East Coast Sailing

The Captain and crew were up early to catch the tide as it flowed out of the Deben this morning.

And while I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, The Captain was busy preparing bacon butties and freshly brewed coffee in the galley.

It was a nice day again, with a light southerly breeze, so perfect for our intended route. After a little motor upstream to get the views, we swung the Pop Pin around and headed back towards the mouth of the estuary and the open water.

We had to motor a few short sections this morning, to ensure that we navigated through the single banks when the winds were less favourable.

I got up on deck as we navigated through the deeper channel. A seal kept popping it's head up near the boat and swam with us for a bit as we travelled along. 

Then once through the big shingle banks,  we took a course past a few more marker bouys which led us out into the deep waters, where we could sail where we pleased!

Before we tacked away off shore, we came in close past beach huts and another Napoleonic Fort.

And the dropping tide revealed some big sand bars and shingle banks!

Out at sea, with was sails up and full speed ahead! 

Later as we approached Felixstowe Harbour, we had to cross the deep water shipping lanes. After watching one huge container ship leaves, we made our move as another closed in on the Port behind us.

Once we were safely across the 'danger zone' we could watch and marvel as the floating stack of containers motored into the harbour and (with the help of a tug boat) did a three point turn before mooring up!

Then it was into the home straight, with the sails out on a tail wind with an incoming tide; we shot into the River Orwell at speed.

At this point we could relax and went to have elevenses - only to find it was one in the afternoon! So instead The Captain produced a fine lunch which we ate on deck as we cruised home to Pin Mill.

A lull in the wind meant that we almost got to the mooring under sail, but a last minute gust called for a sudden 'abort'! as we picked up too much speed! We got it second time.

The dingy got us back to shore, and we returned to base for hot showers and another big feed, this time with Great Aunty Shelia present. What a fantastic adventure!