We did it! A 04:45 start to catch the slack water. Some waiting around for a gap in the large tanker traffic, then straight across back to Haile Sand Fort, where we left on that rainy, blustery day which feels like a lifetime ago now. So excited to have achieved Read more…
Last night we looked up when sunrise was. There’s sunrise – when the sun appears on the horizon, and then there’s three different twilights: Astronomical, Nautical and Civil. We just needed enough light so that we could spot the fishing pots before they accidentally got caught around our propeller. So Read more…
Spirits were high this morning even with the 05:30 alarm clock. We were up, out the lock (marina) and in the dinghy at exactly 07:00. We were obviously optimistic about making the 92 miles left to our finish point, and everything we did was towards that end. We even hit Read more…
We’re almost done! Only 90 miles left to go before we’re back to our start point outside Haile Sand Fort at the mouth of the Humber. With no wind today we took a quick stock of what food we have left. Obviously all the best bits get regularly replenished, for Read more…
We arrived at our start point before the wind so while we waited we got to enjoy the wildlife show happening all around us. You could see as puffins flew back to their nests, mouths full of fish sticking out on either side. Seals popped up to say hello, with Read more…
The Farne Islands are famous for their wildlife, providing a secluded breeding ground for puffins, seals, and a host of migratory birds that come here to enjoy the nutritious goodies found in the surrounding mudflats. A number of keen birdwatchers and friends had recommended we stop on the way, so Read more…
Eyemouth was one of those places where visiting boats have to raft up against each other. Some of the smaller boats were 4 deep, but being on the larger side, we were only the middle of three. The first night we were there, the outer vessel appeared around 22:00, just Read more…
Every once in a while it feels good to just do nothing. We stayed up slightly later than we probably should have to enjoy the fireworks. The second set we’ve seen while in Scotland. So this morning it felt good to wake up slowly, eat a breakfast of fire engine Read more…
After so many upwind days, it felt good to go on a beam reach. Almost exactly 90° to the wind, we could stand up right without any pressure on the lower back, the numbing ache of which had gradually increased over the previous few days. The flat seas and consistent Read more…
No need for an alarm clock this morning, only Jeremy was able to sleep through the racket the kittiwakes were making at 06:00. Poking my head outside I could understand why. A local fishing boat had arrived back and was cleaning out their hold. Large chunks of crab, langoustine and Read more…