Canoe Sailor

I woke up early yesterday, after a very comfortable night, as the first rays of the sun hit the tent. Waves washed softly onto the beach and pigeons, nesting on the chalk cliffs, called to each other. A cup of coffee was the first priority, followed by a swim and wash in the sea. It [...]

The rain was still pattering on the tent as I awoke Monday morning.  A cup of coffee improved my mood and I set about decamping, breakfasting and making ready to sail.  A party of school children and their teachers watched as I launched at about 9.30.  They were engaged on a history project and took [...]

My stay at Rye Harbour due to strong winds could not have been better.  A great B&B, with great hosts, a chance to spend time with Katherine, walks on the beach and a meal out to celebrate my birthday.  I didn’t want to leave.  Especially as I wouldn’t see Katherine for two weeks. On Sunday, [...]

The photo shows the Rye Harbour entrance at low tide but winding back to Wednesday evening at Hastings …… Several St Leonards and Hastings Sailing Club members and I manhandled Stacey onto her trolley and we dragged her up the steep beach over the loose shingle. I was feeling tired and bedraggled but relieved to [...]

The Inshore Waters Forecast for North Foreland to Selsey Bill predicts S or SW Force 5 to 7. Staying at Rye today. Tomorrow’s forecast is no better.

Staying with Jo Richard and Mathew on Tuesday 12th June was a perfect way to rest, recharge my batteries, dry out and prepare for the next legs of my journey East. Their conservatory was turned into a sailing and camping kit drying room for a day and their house became a home from home for [...]

Today has been a rest day and chance to dry out piles of wet gear.  After two tough days sailing and on Sunday night setting up camp on a beach and packing up in the midst of a torrential downpour which hardly let up for 16 hours I was ready for a bit of R [...]

Exhilarating downwind sail from Cowes to Chichester Harbour today, averaging somewhere between 5 and 6 knots. It was a little too exciting at times so as I passed Bembridge I reefed down to scrap of sail and still made good speed. I timed the entrance to the Chichester Harbour entrance channel to coincide with about [...]

On the 7th June I set out from Netley Sailing Club intending to reach Bembridge. The forecast was southerly: 20 knots with 25 knot gusts. I was keeping a close watch on the conditions. The actual wind direction was more south easterly than southerly, which was not helpful for a passage to Bembridge. I started [...]