18th, in Dover, then Friday 19th August, Dover to Brighton, 65nm

Dover, 18 August 2011

Although the crossing from Holland had been quite relaxed, we still felt the need to have a restful “stand-down”, so we spent the day id Dover “lolling and strolling”, doing a bit of shopping, and watching our newly re-found “BBC iplayer” (“The Hour”, a gripping drama series). An early bed was called for, as Granville Dock is locked, and we had to exit before 7am.

Friday 19th was forecast with winds of F2/3 8kt max, sun/cloud/ dry. Tidal streams negligible. We had spoken to Brighton marina about an easy access berth to accommodate Hayley’s visit, and we were advised to call again later in the morning, so we were in no hurry on the passage.

Dover astern, Brighton ahead

The passage was simple: Dungenness 18nm @ 225 deg T, Beachy Head 31@ 249 and Brighton Entrance 15 @ 295. Fuel full, hours 903, water 3/4. Sun breaking through dark clouds at 0630.

.0655  Report to marina, request permission from Port Control, Cast off, sort out ropes,etc.

.0700  AOK. Cleared entrance. Bright. Slight sea. F2/3. 2500=, 12kt sog.



A little detour



.0730  Off Folkestone. 2600=, 14.5 sog. The boat is not too happy on a “half-plane”, between 10 & 14 kts, depending on the sea.  AOK. Bilges.

.0800  AOK. 2600 15sog. Temp 90/85. On course 5m to Dungenness. Altering course around 2 yachts.

.0820  At Dungenness. (The best we have seen it, in bright sunshine). AOK. 16sog. Alter course to  Beachy Head . Beautiful conditions already. Coffee time.

At Dungeness

.0850  AOK.  Flat calm.  Bright sun.. Blue sky.  On course 15 nm to BH. 15sog.

.0920  Off Hastings, taking avoiding action around a yacht. AOK. Conditions excellent. Crew is even brushing carpets, doing housework, and sewing. And at 16kts through the water! Frequent fishing pots requiring avoidance.

.0950  Must keep mentioning these superb conditions.  Crew  now sunbathing aft. AOK. 15sog. On course 8nm to BH.



Beachy Head



.1020  At Beachy Head.  AOK. Alter course to Brighton Entrance. More fishing pots.

A tranquil sea

.1050.  Off Newhaven beach. AOK.  9m to BE. Yachts & pots—lots. 16.5 log, 13.5sog.

.1125  Brighton Marina approach.

.1135  On fuel dock. 110/91 = 201 ltrs = £218. Phone for berth— row 8, no 4. Fill  fuel & water.

.1215 On berth, tied up, coffee in hand. Engines 908. A great passage.