When you find yourself working on the bow in sub-zero temperatures, in force 7 conditions, amidst some of the most severe weather the UK has endured in recent years, you can either go one of two way’s – quit or carry on. Last weekend, I was faced with this challenge and I made the choice to carry on. Overcoming so many challenges – the cold, the wind, de-icing the boat, and in fact just getting to the boat! I sailed the Beast from the East.
Here I am, with salt in my hair. Exhausted. Frozen to the core. But what a fantastic weekend! I was aboard a Jeannau 35, called Spitfire for a weekend of sailing. The aim of the weekend: to continue to build miles and experience. It turned out to be a jolly jaunt down the coast to Ramsgate, followed by a force 7 bucking bronco ride back.
Continue reading Sailing In A Force 7. Chatham – Ramsgate And Back
My first sail of the year was my first ever delivery job. Taking a Bavaria 46’ from Limehouse, London to Chatham. A straight forward 50 nm sail you may think, alas you’d be wrong.
I joined the boat at Limehouse basin in central London, which in itself was a bizarre experience. I’ve never sailed in central London before, and am more used to coastal or offshore sailing, so hopping aboard amongst a sea of skyscrapers was quite an experience. Continue reading Sailing London to Chatham … and 2 Lessons On Going Aground
