Sunday 28th August
We woke early Sunday morning and checked the weather. Not much change but we had the wind and tide with us and there were no major hazards apart from getting into Dover. We locked out of the harbour at 06:00. Carole put everything away and double checked that we were secure. We put both sails up with a small reef to start but the wind was coming from the stern so we decided to bring in the Genoa (Front sail) and continue on a reefed main. The wind steadily increased to 22kn with a moderate sea of about 2 metres. We took it in turns on the helm, changing every 2 miles, as we needed to concentrate on keeping to our course.
The boat got into a rhythm riding the waves. We still had our tender tied to the stern giving us a bit more protection from the weather. However, when Carole was on the helm a large wave came over the stern giving her a soaking. Once we passed Dungeness we could see Dover in the distance. It seemed to takes ages to get there. Carole radioed into Dover Harbour Control two miles off announcing our presence requesting entrance via the Western entrance. We were told to call again when we were 200 metres from the entrance. We decided to change sails as the Genoa would be easier and quicker to put away near the entrance.
As we were approaching we could hear that a ferry would be leaving the Western entrance about the same time as we were going to get there. The sea was now building as we approached Dover with a very nasty confused sea causing waves to break over our bow and over our sides. The Ferry held off and Dover told us to proceed in. We got the sail in and aimed for the centre of the opening . With great relief from both of us we arrived in the harbour. We looked back and saw that the water outside was white and very lumpy. Phew – we were glad to be in. We contacted the marina who told us that the lock gates would be closing in 5 or 6 minutes, so Chris made best speed and we made it into the Granville Dock for a more settled night. We took a walk into Dover for some milk and bread and then returned to the boat for supper and some well deserved relaxation before bed.