We had a day off from sailing or rather motoring on Tuesday. We went to see Pevensey Castle just a short bus ride away. Kept by English Heritage this castle was originally built as a Roman Shore Fort. When the Romans left, it fell into decline. In 1066, William the Conquerer landed his army in Pevensey bay and defeated the Anglo saxons, he built a new fort within the walls of the old Roman walls. Much of which stands today. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

May 4th. On to Dover.

Almost 45 miles to go today, so it was important to get as much help from the tide as possible. The wind was forecast as SW F3 to 4 and we had to be in Dover marina by 6pm (or HW +4 ) latest. It’s about an 8 hour journey, so we added a bit of leeway and 1/ 2 an hour to get out of the lock at Eastbourne and came up with a 0715 leave to catch the 0730 Lockout. We were the only yacht leaving and Mr Fox scavenging on the shore bade us farewell.

It was back to motoring in the still morning air. I’m beginning to think I should have bought a new engine instead of new sails, not even a whiff of wind to fly the flag.

But at 11 o’clock hoorah, enough wind to sail! Well enough to push us along at 5 Kts anyway. Lovely not to have the drone of the engine all the time. Time to sit back and watch everything go by, except there was nothing, no yachts, no fishing boats, jetskis nor paddle boards, nothing. To be fair it was a bit hazy but even so you’d think there would be something out there. Dungeness came and went, the wind built and all of a sudden we’re doing 8 kts and the sea’s getting uncomfortable, and Dover port was looming out of the mist.

Soon we were in the harbour and Mr Seal was there to guide us in.

2.5 hrs motoring and 6 hrs sailing 44 mile Trip Total so far. 164 miles.

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