 1652. 4th/32 in class ISC6C and 38th overall for the ISC ratings!

Return home. Barely any wind. Mostly motoring against tide. To make trip more exciting we decide to return on the other side of Isle of Sheppey , through the King’s Ferry Bridge.

Lower Halstow Yachf Club to Ramsgate Royal Marina with overnight anchorage at Stangate Creek. Pretty much choppy. F7 max.