After a pieceful night at anchor in the Roach - up at 06.00 - off at 08.20.
Wind from the west and at the most 15 knots - perfect.
A cool breeze needed Jackies new waterproofs as we negotiated the Whitaker channel avoiding the Cross Rail muck ship on the way.
All sail and a bit of engine saw 7 knots over the ground - flying.
I left the mainsail tucked up in it's bag all winter and this was the first airing.
As we hoisted it - a full birds nest and piles of dry leaves came out but no birds - luckily.
No damage done.
We crossed the Sunk Sand sandbank with 2 metres under the keel - spot on.
As we approached the London array wind farm we had to cross the shipping lane and it was busy.
I couldn't work out which way a tanker was turning until it turned directly towards us!!!
Five blasts from his hooter meant - I am unsure of your intentions - but really meant - get out of my way!!!
We turned into the wind and hove to until he had passed - there is a first time for everything - Whoops.
The sails were keeping the sun off the cockpit so Jackie caught some sun on the foredeck as we sped South towards the Thames proper.
Jackie kept a proper log every hour - as you should - but a first for me.
The sun went in and clouds formed as we passed North foreland - we took a more inshore track to save time.
Past Broadstairs and then Ramsgate was in sight.
We were in the marina by - about 5.30 - poor instructions from the marina office over the radio saw us looking for our allotted berth up a dead end.
Luckily no wind and a reasonable space saw a perfect about turn and a kind chap helped us find our way to berth C12.
It turns out that it's Ramsgate week with the marina jammed with visiting yachts - some very special racing machines that must fly like muck off a shovel ( a racing term)
We were lucky to find a berth - but at £26 per night - OUCH!!
A rolly night with creeky ropes - but we were tired out and crashed out.
We have booked 2 nights here to show Jackie the delights of Ramsgate ( there might be some)
Then next stop France !!!
Mike &Jackie Smethurst.
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