Sophia

Touched the mud three times. One time, even stuck, but just pushed it through.

Motored

Motored with the ebb tide.

Motoring as the wind was from the west. Docked in South Dock Marina, costed about £160. Must report to the London VTS through VHF for permission to transit.

Out from the Queenborough, motored through the Medway river. Very fast with the current. Gathering information about sailing on Thames towards the city of London.

Could have a glimpse of the strong tide of Thames river. Stopped at the mooring Q. Very nice place. Will take a week break here.

Sailing never gets easier. We always struggle with this being the right way to pursue our lives. Coming to the UK is definitely our great milestone, but I feel more burdened than mere joy. Our speedometer got fixed on the way. Also, the NMEA2000 connection is fully on all of a sudden. Depth, true wind, and everything, we can check. Starlink global roaming is only available from 12 miles from land.

Passing new locks are still giving us hard times. We always hit the bow when docking. Failed to get a spot in the Sea Haven Marina. I see why the marina is so popular because it’s right next to the free ferry going to the Amsterdam central station but it’s hard to contact them as a foreigner because they have only phone numbers and not the VHF channel number. Luckily, found a really cozy harbor near it. Watersportvereniging Aeolus was a perfect haven for us. Priced €24. Never experienced this price in the whole Northern Europe. Wish to come back.