We arrived yesterday, on Sunday morning at 10 am in Dartmouth and racing boats passed us from the river entrance up to the town anchorage. Dodging some arrogant skippers, not respecting any rules of the road, it was a shock to our system after all the space of the ocean and the peace of Northern Brittany... even the busy Shipping Lanes were easier to negotiate, than the unpredictable crews motoring out of the river.

We anchored in a crowded spot and were dazzled by the commotion of the last day of Regatta week.

After showering and tidying Kahia we took a water taxi to  town and worked our way through crowded streets to our favourite cafe Alfresco but the queue was too long to face it, so we gave up the idea of a big fry up English Breakfast and took the back road to the French Boulanger.

The highlight of Dartmouth was the visit of Danielle, Richard, Saxony, Baby Oakley and grandma Jenny (over from Australia) for afternoon tea on Kahia. We had a fantastic time together, such a happy reunion and baby Oakley was a grace to our journey. Such a small bundle of life, reminding us of the fragile start of our earthly journey. There is such magic in holding a new born child.

(Photos will follow soon).

Time flew by and we were very tempted to stay longer in Dartmouth to meet up again... but strong winds are heading our way and it is far wiser to leave the next morning for Brighton.

In the evening we left the busy anchorage, as boats were too close and turning differently to the tide. We opted for a quiet night higher up the river by the Anchor Stone, just South of Dittisham (our favourite spot). A part of the “Party river boat” passing by, all was natural peace and beauty for the night, with undisturbed, blissful sleep.

We are now well on our way along the coast and plan to be in Brighton tomorrow early afternoon.