15th May 2023 – Monday
We had a slightly delayed start due to the train strike. The bonus of that being we were at home for the local beer festival.
We took a different train route this time Clitheroe, Blackburn, Leeds, Peterborough, Ipswich. We usually have to high tail it through London Underground with the trolley, not good for us or the other commuters.
All the work on the boat was carried out during our last visit in April, we also got to catch up with friends.
Mick serviced and tested the life jackets. Interesting to see as they are the compact type and much smaller when worn.
We had 3 days in Ipswich prior to departure and fit in another trip to Lanterns, our favourite Chinese Restaurant, with Liz and John.
We had a final walk around Christchurch Mansions which has been one of the highlights of our stays in Ipswich, with its fine collection of Gainsborough and Constable paintings.
18th May – Thursday
We slipped our lines at 11.30 to enter the lock during free flow, which means we sail straight through. After the lock we see the docks in full swing. Lots of sand etc being shifted which leaves its mark on the boats in the marina. Along with the wood chippings which catch the air from the logging ships.
It is a sunny day with a chill wind (you will hear that sentence a lot). 40 racing sailing boats are descending today for the start of a North Sea race.
We pass the Historic Pin Mill with the famous Butt and Oyster Pub.
We settle on a tranquil mooring buoy near the bottom of the River Orwell, in preparation for an early start tomorrow.
19th May – Friday – Ipswich to Ramsgate
10 to 15 knots of wind are forecast and stay with us all day. Sunny with a chill wind….
We leave the buoy at 04.30am at first light.
Make that very chilly.
Even Felixstowe Docks are quiet at this time of day.
Though the Dredger was in full operation. He’s a big old boy.
Despite taking seasick pills we both felt a bit rough for the first few hours, the sea state was pretty rocky. Then became very rocky for the last 2 hours into Ramsgate.
We received no reply from the harbourmaster on the radio, so we did not have a specific berth to find.
As with Ipswich 40 Belgian boats had arrived taking part in another cross channel race.
Mick was brave and took the plunge to go down ‘D’ Pontoon in windy conditions, we would have to turn around if there were no spaces. Thankfully we kept our nerve and got a place at the sea wall end of the pontoon. A kind passer by helped with the ropes, which we needed in the wind.
Arrived 14.00 – 51 miles – 9 and a half hours, we had very good tides and hit 7.5 knots at times with engine and sails.
The oven Lasagne went down well, we were rocking too much to enjoy a meal out.
A modern racing boat, part of the North Sea race.
20th May onwards
In the next few days we took it easy after a very early start.
Sunrise Fish and Chip shop (corner of Queen St and Harbour St, in town) was visited twice for quality control purposes.
The new ‘Modern Boulanger Café’ has been a great addition to Harbour St since our last visit. The on site bakery has a real touch of class, the baked goods are superb. Well worth visiting. Passion Fruit Meringue Pie and Pistachio Custard Tart were both hits.
New executive apartments have been built on the old wasteland on the sea front and have improved the overall look of the promenade.
On Sunday the 21st Mick was watching the Sunday racers return to port when he had a flash of inspiration. Our wind direction indicator was stuck and needed to the released and lubricated. He paid a visit to the racers and asked if there were any willing, agile young people, prepared to be winched up our mast. The adrenalin filled guys were quick to volunteer to help out.
Luke up the mast.
Luke, Dan and Mick after Luke had been up the mast, winched by Dan, with Mick on the safety line. He released the wind direction indicator and lubricated it and also the wind speed indicator. They did not want any reward but were pressed to take beer tokens.
Sailors Info
We walked every day by the sea and discovered Aldi has been moved.
Improved vanity facilities with plug sockets, hurray.
Increased mooring fees from £37 to £45 per night inc electricity.
We think it is going to be an expensive summer.
24th May – Sunday – Ramsgate to Eastbourne
We had a very variable day. Setting off at 06.30 we had a very smooth start.
We later bounced past Dover negotiating four ferries.
Then bobbled into Eastbourne at 16.00 to enter the lock. 61 miles in 10 hours. Sunny with a chill wind….
Again we got good tides and skimmed past Dungeness Power Station in quick time. It usually feels like forever.
The numbering system on the moorings at Eastbourne Marina are a challenge. One side is even numbers, where visitors moor up. The numbering is on even numbers only so the mooring you need appears more quickly than expected. We helped so many other sailors while we were there, as people helped us on arrival, indicating the correct berth.
25th May – Thursday
Big cleaning day inside and out.
Then a well deserved Thai meal at the ‘Thai Marina’ restaurant.
27th May – Saturday
Walked into town for the carnival, which I found out about online. We started with Jamaican Patties from a food stall.
A large crowd gathered for the 2pm start.
A colourful start with a dancing troupe.
Several bands took part including this steel band, brass bands and drumming band. Also a choir on the back of a wagon.
There were 4 different Peruvian dance troops, in very impressive costumes.
Lots of charities and local interest groups made for a good show.
We had a reviving beer at a local Flat Green Bowling club before walking back to the marina.
18.8k steps 7.8 miles. A Grand Day out.
Sailors Info
The town centre shopping centre has been made larger and pedestrianised, which has had a good effect on the town centre overall.
Again £45 per night. £5 for Electric Card.
Beware the mooring numbering, everyone gets it wrong.
Asda nearby, good restaurants in the marina complex, servicing the marina and surrounding flats.
Arrived Brighton 28th May. More of which next time.