A straightforward coastal passage, passing close to St Margaret's Point and the "white cliffs" before following the inshore traffic zone towards Dungeness. The Hythe Firing Ranges were active today but we passed well offshore and apparently out of range. We were not so careful passing the Lydd Range, cutting across the edge of the range just as we heard the reminder announcement of live firing on the VHF. We didn't see any big explosions, but no doubt we appeared on someone's radar.

As we were making good time we took a detour inshore towards Hastings, and cruised along the seafront within half a mile of the beach. With perfect visibility we had a good view of the town and the "Marine Court" apartments, obviously designed to look like a cruise ship. With three chart windows at varying scales on the plotter, we had a good picture of where we were, even though is was dead low water.

As we approached Sovereign Harbour there was the usual minefield of hard-to-see fishing markers, including clear plastic bottles and black flags lying horizontal in the water. Arrival at Sovereign was straightforward, with the lock ready for our arrival on a quiet afternoon. Fuel and visitors berths were in ready supply as usual, and we even remembered to claim our 10% CA discount on the berthing fee.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 61 nm

Total to date: 332 nm

Avg Speed: 13 knots

Duration: 4:45 hours

Wind: V 2-3

Diesel: 293 litres, 31p/l

Mooring: £25

Electricity: 10kWH incl

Charts

SC5605