Monday 12th August.
Yes we are on the move - the travel hoist - driven by Toby Lester - picked up Blazer at 15.30 and off we trundled to the launch ramp.
Barely walking pace we slowly navigated past the other yachts - a job they do every day,
but nerve wracking for us!
Held in the slings - she is reversed into the water with great precision.
The dory boat was waiting to strap to the side of Blazer and take her to the pontoon.
I asked if I could check out the stern gland for leaks once she was afloat - no problem.
Off we went to the pontoon - afloat again after 6 months ashore!!
Once we were on the pontoon we checked out the engine, which started straight away, and then we ran the prop which I knew was a bit tight in the new cutless bearing but no problem - sweet as a nut.
With about 5 hours of daylight left - we decided to head off straight away and anchor in the river Roach overnight to give us a head start in the morning if the weather looked OK then.
A lovely run down with Jackie on the tiller saw us anchored at about 6 pm.
The anchor set first time in 6 meters of water at the anchorage in company with two other boats away in the distance.
After a hearty tea of the left over stew - livened up with a dash of curry powder - we fitted the foresail in a brief window were the wind dropped to nothing.
OK - now the plan came together - we would have enough water to get over the Sunk Sand sandbank after mid day so an 8 o'clock start will be good with light westerly winds should see us sailing most of the way to Ramsgate. - ALL SET.
We missed you! We must have been up at Tollesbury negotiating on our new purchase, Brigantia has been on the inside of the pontoon since Sunday afternoon. Have a good trip
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