Bob Walker

almost perfect conditions. Flat calm with a good F4 wind to stretch the sails. We intended to Calibrate the new Orca Core in Plymouth Sound but it seemingly didn't need it so we just sailed.

Leisurely cruise up the river to Ipswich, including a short stint under sail. Wind from the North F2, river flat calm.

Early departure from Ramsgate to Shotley 0530, and what a wonderful sunrise under sail. No engine required after departure until entering Shotley. No rain and Westerly winds gusting 23 knts. Absolutely ideal.

0730 start from Eastbourne and straight into un forecasted wind from the North and below 10kts. So we have wind on the bow and 5hrs of rain. Made it to Ramsgate with sufficient sun at the end to dry our poor soggy souls.

0710 departure from Brighton into choppy sea 1.2m swell following, nice surfing. small tidal current against us but priority was to pass Beachy Head before the forecast F6 came in. Wind was Westerly F4-5 with slight rain.

Enjoyable passage, flat calm but no wind to begin with, therefore on engine until 1100hrs when the wind westerly/ SW came in as forecast gusting to 14kts. Enjoyable sail after that.

Night time passage to return to Gillingham before the bad weather arrives. No dramas during the passage motor sailing all the way with a fair bit of wind and tide against us.

Good sail with a F5-6 behind us. Brightling Harbour Authority have been fantastic and local butcher delivered 9 BBQ servings for us. Absolutley brilliant.

Blustery with occasional rain ahowers, otherwise an uneventful but pleasant sail.