Dover and Beyond



South Foreland Lighthouse


Walked to South Foreland Lighthouse - Dog Happy - and watched weather forcasts with trepidation.  The Options:  Leave on Friday (miss Royal Wedding) or stay in Dover for the week.  It was a tough decision, but as soon as the lock gates opened we left Granville Dock in poor visibility and took on the Ferries of Dover.  We waited for one to depart, and three waited for us to cross the Harbour entrance.  The importance of the instruction from Port Control of 'Make Best Speed' became obvious.

North Foreland was just visible through the gloom, and we passed Goodwin Sands and innumerable other hazards on our way to the Thames Estuary.  Shipping was a bit of an issue, as we found it difficult to tell whether they were going up the Thames or up the Medway.  As is normal, the wind decided to pick up to 25kts whilst important decisions were being made!




It always has to be a race for Sprigs!




Ship meets War Of The Worlds

We spent the last couple of hours of the journey under #2 headsail only, still managing 6kts. Chose Gillingham Marina (it was the first one we came to) - entered the smallest lock imaginable (didn't appreciate how spoiled we were by Eastbourne) and have spent the last three days here, with an average wind speed of 30kts in the Marina!




The sign on the boat says 'Anyone caught damaging the boats will be prosecuted'  !!



Zilla has enjoyed the last few days, at least 10 hours walking has shown us the delights of Horrid Hill, St Mary's Island and Chatham Dockyard - don't be put off by the name, it is really quite nice here!

Zilla on Watch