Pottering – Part 18

 

Great Grandchildren at Play

 

Recent arrival Great Grandson

In another four days my cruise with ‘Sandpiper’ will enter its fourth week, and yet I have only sailed on six days of seventeen. Times ashore have been good - even this interlude at home while I await fair winds. I had intended returning to the boat tomorrow, but for most of the Tuesday there will be heavy rain, and it’s not much fun sitting in the confines of ‘Sandpiper’s’ cabin. I shall definitely make my way back to Sovereign Yacht Harbour on Wednesday, because there could be a chance that I may be able to sail to Newhaven or Brighton on Thursday.

 

Newly cut lawn

One of the benefits of being away from the boat is that my hands are healing. I can feel my fingertips and they are no longer painful when I do things like buttoning my shirt. At one time, when they were at their worst, I could hardly pull the zip of my anorak! I can’t remember having such sore hands because of sailing. They have been sore before because of sailing, but not as painful.

 

River Crouch, looking towards the Fambridge moorings

 

Essex Countryside

The photos are of things seen while away from the boat recuperating and while attending to those things I normally do when at home.

Pottering - Part 17

 

When coastal sailing one should follow the passage plan that was devised before leaving a safe haven, but the skipper should be prepared to modify his plan if wind and sea become stumbling blocks, rather than helpers as originally he thought they would. Having a bolthole to which to scurry at the onslaught of unexpected stronger wind than was forecast, is the ideal plan. Sometimes that is not possible, as was the case when I voyaged between Dover and Sovereign Yacht Harbour.

 Prior to putting to sea, an examination of the weather charts showing positions of highs and lows, and listening to the Coastal Waters Forecast before setting out were pertinent preparations on my part. In fact, the wind that was forecast to come from the East never materialized, leaving me to motor 45 nautical miles with no suitable harbour where I could put into. Getting into Rye required the timing of being there shortly before high water, and it did not fit with taking the flood from Dover and the ebb from Dungeness. Then, there was the wretched Lydd Firing Range that intervened. As it is with the firing range at Maplin Sands, sailors are not permitted to enter the danger zones when firing is taking place. Indeed, it could be suicidal to do so.

As there was no wind, my Honda 2 HP four-stroke outboard was the power source. A separate fuel tank linked to the engine’s tank by a pipe through which petrol could have been pumped would have been ideal, but I never got around to making the modification before starting my cruise. Consequently I had to refill the outboard’s tank every hour, which was a tedious chore.

All was well that ended well, and I found myself and my little boat secure within Sovereign Yacht Harbour. Since then the wind has not played ball. Low pressure systems to the north and west have brought strong south-westerlies - exactly the opposite of what I require. The weather charts show that there may be a glimmer of hope for an escape from the Yacht Harbour at the earliest on Wednesday of this week, but more likely on Thursday, when the wind is forecast to come from west of south at Force 2, although a blip at 10.00 indicates a local Force 4 off Beachy Head, the very headland I shall have to round en route for Newhaven or Brighton.

Weather forecasting has improved over the years, and more recently, those who do it, have been consistently right with few exceptions, including the one above when the wind did not materialize. Reliant upon them, I am likely to return to ‘Sandpiper’ on Tuesday, to be ready for the Great Escape on Wednesday or Thursday.

Pottering - Part 16

I would like to be back on the boat, but the winds forecast until Wednesday at the earliest are contrary, and far too strong; meanwhile it is sensible to have a break.

Time ashore cannot be wasted; therefore, I find myself being carried along with family happenings - events scheduled in advance of which I have unexpectedly entered into because of being present.

These have brought their rewards; today, for example, along with my wife, I have been looking after three great grandchildren. They slept at our place overnight, and today they have accompanied us wherever we have gone.

At the garden centre they enjoyed playing with toys provided for children to occupy them while their guardians, parents or otherwise, peruse and select produce for sale.

I supervised the boys while my wife found what she wanted - a boot load of compost, potted flowers and plants.

The day flew by, and before we knew it, our charges were being handed back to their parents.

One thing remained on my mind, the unfinished cruise towards the West. 

Pottering – Part 15

 

Friday, 10^th May and I’m back home until the weather settles down. This is a time of reflection and a time for recuperation. I can examine what has taken place as if I am an impartial observer and not the participator who was involved in working the boat, making decisions and doing what was required.

What is there to recuperate from? After all, I sail for pleasure; why should I have suffered?

There is always a psychological aspect to small sailboat adventuring. A readjustment needs take place when one is removed from the security of familiar surroundings where no imminent danger to life or limb is present. The adrenaline does not run when I’m at home gazing out the window observing what is happening in the garden. Magpies, Great Tits, wind-blown willow, washing hung out to dry; these pose no threat, but out there in a tiny boat dancing over white crested waves, the adrenaline runs and the heart beats faster. The sea and the wind are no respecters of persons; they have no heart or feeling. They can be friends and foes and not distinguish the difference or understand the consequences of their actions.

When the going gets tough you can be anxious as to the outcome. Will you make it on the tide? Will you get around that headland before time runs out and the flooding tide confirms your worst fears? You will be out all night before you can get in to a secure haven? The relief when at rest with your boat at anchor and the sense of achievement can only be experienced by the sailor. Satisfaction, thankfulness, peace and contentment flow from within. You want to tell others of your excitement, of your times of testing and of your joy.

So what am I recuperating from? Well, now that I am back in familiar surroundings with no pressures or deadlines to meet, no uncertainties, just calm and no real challenges, I focus on myself. What do I see? A man who has lived in the best of times – the post-war era when prosperity boomed, then a time of Thatcher gloom, and now more gloom, but in my late seventies, nigh on eighty, I have my God-given health. I look back with gratitude to all that life has favoured me with, or should I say God, because truly He has done it.

He is the One who calms the storms of life and gives peace. I know that He will heal my ‘sailor’s thumb’.

Pottering - Part 14

The forecast for the next few days is far from promising - strong south westerlies. In view of the fact that I shall not be able sail towards Brighton, I'm taking a short break at home.

Today, I have been on the road since 10.15 on buses and coaches. It is now 16.15, and I am at Victoria Coach Station, London. The National Express coach is due to leave at 17.30, and it should arrive at Chelmsford at 19.35. From there I am hoping to take the X30 to Rayleigh, in Essex. That will bring me close to home.

I have a few photos taken during my journey.

My pottering will resume when I'm back at Sovereign Yacht Harbour. Meanwhile the marina staff will be keeping an eye on my little boat, especially tonight when the wind is expected to reach gale force - even with the possibility of a Force 9!

Note added 22.00 : I arrived home at 20.30 after a more exhausting day than had I been sailing for 10 1/4 hours! I added the photo of Big Ben taken from the National Express coach.

 

 

Pottering - Part 13

This has been a day for relaxing and attending to a few minor jobs such as sealing the air vent on the foredeck. Early this morning a band of heavy rain lashed the Yacht Harbour. That did not stop several fishing boats from going to sea.

By by mid morning the rain had cleared; therefore, I ferreted around the Harbour village. It has the largest ASDA I've ever seen. Naturally I bought a few items there.

After eating a Pot Noodle spicy chilli concoction I caught the 99 bus to Eastbourne. The pier was worth a visit, and like Southend's pier it is falling apart. I visibly felt the boarded pathway at the extreme end moving because of the sea.

Back at the marina complex I called into ASDA for a meal that turned out to be a tasty chicken masala.

This evening I rearranged a
number of items on the boat and did some cleaning.

Pottering - Part 12

An early start saw 'Sandpiper' departing from the Western Entrance of Dover Harbour at 05.30. A red sun was rising over the South Breakwater. The flood tide swished us to the West, In the distance to the SW there was a bank of fog. It was almost a dead calm.

My aim was to sail to Sovereign Yacht Harbour a few miles to the East of Eastbourne, in all about 45 nautical miles.

South of Folkestone, light rain made circular patterns on the surface of the sea. Two tiny birds with black heads and black backs tried out-swimming 'Sandpiper'; they couldn't make it and dived. I didn't see them again.

The Hillyard double-ender that overtook us soon after leaving Dover was disappearing in the distance. An orange, fiery haze hovered over the horizon, and the drone of the outboard was sending me to sleep; I resisted slapping my face to keep me awake and did some positive thinking instead.

The tide turned against us long before reaching Dungeness which was not yet visible because of the haze. Normally the huge buildings of the now defunct nuclear power station can be seen from 18 miles.

Down to 1.3 knots rounding the Headland I could see fishermen on the pebble beach.

When to the south of Dungeness the Lydd Firing Range Safety boat drew alongside and advised I should steer a course of 240 degrees or less because there was active firing. The high-speed launch raced off to warn another yacht to keep clear.

The day wore on and the sun broke through. I stripped off the jacket of my waterproofs and donned my sunhat. I had lunch as usual while the Autohelm steered the yacht.

Filling the petrol tank of the Honda 2hp outboard was a bit of a pain. Altogether, before entering Sovereign Yact Harbour I had to do it 14 times.

Finding the waypoint buoy off the Harbour was made more difficult by the glaring sun reflecting off the surface of the water. Sunglasses helped.

Getting into the harbour lock was easy because there was only one other boat there, but shortly before the lock was closed another motor vessel drew in on the port hand side.

After exiting the lock I brought the boat alongside the fuel pontoon, as instructed by the Harbour Master, and I took the opportunity to refill my two cans, each holding 5 litres of unleaded petrol.

In the enclosure of the Harbour it is very peaceful. I should get a good night's sleep.

Pottering - Part 11

Monday, 6th May 1300 the Dover fog began to dissipate, and an hour later it lifted entirely, revealing the chalk cliffs adjacent to the Marina.

Mid morning, this bank holiday, I walked along the Harbour esplanade on my way to the CO-OP. I passed a memorial in memory of comrades who fell during the Indian campaigns of 1857, 1858 and 1859. It was erected by the 1st Battalion 60th Royal Rifles on August 1861.

At that time there was an uprising against British rule in India, and there was an unlikely coalition of Hindus and Muslims linked to the mutiny of the Bengal Army. The uprising was quelled, not exactly crushed, and it never spread to Southern India as the rebels hoped for self-rule and independence.

Back at the boat, I worked on a passage plan for tomorrow, when the weather forecasters predict the wind will come from the East, which will be the ticket for the long passage to Sovereign Yacht Harbour.

I'm hoping the sea fog will not return.

This afternoon I enjoyed a walk to Dover Castle, but I had no desire to pay for entry. Instead of dutifully learning of the Castle's history I returned to the town and treated myself to a Magnum Classic - probably better value for money and more satisfying to take in than viewing the Castle.

The late afternoon sunshine has done wonders to help heal my 'sailor's thumb'. This is a common affliction reserved for part-time sailors who sit at home and do little physical work with their hands. Two or three days working the boat opens the skin on the inside of both thumbs. The result is painful because handling rope, things like sheets, mooring lines and anchor cables, inevitably results in the wounds being opened.

Pottering - Part 10

When the logbook is virtually empty you know you have had an exciting time - such was today.

Much of the morning was spent chatting with fellow yachtsmen.

Brian Bootes keeps his junk rigged Leisure 17 at Ramsgate. He showed me how he had converted her; even building an unstayed metal mast to save money. Everything had been done well. If I was looking for another boat and Brian wanted to part with his, I would be after her.

As planned, to make best of the tide I set sail at 13.20. The flood had already started moving in the direction of Dover, which was my intended destination.

Outside the outer harbour the wind was getting on for a force 3 from the SE. This meant I would have a stiff beat on my hands. In no time at all, and with full sail, 'Sandpiper' galloped towards the Cross Ledge Sands where a torrent of breaking crests revealed their presence.

With the tide lee-bowing my little ship she was making 4.5 knots, and not unduly pressed. I put a tack in to a point north of Brake Sand, and tacked into the shore to the 2 metre line. This was to the east of Sandwich. Two chaps were on a sit -on-top kayak doing a spot of fishing. A few people were walking along the beach.

The next tack brought me seaward to the Downs red can buoy. Speeding inshore again 'Sandpiper' passed close to an underwater wreck to the north of Deal Pier.

Because the tide was hurtling south, good time was being made. The sun was glorious, and now and again the bow would hit a wopper, causing spray to fly over the windward deck straight onto my sunglasses. Seeing the GPS chart was problematical.

A group of yachts all heading towards South Foreland, and motoring, overtook me. They were almost certainly from the Folkstone Club, with whom I had chatted at Ramsgate.

On my approach to South Foreland I noted swirling fog enveloping the south mole of Dover Harbour. Within minutes I was in a pea soup, barely able to see more than a cable.

I downed sail and motored in the direction of the Harbour. When the GPS showed that a yellow buoy to the east of the Western Entrance was not far off I called up Dover Harbour Port Control to inform them of my position and seek permission to enter.

I could hear them directing a yacht to the Western Entrance. A ferry had recently left, making it clear for my approach. The eastern arm appeared out of the fog, which was my cue for confirmation of entry from Port Control.

My Lowrance GPS was a godsend, because it clearly showed where things were. Slowly I felt my way into the Marina, where permission was given for berthing at 'A' Pontoon.

Mission was accomplished, and I felt a glow of satisfaction, being grateful for a safe arrival at 18.00. What I was not so pleased about was a fee of £20 for one night!

If I have to stay in the Marina for a while it will cost a packet. The Outer Harbour is free! So that may be the answer, but by Golly, you certainly roll out there, and the holding ground is poor.

Pottering - Part 9

'Sandpiper remains at Ramsgate today, thanks to the accurate inshore waters forecast: SW 3 or 4, increasing 5 to 6 for a time. If I had set off at 12.00, as was my plan, by the time I would have been approaching Dover Harbour, all hell would have been set loose - not the sort of thing you want at any time, leave alone a place where the tide is for every changing and cross-channel ferries frequently come in and out.

Instead, I did a tour on foot of Ramsgate, more specifically the Augustus Pugin tour. Pugin did a lot for reviving Gothic architecture during his short life from 1812 to 1852. He was best known for designing the interiors, furnishings and fittings of the Houses of Parliament, and he was a distinguished architect.

Pugin's favourite creation was St Augustine's Church which he designed and paid for. It is a Gothic style, flint faced building. Personally I prefer St Lawrence Church dating back to Norman times.

Pugin owned a three-masted lugger, 'Caroline', that he kept in Ramsgate Harbour. It is said that he used her to tow vessels off the Goodwin Sands, and that he saved lives and salvaged cargoes.

As I do this blog 'Sandpiper' is being tossed about by the turbulent, churning swell in the Marina. I have secured her with every piece of rope, and I am hoping the cleats will hold out as they are tested by sudden, harsh loads.

If this Force 6 continues, the prospect of a satisfactory sleep is nil.

Pottering - Part 8

This morning at 0430 it was all systems go. The forecast was for SW 3/4, increasing 5 to 7 later. Later, is 11 hours after the forecast.

There was a cloudless sky as I left Oare Creek at 0600 under motor. A number of yachts were leaving a short time after, bound for Brightlingsea. I was bound for Ramsgate.

Heading to the east, running parallel with North Kent Coast, I kept the engine running, apart from forty five minutes when there was enough wind to achieve 2.5 knots. A large building at Herene Bay was clearly visible to the south.

All in all, the trip to North Foreland was nothing exceptional. The closer we came to North Foreland the faster the tide ran.
Running down the east coast after North Foreland Lighthouse, Broadstairs was soon abeam. The sea was unusually placid which made it easy to prepare for mooring at Ramsgate Marina. My usual practice is to attach bow lines and lead them either side of the boat before deploying fenders on both sides. I keep a stern line handy for when I know to which side the boat will be moored.

Ramsgate Port Control has to authorise entry to the Harbour; when inside, at the entrance of the inner harbour permission to moor must be obtained.

I smartly made my way to the check-in office to pay for a night's stay that included use of the facilities, showers and washroom.

Suitably cleansed and dressed in clean clothing I felt refreshed. Back at the boat, a cup of tea in hand, I set about doing the blog.

Pottering - Part 7

Once again, the forecast was for an unfavourable wind for sailing to Ramsgate - NE 5 or 6 becoming variable 3 or 4. For a little boat like the WWP making an average of 3 knots to windward in a Force 5 is not possible. When going to windward, more than twice the distance between two points has to be sailed.

A favourable wind is the only choice. Tomorrow, the Met believe there will be variable 3/4 becoming SW 4 or 5, then veering W 5 or 6. The 5 or 6 is for later; therefore it is feasible.

Because of the wind not being in the right direction I've had another day at Oare, but not entirely, for this morning I walked to Faversham along the path beside Faversham Creek. I took my time to look at things. So often I am in a rush, and because of my haste I lose out.

The strong wind was bitterly cold, and it cut through my anorak. I forgot to take my thermal gloves and my fingertips froze - remember this is May! In the distance beyond the coast, dark clouds shed a veil of rain. However, above me the sky was blue. Reed Warblers chattered, a Cuckoo announced his presence, and searching for unsuspecting creatures lurking in the oozing mud revealed by the ebbing tide, there was a Curlew stabbing his curved beak left and right in feeding frenzy.

A hundred yards further on there was a beautiful white Egret that took shy of me and gracefully launched himself into flight for another solitary spot. A Crow flapped its wings barely keeping airborne while flying over the Creek.

I heard the sound of pounding feet from behind and heavy breathing; turning around I was surprised to find a man my age or more dressed in only a vest and shorts. I was feeling pains in the tendons of my legs, and at best I was making hard work of it.

A mixed herd of cows grazed on marshland, and beyond in the distance I could see what must have been the village of Oare.

Near the upper reaches of the Creek, on the outskirts of Faversham there is an industrial compound that blights the otherwise charming town with its reminders of Tudor times by way of timber framed buildings.

The parish church St Mary of Charity was well worth a visit. Far from being a dead church as similar decaying relics so often are, there was what appeared to be a children's playgroup in action, while other people were busily engaged doing things like flower arranging and cleaning.

I was saddened with the general state of the interior with crumbling patches and badly rendered repairs, but the colourful stained glass windows were in excellent condition. The flint stone exterior was well preserved, as was the unusual decorative spire that could be seen from afar off.

TESCO seemed to be the hub of Faversham, a hive of activity where young housewives and pensioners gather provisions and where trendy phone users surf the Web free of charge at Costa.

There I relaxed, massaged my knee joints, sipped a latte and savoured an almond croissant.

My bus pass came in handy for a tour of the Town on the number 333 before continuing to Oare.

I alighted at the head of Oare Creek and ambled along the footpath where late Spring blossoms scented the air. I deeply breathed in and savoured the beauty of the countryside. By contrast I was saddened to see so many forsaken yachts no longer cherished by their owners. Decaying boats not viable for restoration to their past glory, but in between, snuggled into the mud awaiting the return of the tide there were the most glorious of sailing vessels, Thames barges and classic yachts of all kinds.

Oare Creek is a Mecca for the discerning yachtsman. You must make your pilgrimage.

Pottering - Part 6

I woke up at 04.15 and checked the inshore forecast for Gibraltar Point to North Foreland. The outcome predicted was for 'strong winds', east or north-east. I have had tussles before off the Foreland and I didn't fancy another one.

The sensible thing was to have a rest-day. I took the opportunity to attend to a few minor jobs such as freeing the paddle that had become jammed between the rigging screw and the side deck. I cleaned the inside and outside of the boat.

Andy Latham contacted me offering to help with anything. I told him I was going to try mending a sail batten that had snapped. He said he would make or buy one. I mentioned that I could do with three canisters of Camping Gaz. He said he would look for them.

As sure as eggs are eggs Andy turned up with a choice of beautifully made battens from an assortment of woods, and he would accept no charge. He also brought the butane canisters.

He is renovating a 'C' Type West Wight Potter; hence his interest in mine.

Shortly after he left, I was asked to move 'Sandiper' to berth outside a Nicholson 32. I was fearful that my boat would settle on the edge of a gully, but I've taken soundings with the lead and I think she will be OK.

I had an enjoyable walk to Oare and retuned before the boat settled.