Wednesday, 10th July 2019
As our sailing course from Ostend to Harwich is almost 90 degrees across the North Sea the tide would have one full set going east then west so it is not that critical on the time we leave or arrive. At 05:00 we got up and got ourselves organised to leave about 05:30. Although we were only the outside boat of a 2 boat raft, we were quite tightly between two other rafted yachts so careful planning was needed to leave without incident. The French yacht crew were awake, drinking coffee, but remained below, so were not going to provide any assistance. The cleats (the bits that the mooring lines/ropes are tied to) were being obstructed by other fittings on the French yacht so we slipped our lines through the stanchions so we could release them more easily. The plan worked well with Carole pushing the bow off with the boat hook and we departed the marina as quietly as we were able, noticing that a few other British boats had already left.
Carole quickly sorted out the lines and fenders and we were out of the port. We had a light wind which we expected at that time of day and we put the sails up. The engine remained on for about 45 minutes to help us maintain a decent speed. The sails were filling on a broad reach and our speed gradually increased from 5kn to 6kn then 7kn. We could see three other yachts a few miles ahead sailing our way. This gives a good reference when sailing. As we have said before if there are other yachts it is a race! We took it in turns on the helm and kept a good lookout. We were also gradually gaining on the three yachts. Carole was on the helm when we got closer to one of the yachts. The yacht was off our starboard quarter and appeared to be intent on overtaking us. He slowly steered closer towards us making Chris very uncomfortable and Carole had to turn sharply to starboard to avoid him. Chris said that the other yacht had right of way but Carole thought his manoeuvres were unnecessary as he had plenty of water around and at the least he was being discourteous.
As we went along, Chris revised our passage plan as we could make a more southerly course passing the South Cork Sands to Stone Banks. We could see two of the yachts now behind us with the other yacht taking a more northerly course. As we passed the Sunk TSS we could see two white buoys marking fishing pots. Chris decided to call one of the other two yachts to advise them to keep a lookout. The temperature was quite pleasant but visibility was a little bit reduced as we did not get sight of the Felixstowe cranes until we were quite close to land, which was unusual. The wind continued to be kind until we got to Felixstowe, when the wind started to drop and our boat speed came down to 4.5kn. We continued up the river Orwell until our speed got to 3kn and then we put the sails away and started the engine. It had been a long day and we wanted to get back to our berth.
Unusually, we had arrived back at high water and took advantage of free flow through Ipswich Lock. With all lines and fenders out, we went straight onto our home berth. We had had a good time away but were very happy to be back home.
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