All Weathers
Sailing across the Thames Estuary, we crossed from from
Burnham-on-Crouch to Ramsgate, is tricky because it takes so long that you
cannot avoid some problems with the direction of the tidal flow. We set off
from Burnham at the ridiculously early time of 4.00am to try and make the best
of it and were safe in Ramsgate marina by 5.30pm. The forecast was for light
winds and sure enough we had some time pottering along so quietly that we each
had a snooze in the sunshine, not at the same time. However, in the event it
was the brilliant sudden periods of strong winds in the squalls that helped to
boost our speed from 3 to 6 knots for key periods of the day. As well as enjoying
some rain, one squall pelted us with hard-hitting hailstones. It is 15th May 2021.
This crossing was a first for both of
us and we celebrated in style sitting outside an Italian restaurant overlooking
the harbour with food and ice cold beers. With so many issues of weather, tides,
boat and crew to juggle, a crossing like this always includes an element of
adventure, meaning by adventure that there is an uncertain outcome. Now we feel
we are really on our way and our adventure has begun. But I am too tired to
write more, I hope you like the photos and can make sense of them.
Looks a fine way to celebrate your crossing
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