Leaving Ocean Lock on the first pen didn't quite go according to plan this morning, due to outbound commercial traffic delaying us somewhat. However, once underway we enjoyed a flat calm passage to Grimsby in the baking hot sunshine, entering the Fish Docks on the very last of the level with only minutes to spare before the gates closed.
Tomorrow, we are unsure if our destination will be Wells next the Sea or Lowestoft (the latter being our preferred choice being the start of our holidays), but this decision will be very much weather dependent.
Logged 37.5 Nautical miles
Another hot day and the decision was made to head to Wells, as later in the day the weather was forecast to blow up making a trip further down the coast unpleasant. We had a slightly bumpy passage in a SE 4 with wind against tide, but the welcoming sight of the Norfolk coastline was a fine sight to see. As it turned out we probably could have made Lowestoft, as the predicted rather impressive storms hit Wells later that evening, bringing with it some extremely wild windy weather.
Day 3. Wells to Ramsgate
Today was a lot cooler, still warm at 25 degrees, but more acceptable than the mid thirties of the previous two days. We decided to cover as much ground as possible, and after departing Wells as soon as there was enough water we headed straight for Lowestoft to the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club for fuel. The sea state was very smooth until Sheringham to Winterton Ness, and from there it smoothed out again. We departed Lowestoft on smooth to glassy seas, whilst not quite decided if we would head to Harwich or Ramsgate. Since I was keen to make Ramsgate whilst the sea state was calm, a decision I quickly learnt to regret when we hit very choppy seas in a SWF5 outside of the Thames Estuary approaching the Kent coast for a full arduous hour. Battling approximately one meter wave heights with wind against tide from Kentish Knock to North Foreland, which for a 35 foot boat isn't very pleasant. When in sight Ramsgate's pier entrance was a very welcomed sight indeed.
Logged 125 Nautical miles
Day 4 & 5. Ramsgate
Today (day 4), certainly wouldn't have been a day for crossing the Thames Estuary, after checking the wave bouys on Cefas. Lottie is utterly exhausted (remember she was the one hit worst with a recent gastro bug). She pants a lot whilst underway, even in calm conditions, so we have to keep them hydrated using a small syringe as she refuses to drink whilst the engine is running. After yesterday's long sea passage and after checking the weather, we are enjoying a few days in port to recover our 'land legs', and will treat ourselves to a Weatherspoon's on The Royal Victoria Pavilion which incidentally is the largest in the country. One thing we have noticed since last visiting Ramsgate, are the amount of homeless and rough sleepers in the town and harbour. The town has certainly become more run down and deprived since our last visit. Hopefully tomorrow morning we can move on further along the coast.
