After a lightening trip home via the Canaries away game at Milton Keynes, we found a one-day window of good weather in which we could make the long trip along the south coast. Broom Owners were rendezvousing in Ramsgate for the Bank Holiday weekend and, having decided against staying south until after the Boat Show, we were keen to join them. An 8am start would mean we could carry the tide for the whole journey which would add a valuable knot or two to our usual fuel-saving speed. So it was we found ourselves knocking on the door at Itchen Marine's fuel berth at 7.30am, ready to top up for the voyage.

Solent VTS reported just four knots of wind on their morning report but out in the open seas it was more like 14 to 20 knots. Fortunately, coming from the south west, it was with the tide and although we had a two metere following swell the boat rode it comfortably and the hours ticked by quite peacefully. TimChris joined us at Brighton, although we were well past Dungeness by the time we caught them up. Once we rounded South Foreland the wind dropped dramatically and we had a smooth sea for the rest of the trip, with only the failing light to contend with.

It was quite dark by the time we pulled into the marina, and were pleased to be greeted by BOC members, Richard, Ray and Kelly who had reserved berths for us both, as the last two of the nine boats gathered. There was time for some late night sustenance and an exhibition of the local nightlife at the Ramsgate Tandoori before the festivities began in earnest the following day.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 136 nm

Total to date: 2211 nm

Avg Speed: 11 knots

Duration: 12 hours

Diesel: 402 litres

Wind: SW 5-6

Mooring: £21/night
(with 10% discount)

Electricity: Included

Water: Included

Charts

5600.8

5600.11

5600.3

AC 1652

5605.5

5605.6

5605.7

AC 1828