by Gavin Millar
on June 30, 2012
in 2. Isle of Sheppey to Skegness, Latest News
Apologies for the this late post but, very frustratingly, I had to rewrite these words after two careless screen touches on my small Android tablet. The two days at Shotley, staying in Steve’s home had been a welcome rest after five days sailing. The strong winds had moderated slowly and Saturday’s forecast was still [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 25, 2012
in Latest News
After the Thames Estuary crossing on Tuesday, and with little prospect of the long period of unsettled weather ending, I’d been feeling a bit gloomy about prospects for Wednesday… but after a good night’s sleep at my sister’s home, followed by coffee and marmite on toast, things looked brighter. The wind was forecast to be [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 20, 2012
in 2. Isle of Sheppey to Skegness, Latest News
I was sorry to leave Whistable. This North Kent seaside town is a delight and my idea of a proper seaside town with beached, brightly painted beach huts, a great choice of restaurants and pubs, and a fishing boat harbour. Everyone I met at Whitstable Yacht Club was friendly and helpful. Jason from the sailing school found a space in [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 20, 2012
in 1. Southampton to the Isle of Sheppey, Latest News
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 [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 19, 2012
in 1. Southampton to the Isle of Sheppey, Latest News
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 [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 18, 2012
in 1. Southampton to the Isle of Sheppey, Latest News
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, [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 17, 2012
in 1. Southampton to the Isle of Sheppey, Latest News
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 [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 14, 2012
in 1. Southampton to the Isle of Sheppey, Latest News
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 [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 12, 2012
in 1. Southampton to the Isle of Sheppey, Latest News
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 [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 9, 2012
in 1. Southampton to the Isle of Sheppey, Latest News
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 [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 7, 2012
in 1. Southampton to the Isle of Sheppey, Latest News
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 [...]
by Gavin Millar
on June 6, 2012
in 1. Southampton to the Isle of Sheppey, Agri Energy, Latest News
It’s finally arrived! Today I set sail. Only a 6 mile shakedown to Netley SC, combined with a brief visit to the local Agri Energy depo downriver to to say goodbye to colleagues. Richard Lewis has helped loads by doing lots of last minute fitting out things to suit my preference. Like bolting on two [...]