April 2016 – A new sailing season awaits

After an eventful winter we are ready to set sail again.  We have been M.O.T.’d, the boat has been M.O.T.’d and we are stocked up with enough Tea Bags to get us anywhere.  We have had fun visiting and being visited by friends and attended several significant birthday events. 

We did not have a holiday this winter and we used the money to pay for a new Sprayhood, Cockpit Cover and Ultra Violet protection strip for the Genoa (front sail).  We disturbed the peace of our neighbour’s in Amsterdam marina last year by carrying out running repairs to the sprayhood on my small and noisy sewing machine.  It was time for a new one.  Fleur looks great in her new livery, made by Parker and Kay, Sailmakers of Levington.

25th April – Monday – To Ipswich

It was from an excellent surprise birthday event in South Wales, transported by Annette and Julian in the campervan, that we boarded a train from Newport to Ipswich via London. 

Paddington at Paddington being visited by ‘Michael Bond’ namesake of the author (and Agnes the trusty trolley).

Over the next few days….

Fleur needed her external equipment put back in place and then we needed some good weather.

We had our last big breakfast at ‘Jack’s Cafe’ (nearby Sainsbury’s on London Road).  Best fried slice to be had anywhere.

Our last visit to Christchurch Mansion which had a new exhibition, they are always changing and well worth a visit.

As all good plan’s, ours changed immediately.  We planned to go to London, but the weather meant that we missed our slot at the marina we had booked, Mid May was their next offering!  there’s always next time.

Ipswich Marina

We have been lucky to meet some lovely people in Ipswich and look forward to staying in touch, they have made our stay very memorable and enjoyable. 

The boat mooring at Ipswich Haven Marina has been excellent.  The staff are friendly and professional.  The lift-out process was painless and the facilities are very clean with plugs and hairdryers.  The cost was less than half that of Southampton and also has a cheap laundry (£2 wash and £1 dry).  The railway station and town amenities make for a great place to leave a boat.

29th April – Friday – To Harwich

We sailed down the River Orwell at 16:00 and arrived at 18:00 at Half Penny Pier.  Having been here before we rang through and were told we could use the Ferry Mooring, away from the fishing boats.  We had a rock and roll night and a walk to the Fish and Chip shop broke up the evening. 

30th April – Saturday – To Ramsgate

After a poor nights sleep we were glad to get going early at 06:00 to make our way to Ramsgate, arriving 14:15 (48 miles).  The first trip is always a tricky one.  We both felt a bit rough for the first few hours, but the wind calmed and the sea was kinder and we ended up sailing into Ramsgate on a cold but sunny afternoon. 

The windfarms at the mouth of the Thames Estuary took an age to pass and consist of hundreds of enormous windmills.

We also passed ‘Sealand’ an independent Kingdom which is constantly manned.  See www.sealandgov.org for details.  Don’t think I fancy living there!

Entrance to Ramsgate harbour.

Inside Ramsgate Harbour.  Fleur on the left.

Ramsgate Arches, which are home to several cafes, vintage/junk shops, chandlers and other businesses.

Ramsgate Marina

The marina is secure and central to the town.  £29 per night, inc electricity.  Toilets on the pontoon and good facilities on the harbour side.  No plug sockets, hotel hairdryers and eye watering £5 to wash and £3 to dry clothes in the laundry.  Our dirty clothes are coming to France.  Waitrose is the nearest supermarket, but Aldi is only a 15 minute walk along King Street.  The town centre has a good selection of food shops too.

3rd May – Tuesday

After a windy Bank Holiday weekend we ventured out to Aldi and a cream tea at Corby’s tea room.

The weather is changing for the better……yeah.