9th June 2016
Our departure from Ramsgate was at a more civilised time today and so we were able to sit and have breakfast at the table before getting ready to leave our berth. As usual for Ramsgate the wind was blowing in the wrong direction for getting off our berth easily, so Chris had to do a bit of manoeuvring before we could get out of the port. With fenders stowed away, we set off under engine just after 9.30 am.
The winds were very light, but as we didn’t have far to go and couldn’t get through the lock into Granville Dock until at least 12.30, we put the sails up. However, our movement through the water was only 2kn with our progress due mainly to the tide, not the wind. Before long, the wind had moved behind us and so we took in the main sail, but the boat’s motion through the water was not comfortable with just the genoa up, so soon this went away and we were again under engine.
At about midday Chris radioed in to Dover Port Control and were told to make best speed and follow a large ferry in through the eastern entrance to avoid having a wait while another departed. This we did with no problem and once we were clear of the ferry terminal, Carole sorted out the fenders and lines ready for berthing. Chris radioed in to the Marina and with just a few minutes’ wait for the lock gates to open we were able to get moored up on a nice big pontoon and get settled for the night.
After a nice hot shower and a bite to eat, we walked into the town centre to reacquaint ourselves with Dover. Not much had changed since our last visit, but this time it did seem to have a bit more life, but that could be because the sun was shining!