| THERE ARE TWO ACCOUNTS OF CRUISES WE MADE ON ALBAN ROSE ON THIS PAGE, SO READ ON. Back in Summer 2005 we took our Westerly Centaur Alban Rose to Poole ………….
The ‘Mermaid’ DAY ONE – THURSDAY 14TH JULY A PERFECT END TO A NOT SO PERFECT DAY! Left Eastbourne in 04.30 lock – after panic because Eddie had shut cock to engine instead of opening it! We had fog all the way to Littlehampton and had a close encounter with a ‘Mermaid’ (a large ship). We came through the Looe Channel in bright sunshine and guess what? Mermaid was there too! The ship was doing maintenance on the buoys at the Looe Channel and was HUGE!! Eddie’s AIS radar (his competition winner) certainly proved invaluable today. There were also two big beautiful dolphins playing in the water, but was unable to capture them on the camera.The toilet broke on the way (must have been the curried beans) so we might have to ‘bucket and chuck it’ for a few days. Had to motor-sail because no wind – never mind maybe more tomorrow.Well we’re anchored at East Head now – so time for a gin and tonic! DAYTWO – FRIDAY 15TH JULY LOVELY HOT SHOWERS Woke up to lovely sunny and breezy day at East Head. Left mooring at about 09.00 and had a good sail towards Portsmouth. Came into Portsmouth passed the Brittany Ferries and lots of Naval Vessels, also Spinnaker Tower. Plenty of marks to go by – Forts galore.Quite a long trek to Port Solent but when mooring up on waiting pontoon for a lock-in, who should we see? But Keith of Neilsons, last seen in Nidri! He came over to see us after we had berthed and had a beer. It’s a small world.Nice to get in and have a lovely hot shower here – also Wetherspoons in spitting distance – can’t be bad. Went to the big chandlery here and got a new toilet – installation tomorrow. DAY THREE – SATURDAY 16TH JULY A HOT SMELLY DAY! Spent most of today installing our new loo – Eddie had his head in the heads all morning. The old one came out ok but the pipe work honked no end, and it was quite difficult putting in the new pipes, had to use lots of Vaseline and brute force!! Now up and running – very nice too.Also Eddie had to sort out Yeoman Plotter and put in all new reference points – for some reason they had all been lost. That took him ages. Very, very hot today – been busy so haven’t gone very far from boat. Going out shortly to find somewhere nice to eat.
DAY FOUR – SUNDAY 17TH JULY LAZY DAYDidn’t do much today cos Eddie was revising. Went for a walk round the perimeter of Port Solent – the sea side of it was lovely, but other three sides are surrounded by busy roads and motor way – too noisy for me. Eddie popped into Chandlers to get a bulb for light and a bosun’s chair (steaming lights not working so he will have to go up mast!) He bumped into Rob Morris from SHYC there! He had driven down to get some bits for their cruise next week. We are on the move tomorrow.
DAY FIV E – MONDAY 18TH JULY A ‘U’ TURN! Left Port Solent about 09.00 with forecasts of Force 4-5, but was very windy when we came out into Solent. We headed for I.O.W. but wind was on the nose and we changed our minds, turned round and headed for Chichester! Just as well, sea got rough and we had a rocky ride to the ‘Bar’, but at least wind was behind us. As we went up Chichester canal they gave out strong wind warnings of Force 7 – glad we did a u-turn!Lost our boathook as we approached waiting pontoon at Chichester – wind was so strong it blew us off the pontoon and we were 90 degrees to it! Went into our berth which is conveniently near the showers and footpath across locks, also there is aWesterly next-door, a Konsort, called Konlord. We waited for the tide to come up and later on our boathook was washed up on the beach by the marina! Eddie had to wade out to it. Lovely and peaceful here with lots of wildlife and countryside all around. Two swans and their signets even came into the lock with us! At least we are here safely for Eddie to get his train back on Thursday for exam.
Chichester Canal
DAY SIX – TUESDAY 19TH JULY WINDY CITY A wild and windy day and we felt so relieved we came to Chichester or we would have been stuck in Cowes. Spent a quiet day. Eddie did some revision. We did the laundering and had a few walks. Spoke to some people whose dog went for a swim into the channel and wouldn’t come back. Luckily there was a boat out there that picked the dog up and brought it back through the lock! Had a walk to Birdham Pool and had a lovely meal at the Yacht Club. They really do wonderful meals there and lovely views out over the harbour too.
DAY SEVEN – WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY
ANOTHER WINDY (AND WET) ONE! Still blowing a hooli again today – Force 6’s and moderate to rough seas. We got the bus intoChichester today as a dummy run for Eddie tomorrow. Found the station and had a wander. Sat outside the cathedral and had lovely pasties, bought some chocolate from Montezuma’s, listened to some Red Indian music being played in the centre of the city (outside the Halifax!). We had a drink in the Slug & Lettuce while waiting for the rain to stop then came back. Buses run every 20 minutes which is good. We went to the Yacht Club in the evening (again!) and got chatting to a couple who are on their way back from Holland to Plymouth. Have been away for eleven weeks! They had to come intoChichester on Monday, like us, because of the weather, and they are hoping to leave tomorrow weather permitting. Had another nice meal and went to bed – early night ‘cos Eds off early tomorrow.
DAY EIGHT – THURSDAY 21ST JULY SKIPPER FOR THE DAY Eddie went off bright and early this morning to get his train home. Lovely sunny day, shame we couldn’t be on the sea. I went to the launderette, did washing and had a chat with the repair man who was fixing the iron. Found a £1 coin in the washing machine which was a bonus. Trundled back to boat for lunch (it’s quite a walk over there – all round edge of marina). Went for a walk to Birdham through footpaths to try and find a shop – no luck. Quite a long walk and very, very hot! Went back to the shop on site and got a few necessities – they don’t stock an awful lot there. Spent rest of day reading and sunbathing, very relaxing. Eddie phoned in evening, and Ian too – Ian and Lyn hoping to come down Saturday to see us.
DAY NINE – FRIDAY 22ND JULY WANDERER RETURNS! Eddie got back about 13.00 – another nice sunny day today. Decided to got for a walk to Birdham in the afternoon and found the shop! We had a map that Eddie brought down from home this time. Took about 1 ½ hours in all through some lovely country lanes.Had some entertainment in the afternoon – the nice elderly couple next to us with the Konsort tried to take their boat out but went a bit adrift – the wind took them. (“Help Margaret!”) . Don’t think they are used to the boat yet – used to have a Centaur. Went to the yacht club again in evening just for a drink (or 3). Felt quite woozy when we got back. And so to bed (hic). VISITORS Ian and Lyn came to visit today. Didn’t stay the night because Lyn had a bad throat. Had a good day though – went out down to near East Head and anchored off – tried the other anchorage which wasn’t as crowded. We had some lunch there and watched all the boats coming and going. Had a sail in the harbour, but lots of boats around so we motor-sailed back. Lovely sunny and breezy day. We had a meal together in the Yacht Club and a walk around the Marina after. They went home around 22.30 – a good day. DAY ELEVEN – SUNDAY 24TH JULY WET, WET, WET Rain in the night, and all morning. Dried up in the afternoon and we went to stock up at the shop ‘cos we are leaving tomorrow. Filled up with diesel and charged up all the necessaries ready for the off. A quiet day – phoned Adam and Phil. Adam will be in Poole next weekend so hopefully meet up there. Had a last meal at the yacht club – curry, pudding, and wine!! (We must be their best customers!) So to bed. DAY TWELVE – MONDAY 25TH JULY EAST HEAD Left Marina – difficult leaving pontoon as rather windy. Went through lock OK – arrived East Head and anchored. We dried out later, and had a list to port as the boat took the bottom. Made the most of it and Eddie had a quick scrub round! Had an uneasy night as the wind got up later on, and then died down again. Moving on tomorrow.
High & Dry at East Head! DAY THIRTEEN – TUESDAY 26TH JULY A LONG HARD JOURNEY! Left East Head at 05.30 – wind light but cloudy day. Started off OK but began to spit with rain after Cowes and tide turned against us. We went past Ellen McCarthy’s boat Kingfisher II moored off Cowes ready for ‘Cowes week’ next week. Took ages to reach end of Solent, then trip acrossChristchurch to Poole Bay was awful – seas getting bigger and bigger all the time. Did that bit mostly on the head sail and engine. As we approached Poole Harbour entrance which was extremely choppy, some inflatables belonging to Royal Marines came out going like bats out of hell – they created a great big wash – we were rocking about like a cork!!……Now berthed at Poole Town Quay Boat Haven – getting into berth was easiest bit! Just had a lovely shower and feeling a bit better – but its still raining.Had a late meal at Wetherspoons (The Quay) which is just across the road! Very handy! Slept very well. DAY FOURTEEN – WEDNESDAY 27TH JULY LUNCH DATE Woke up to a misty, drizzly still day! No Force 6’s in sight! Had a wander into Poole to explore and find out where shops, etc. were. The boat haven where we are berthed is right on Poole Quayside so in the heart of the town, everything is nice and close. Only downside is the ‘facilities’ – they are across the road! Feels a bit strange wandering over there with my sponge bag amongst all the shoppers! Met up with Robert and Susan (in-laws) for lunch and had a nice Thai meal in a hotel on sea-front. Had a coffee at their flat, then Susan dropped us off at Sainsbury’s to do our shopping. Still drizzly, misty and dull. Got some fish and chips in evening to eat on board, then went for a drink in the Poole Arms, a pub we went to years ago when we were here on holiday with Adam, who was 9 months old at the time! DAY FIFTEEN – THURSDAY 28TH JULY FIREWORKS! Had a lazy day today, forecast wasn’t good so decided to stay put at Town Quay. Sun did come out but very windy. Got washing done in the tiny launderette here, Eddie did some repairs on boat, etc. and in the evening they had entertainment on the Quayside – live bands, bouncy castles, and a lovely firework finale. We watched it from the boat and had a bird’s eye view. A few huge boats came into Poole today – a beautiful sailing boat with wooden hull – probably on its way to Cowesfor next week. DAY SIXTEEN – FRIDAY 29TH JULY RAIN AGAIN Another iffy day weatherwise. Had a trip out on the tender today. Took it out to the fuel pontoon in the middle of Poole Harbour and filled up the cans with diesel. Quite choppy out there and we got a bit wet on the way back, but fun! Chap on the fuel barge was a bit of a card – I think he thought we were very brave to come out there on our little tender! Adam, Hannah and Katie came down today, and we met up with them all (Susan, Robert and Rachel as well) for a drink in the evening after we had had a meal at Wetherspoons. Managed to sit outside one of the pubs without being rained on but it was a bit chilly. They did have one of those patio heaters, which helped. Katie looked a bit bemused to see both sets of grandparents at the same time!
Our Moorings in Poole
DAY SEVENTEEN – SATURDAY 30TH JULY BARBY UNDERCOVER Woke to rain (again) but cleared up later. Met Adam and the others and went for a long walk intoBournemouth along beach while Katie had a nice sleep in her pushchair. Met up again in evening for barbecue at North Haven Yacht Club (Robert’s YC). Unfortunately it rained quite hard just before we got there so had to sit inside. Is this really July??Told Robert we had a ride in the tender and saw his boat moored out in the harbour – looked very nice and named four-play!! Got a taxi back from the YC – cost £10 just for that journey and driver was mad – must have been in a hurry to go home to bed!! DAY EIGHTEEN – SUNDAY 31ST JULY A NEW VENUE/STUCK IN THE MUD! Left Poole Yacht Haven about 11.00 after stocking up at Sainsbury’s and Eddie got some bait. We plan to anchor up tonight.Went round north of Brownsea Island but got stuck in the channel – it was too shallow even for us. Luckily we managed to move the boat and get off. We re-traced our course and went round the south of island and anchored off Bramble Bush Bay. We took the tender ashore where Adam, Hannah, Katie, Robert, Susan and Rachel were having a picnic. They had come across on the chain ferry. We had a play in the sand and paddle in the sea with Katie – she loved it! They left about 15.00 as Hannah had to get home for work, and we went back to boat. We motored round to Goathorn Point and anchored there for the night. A nice peaceful spot overlooking Brownsea Island, except for some boats moored nearby having a party! But they left later and then it was lovely. Eddie did some fishing and caught two small Bass.
A family walk
DAY NINETEEN – MONDAY 1ST AUGUST BYE-BYE POOLE Had a nice night at the anchorage – peaceful, and a beautiful morning – left at 06.00 and all the marsh birds were out and about. Had quite a good motor-sail to Hurst Castle (hardly any wind) and anchored there for an hour or two while waiting for the tide. Then on to Lymington – had to dodge the IOW ferries going in but quite easy into Lymington Yacht Haven. Nice Marina – about a mile from the town along a footpath by the river and into the quayside. It was very quaint here with cobbled streets. Had a nice meal by the quay in the Ship and wandered back (in the rain yet again!). Must mention the facilities are lovely – especially when your are wet and chilly from a drizzly sail! There are lots of Charter boats here and big boats too – plenty of money around. There is also an open-air swimming pool next to the marina – quite unusual to see these days. If weather had been better might have been tempted.
DAY TWENTY – TUESDAY 2ND AUGUST SAILING AT COWES! Didn’t leave Lymington till 12.00 after a lie in, a nice shower and a cooked breakfast (by me). Quite a nice breeze, and sunny today too! At last! Sailed along Solent and saw all the boats racing – all sizes – and we went amongst them – good fun! We had to do a three point turn at one point as some boats were bearing down on us, but it was so colourful with all the sails up everywhere.Saw the B & Q boat (Kingfisher II) again, on the move this time though it was motorsailing not taking in part in races. We had to motor sail sometimes as well cos wind was behind us. Wind got up as we came into Chichester – just made it again! We anchored off East Head – felt like coming home! Early start tomorrow – good night. DAY TWENTY-ONE – WEDNESDAY 3RD AUGUST UP WITH THE LARKS Had to get off early today cos anchor had slipped and we were drifting backwards. Luckily Eddie woke up and noticed – it was pretty windy during night – neither of us slept very well.We left about 05.30 and weather miserable. Showers, wind and rough sea, with waves hitting us broadside. But once we got through the Looe Channel the waves were behind us and felt a lot more comfortable. We sped along on engine and headsail. Met up with lots of seaweed at Worthing and had to dodge through it. There was a loud bang at one point, and we think it was seaweed being cut by the rope cutter round prop. Arrived at Brighton in sunshine and brisk Force 5 but moderate sea. The wind pinned us to the waiting pontoon and it was quite difficult getting off it again!Eddie went up to office and asked them for a nice quiet spot, so we were away from the visitors berths. It was quite a short pontoon though, and when I jumped off boat almost ended up in the water!!The wind got up to a Force 6 in afternoon so we made in just in time – 12 noon! Had a lovely shower, a doze and a nice steak at Wetherspoons. Slept very well!
DAY TWENTY-TWO – THURSDAY 4TH AUGUST A LONG WALK Woke to a lovely sunny day – light winds. We decided to walk into Brighton for lunch. We were going in to see the sand sculptures, but it was £6 a head so we just peeked over the fence! Had a wander down the pier to see the Dr Who exhibition but that was £6 a head too so didn’t bother. It looked quite small and not very good value for money. We found a Chinese restaurant with a lunch buffet – had a lovely lunch there and then had a wander down the Lanes. Decided to walk back as well to let lunch go down. We were relaxing on boat when we got back and Carol (from Pompette) appeared! They arrived today – quite windy by the time they got here. We met up in evening and they came over for a drink. Didn’t go to bed till about 12.30 (late for us!). Had a good chinwag though.
DAY TWENTY-THREE – FRIDAY 5TH AUGUST RELAXING DAY Didn’t do very much today – had a coffee and cake at Lloyds Bar, wandered down to the Chandlers and lazed in the back of the boat. Weather sunny and cloudy but wind quite light. We had a lot of rain in the night though, cos got up to go to the loo and the carpet was wet. Rain had come in the port window where it wasn’t quite shut.Must mention that we saw a boat here that was also in Poole when we were there – called Butch! It was a quite small wooden yacht with two French guys on board – we had our suspicions that they were gay. Well, it’s gay pride festival inBrighton this weekend so think they may be here for it!! We went back to Wetherspoons for a meal in evening and had a walk along the breakwater. Had a drink with Jim and Carol in evening on board their boat (a Dufour) and turned in fairly early for an early start tomorrow. DAY TWENTY-FOUR – SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST HOMECOMING Left Brighton at 8 am – no wind so motorsailed as far as Beachy Head then a breeze got up and we sailed rest of way back. Jim and Carol left at same time and overtook us on way back but they didmotorsail all the way!! We actually made very good time on the way home.Nice to be back safe and sound but shame the holiday has ended. Saw John and Anne when we got back – they had good holiday but mixed weather like us and that was in France! Had a treat in the lock coming in too and saw more than I bargained for!! Some bloke dropped his trousers and changed into others and he had nothing on underneath! It was a full moon in the middle of the day!Stayed on board for the night just to round off the holiday and went for a meal in the evening at the Harvester. Back to being a land-lubber now! THE END ________________________________________________ In the Summer of 2006 we sailed Alban Rose to France, Belgium and the Netherlands. It was our first time across the channel, so we were pleased to be going ‘in company’ with some friends in their yachts. R O S I E G O E S T O ‘G O E S’
Friday 16/06/06 Set off from Sovereign Harbour in 9 am lock with Kiwi, Swadeshi, Viz and Beagan. Everyone seemed bright eyed and bushy tailed even after a few drinks in the Yacht Club the night before. Lovely sunny morning and forecast good, but alas no wind. We motor-sailed to Dover – had a pleasant journey with the tide whipping us along. Passed Rye and Dungeness – furthest east we have been! Dungey looked like a large ship on horizon to start with until we realised it was the power station. Beagan left us at Hastings, he had just come along for the ride and see us off.As we approached Dover John radioed in to Port Control to let them know we would like to enter the harbour – west entrance, then radioed in to Marina to get berths for us all. Some confusion about the numbers ‘cos our pontoon E38 (or so we thought) was already taken, and we ended up doing a 3 point turn to get into our spot E48, watched from above by the harbour office staff!! Felt knackered by the time we had sorted ourselves out – then went for something to eat in Dover. We found a nice Chinese Buffet after trying the Cinque Port Yacht Club first. They had finished meals for the day unfortunately, but very friendly. We went back for a drink there after. Spent the night in Granville Dock which has a gate at the entrance to maintain the water level, quite a walk to facilities from there as well. However, it is affiliated with Sovereign Harbour (Transmanche) so got a cheaper rate! Saturday 17/06/06 Had to leave Marina bright and early today, by 8am at the latest as the gate would shut after that. The weather was beautiful – just a lack of wind – but we weren’t complaining as it was perfect for us channel virgins! Motor sailed all the way to Dunkerque and got there about 5pm – we had the tide against us in France but it was a lovely crossing and no mishaps with large vessels!
‘The Motley Crews’: Swadeshi & Eddie, Kiwi, and Vis from left to right
We went in to YMCN Marina and tied up on the waiting pontoon until we were allocated a berth –D14. An uneventful berthing, so far so good. Andrew and Meryl had some pink champagne which they cracked open for us to celebrate our first crossing. We joined the others on the back of Kiwi for a few bevvies and then went to the yacht club for a meal. We had the special which was Crevettes, Lamb, (Eddie had beef) and dessert all for €15.95. Eddie bought everyone a drink to celebrate our ‘first time’ and then to bed – slept soundly!Sunday 18/06/06 Very warm and sunny again also a bit muggy. We noticed the barometer was dropping. Having a lazy day today and staying in Dunkerque to recuperate. Nice showers here – very clean, and operated by tokens. We had a walk into town and found a Lidls but being Sunday it was closed. There was a condom machine outside next to it though! And a sex shop nearby!Couldn’t find any open shops so went for a wander and found a nice spot to take photo’s of Rosie in her berth. Eat on board in evening and had a drink on Viz later. We had a text message from Mel and Katrina (TansyLee). They were on a Cruise ship docked in Dover when we left yesterday morning and saw us sailing past with Viz! Said they did a double take – what a small world. They had just finished their cruise and were having their last breakfast.Monday 19/06/06 It rained during the night and the wind got up – force 4-5 predicted today. We left for Blankenburg (in Belgium) – quite windy and the sea got a bit lumpy, but the wind and tide were behind us so not too bad. Reached Blankenburg about 1.30pm which was near low tide. The entrance is quite shallow so John and Anne went ahead to ‘test the water’ but unfortunately got stuck on the port side of entrance. Viz managed to inch their way in and we tried to pull Kiwi off the mud but they were stuck fast. We almost ended up stuck too in the process. John said they would just have to sit it out until the tide turned. That’s the beauty of a bilge keeler!Bob went in ahead of us and located some berths but Swadeshi decided to go on to Zeebrugge as their fin keel draws a lot more than us. Very nice chap called Steve from marina came to welcome us and said he had already been out on his little boat to see if Kiwi were alright. Turned out that the marina staff have a lovely view of the entrance from their office and watched everything!!Kiwi joined us after about an hour and we were all quite close to each other. They have a very good system here, each berth has a plate coloured red and green. You turn it round to show red if berth is taken and green if it is available. Simple but effective! We all went for a walk later to find somewhere to eat – the yacht club was closed so we wandered towards the beach. Found a restaurant on the sea front looking out to harbour entrance and beaches. The place looked a bit ramshackle from outside but we all had a really lovely meal and good service.Staying here for another day.
Entrance to Blankenberg (note sandbank on right of picture!) Tuesday 20/06/06 Woke up to sunny, windy day. Forecast not looking too good for tomorrow.We had a walk into town today after doing our shopping at Aldi just outside the marina. Walked all round the marinas (there are three here, all next to each other) to get to town. We made our way to sea front which has miles of beach huts along it – all brightly coloured. Lovely long sandy beach which stretches all the way to Zeebrugge which we could see not far away. A long stretch of shops, cafes, etc stretch all along the front too which are under great big blocks of flats. It is an unusual place but I like it.We saw a couple of Westerlies in the other marinas – one a Centaur which was next to a yacht called ‘Hannah of Hamble’! and the other was a very old ketch (unknown model!).We eat on board in the evening and listened to the World Cup match England v Sweden. They drew 2 all. Wednesday 21/06/06 Woke to the sound of rain – waited to see the forecast before a decision was made whether to go on. Forecast was 5-6’s and dropping slightly at 12 noon so we went at 9.30 am hoping to make some way before it really got up. Crossing to Zeebrugge entrance was very hairy! Lots of big swells broadside, but when we turned for Vlissingen they were behind us so not too bad. But it was raining as well, so not a nice sail – luckily it’s only about 25 miles or so to Vlissingen (Flushing to you!) It did drop down about midday as they forecast too. Arrived at Flushing lock in the rain and had to wait a while for it to open for us. No pontoons to get out onto in these locks – and there was a floating sill along the bottom which we had to look out for so we made sure our fenders were low down. Then through the locks and we were in the canal! Hurrah!
One of the many bridges we went through Went through 5 bridges before we arrived at Middleburg – some lifting, some swinging. Middleburg is about halfway up the canal and we had a lovely journey – so different to being on the sea, sailing through fields and small towns and looking at the cows on the bank!When we arrived had to go through one more bridge before we moored up – between wooden piles, bow to. That was exciting, I didn’t think we would be able to squeeze between them but they give slightly as you push through! Very pretty and quaint town and we are right in the middle of it. We had a nice meal at the Yacht Club while they were all watching the Holland v Argentina footie match, so it was quite rowdy. They were a very friendly bunch and gave us all flags (orange of course) to fly from the boats and some funny hats as well. We promised to dress the boats tomorrow in honour of their team! Thursday 22/06/06 – Eddie’s birthday!! Another bright and breezy day today. We are staying here until tomorrow for a rest. Eddie’s glad he made it here to Holland for his birthday.We had a wander round the town today and found the sex shop, bread shop and chocolate shop!! Bought some postcards and sent off. All the others gave Eddie a birthday card – nice of them and Swadeshi made theirs – very enterprising! Eddie had text from Adam, Phil and Ian & Lyn. We tried to send back but not sure if they went as message said not sent – found out later that they did go and I repeated messages about three times!!Bought a lovely cake at the Patisserie and others came round to share it and have a birthday drink. Then we went for a meal in the town – steak and mushrooms, very nice. Never seen so many bikes as they have here – everyone goes everywhere by bike and some have 2 kids as well as Mum on board! Came back to join others for a drink in yacht club after – there was a male singing choir there giving a performance. They were very good and then all stood up and sang ‘For he’s a jolly good fellow’ and ‘Happy Birthday’ to Eddie!! Everyone joined in – John (Kiwi) arranged it I think, the devil! Went back to Swadeshi for a night cap.
View of Middleburgh Yacht Basin Friday 23/06/06 One week gone already. Calmer day today – we are off to Goes (pronounced Ghoosh). Left on the 10.30 am bridge and followed canal out to Veerse Meer through another lock. Lovely.We had a gentle put-put along just following the buoys until the end of this water then arrived at a huge lock which had a bridge either side of it (The traffic is diverted over one bridge then the other, when they open each end of the lock). Came out into the Oosterschelde, and immediately saw another Centaur! Sailed a little way round the corner to enter another much smaller lock and saw another Centaur there too! Also saw a porpoise at the entrance to this canal to Goes – this one is quite narrow with 2 more bridges before we arrive at Goes. We were cut up by two Dutch boats in a hurry to get through bridges first – they told us we must hurry to get through bridges in time! Turned into Goes Marina through another bridge – small and very pretty. The harbourmaster directed us to a mooring right at the end near clubhouse – very tight fit and we were right next to our Dutch speed freaks! It feels like being moored in someone’s back garden here – lovely!!There is another Westerly next to us other side – ‘Ocean’ – a Griffon, who are over here for about six weeks. We went into town in evening and had a meal in restaurant in main square – not too far to walk, about 5 mins. Had pork escallopes with pineapple, tomato, cheese, salad, chips and a little tart of vegetables & mashed potato! Different and very nice. Back for a few G & T’s and bed.  Lighthouse toilet! Saturday 24/06/06 Woke to a murky morning and had a little rain. When it cleared we found the local supermarket and stocked up for a barby planned for tonight. There was a fish stall outside the supermarket so Eddie got his herring and other fish. We went into the town in afternoon to market where Ed got a smoked eel as well.We had a couple of beers on the square and watched some youngsters dancing on stage. Whilst we were there some lads turned up on their tractors! Huge great things (the tractors that is!). They left them parked on the square and went in for a beer. Then we heard a loud boom-boom and another very old tractor appeared. He got off and took the steering wheel with him into the bar!! It must be Farmers boys’ night out! We wandered back later and had a lovely BBQ in the evening with others. We sat on canal side near bridge, and watched the boats go by whilst eating.  Barby time Went to the clubhouse after and had a few beers. They are very trusting here – you help yourself to beer from the fridge, all they ask is that you replace it from the cellar and put the money in box – €0.70! Then we went onto Swadeshi for some more drinks! Felt a bit squiffy! Late to bed Sunday 25/06/06 Up for 9 am bridge today out of Goes – homeward bound! We are leaving others behind as they have another week or two. Luckily our neighbours went at 8 am so we had more room to manoeuvre. Bad weather today – wet and cloudy. Rained all the way back through canals and we had a long wait at the big lock back into Veerse Meer – about 1.5 hours and we had to tie up on a pile. Still raining when we reached Vlissingen, and across to Breskens. We had a bit of trouble getting on to pontoon as wind was blowing us off but a kind lady came and took our ropes. Seems quite a bleak place but maybe the weather doesn’t help with first impressions. Also I hurt my back so that didn’t help!A friendly harbour master came out on his bike along pontoons to greet us and give us the low down – €0.50 for electric, €0.70 for showers – first time we have had to pay for electric. A long walk to the yacht club and facilities (especially with my back) but it’s a big marina with lots of very large boats. Had a nice meal of pasta in yacht club (expensive mind you) whilst they were all watching the footie again – another Holland match which they lost. Glad to get back to bed as my back was really bad by then. Monday 26/06/06 Woke to another miserable murky day – listened to forecast and they said 4-5’s so decided to go to Blankenburg rather than Nieuwport as it’s a bit nearer. Started off ok but sea got up and up and off Zeebrugge we had one wave over the top of Rosie and another pushed her 90˚ round. Not very nice at all, we were very glad to get into Blankenburg. So much for the 4-5’s it was at least a ‘6’ out there with moderate seas. Saw our friend Steven and he found us a nice spot to snuggle into!! May stay here another night as forecast not too good. Had a meal on board tonight and had an early night as both knackered. Forecast for tomorrow not looking too bad but if we do go it won’t be an early start because we have to wait until 1.5 hours after low tide to avoid the sand bar! Don’t want to get stuck do we! Night night. Tuesday 27/06/06 Woke to a calm day, and a bit cloudy. Our neighbours went off at 7 am. We decided to go as forecast 3-4’s today. We will head for Nieuwport or maybe Dunkerque – weather permitting. Ed went to get oil and diesel and we both had cold showers! Electric was off! Left at 11.30 am and took it gently down the exit channel – bye bye Blankenburg. A lovely day and both sails up but engine on. Went past Nieuwport as weather good and thought we would make headway whilst the going was good. A nice force 4 took us to Dunkerque and we got our berth C2 at end of pontoons, port side to – nice! Had a meal in the yacht club – mussels in cheese sauce, pork rib, and ice cream with a couple of Grimbergen – Blonde (a beer that Eddie rather likes) and then we were ready for bed!
Sitting on the back of Alban Rose in Dunkerque Wednesday 28/06/06 We are staying a day in Dunkerque to give ourselves a rest. Lots of little jobs to do – diesel, washing smalls, shopping, wash down decks, etc. Had a lovely hot shower this morning after Eddie made me breakfast – scrambled eggs ά la garlic! We are hoping to go to Boulogne tomorrow and thence to Eastbourne – weather permitting. Forecast says 2-3’s tomorrow, and 1-3’s Friday, so should be good. Had a text from Phil to say they have been delayed a day coming home from their holiday to Malta – coming home today instead. Eddie went to Lidl and got some shopping – my back is still hurting and I couldn’t have walked that far. Then we went to chandlery to see if we could get more oil for engine as it seems to be eating it at the moment. No luck, but managed to get 2 seagull fridge magnets for Jean and Lyn. Not very French/Belgian/Dutch, but reminded me of being bombarded in Blankenburg and Middleburg! ‘Ocean’ the Westerly berthed next to us in Goes, turned up today – they are going on to Dovertomorrow (their home port). I thought they were over here for a lot longer but didn’t ask why. They were with another boat. Had another meal in yacht club tonight – Eddie had a steak in Roquefort sauce and I had ‘chitterlings’ in mustard sauce. Not sure what it is but think he said ‘gut’!! We had a fairly early night as off early tomorrow. Tried to ring Phil but couldn’t get hold of him – he tried to phone me from home so I know he’s back. Thursday 29/06/06 Overnight Eddie decided we would head back to Dover today as weather looks good – just in case it blows up again tomorrow and we are stuck in France. Left at 7.30 (local time) – lovely sunny day, light winds. We had a very good crossing – averaged 6 + knots all the way and full sails up. Dodged the big boats across and saw Midnight Merchant again! Got to Dover at 2.30pm – 7 hours – not bad going! Berthed in tidal basin this time which means we can leave when we want. We have German neighbours who got bombarded by a friendly seagull, only just missed me again! I said to them ‘He must be on a bombing mission’ then realised what I had said (Don’t mention the war!!). Nice showers here, though when I went in, a tour boat was just unloading all the pensioners and they were all in the loos! Went back to the Chinese buffet in evening and had a nice meal then early to bed because we were knackered. Early start tomorrow.
‘Lady-Buoy’ just outside Dunkerque entrance! Friday 30/06/06 Left Dover at 7 am to catch tide. Beautiful day but no wind so motor-sailed all the way home. Sea like silk. We had autopilot on most of the way except at Hastings where there were loads of lobster pots out. Arrived Sovereign Harbour about 3 pm – got 3.30 pm lock and shared it with some friendly Dutch people who we had a chat to! A fitting end!Nice to be back in our old berth. Very quiet here when we arrived – saw Hunky Dory and Beagan. Richard said he was going over toBelgium to meet Kiwi and Swadeshi next week – they are lucky to have extra time over there. It was a bit of a rush for us – next time we will make sure we have longer!!We went to Harvester for a meal in evening, to end the holiday, and then to bed. Another cruise over but Rosie didn’t let us down once – good old girl!!
Farewell Dover
FIN |
