After chilling out for the day in Ramsgate, we were ready to move on. Next stop, Eastbourne.
This would be a journey of about 60 miles and would follow the coast of Kent, past Dover, around the headland at Dungeness and along the coast to Eastbourne.
As usual we checked out the weather forecast and the tidal flows. Reading through the Almanac, the Shell Channel Pilot guide and checking the weather apps (Windy and PredictWind), we planned our passage.
The wind was forecast to be Force 4 (11-16 knots) which would have been ideal for sailing.
When checking the heights and times of the tides, it is also important to check the tidal flow. On any long passage, it is not always possible to travel with the flow all of the time. However, there are some places where it is important to travel with, rather than against, the flow. On our journey, the crucial part to get right was to be with the flow around Dungeness.
Of course, predicting the weather is far from a precise science and, once we set off, we usually need to revise our plans due to unforeseen changes. This was definitely the case on our journey to Eastbourne. The wind was not as forecast. Instead it was barely Force 1 (1-3 knots) meaning that we ended up motoring the whole way!
The time was not wasted though, as we had chance to catch up on our reading and research, and, of course, enjoy the sunshine and admire the scenery.
Whilst travelling, we can use paper charts to track our position, but we also have electronic charts on our chart plotter. Not only does this use GPS to pinpoint our location, but it will also show us other vessels around us which are transmitting an AIS (Automatic Identification System) signal. We can usually get information on the type of vessel, its size, speed and direction. From this, we can work out if they are on a course which may collide with ours.
Approaching Dover, the chart plotter starting showing us the traffic around. It was very busy (and this doesn’t include vessels with no AIS!)
Eventually, after 11 hours motoring, we arrived at Sovereign Harbour Marina, just outside Eastbourne.
Entry to the marina is through a lock which means that it is one of the few marinas on this coast that is accessible at any tide state. Excellent if your passage takes less or more time than expected.
I was a little nervous about using the lock, as this is another first for us. We prepared the boat with fenders and lines and motored in slowly. All went smoothly and before we knew it, Escapade was safely tied along side the floating walkway waiting for the gates to close and the water to rise. Easy!
Sounds like you are both making super progress. How do you find cooking in the galley? Where are you off to next?
Hi,
Cooking is no problem. The galley is a reasonable size with a four burner gas oven and plenty of work surface. Cooking under way is a little more challenging, especially if the boat is heeled over!
C x
PS Have just spent a week in the Solent (Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight). Then stopped in Poole and Portland. Heading for Dartmouth in a couple of days. More posts/photos to come!!
Fabulous to see you guys underway… Lovely pics, looking at the charts is also very interesting as it’s looks a hell of a lot of work to keep yourself safe… Really admire your sense of adventure – All the best for the next leg x
Hi,
Great to hear from you. I have been following your adventures on Jurassic set and SUP ing… you must be getting fit!.
Pleased that you are finding the posts interesting.
We have been really pushing ourselves to try new things…bit scary sometimes xx