The anticipated departure time of 0400 from Ramsgate was amended to 0900 (shame!) and we left in pleasant conditions. Skipper Ian’s concerns regarding clearing the harbour proved to be completely unfounded due to the skill of the crew (ahem). Sails were hoisted very shortly and the donkey was put to bed – at least for a while. David Green was first to take advantage of the then near perfect conditions by taking the helm. Tom Ward took over after a while, skillfully piloting us along the east Kent coastline with the white cliffs in sight for much of the morning and early afternoon. Tactfully, we allowed a cross-channel ferry priority as it shot into Dover but found the wind died away thereafter and had to resort to Dr Diesel’s donkey for a while.
A watch rota was arranged for the night sailing of 2 hours on and 4 hours off, except for the Ian’s who did 3 hour turns, through the night. Tom was curious about the identity of our destination which continually changed - along with the weather conditions. All enjoyed the night sailing, especially the first part when the sky was clear. David H watched the moon dip below the horizon at about 0230. David G took over from Tom at 0500. Shortly afterwards we were caught in the wash (unavoidably) of a huge container-ship causing both ends of the dinghy to hit the water rather hard – though, thankfully, not at the same time. Other than that, the passage through the Solent was pleasantly quiet (note from Tom – this is obviously a euphemism from DH – the Solent was dense with activity – fortunately we didn’t hit anything, so perhaps that is what DH means by ‘quiet’) and DG had the pleasure of seeing the sun rising over the water. Motoring on, we passed The Needles to port heading for Weymouth or Portland. The weather worsened, though luckily without rain, and the seas became fairly rough.
Portland Harbour was the biggest man-made harbour in the world at one time (maybe even now?) and is an impressive sight, especially at the end of a rough voyage. It was busy with yachts on trials for the 2012 Olympics, which (initially) concerned Tom, our helmsman as we approached. But skipper is made of sterner stuff and gave a fine display of ignoring them, on the grounds (I think) that we are much bigger than they are, and they can more easily dart around us than we can them. This may not be part of the official laws of the sea but seems to be the same logic for yachts keeping well clear of cross channel ferries, and works just as well.
By this stage in the trip, sleeping well on board is not a problem provided Tenacity is not in wild seas. The combination of tiredness and experience works wonders.
I think you had a great experience and wonder in this ferry travel.
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