I had an interesting night watch looking at strange navigation lights. I had to get Nick up in the end as I couldn’t tell what I was looking at. Turned out to be a huge dredger going back and forth in a small area – hence the constantly changing lights. This is my preferred lookout position when night sailing – inside in the warm, listening to music!

We entered Chesapeake at the same time as a Battlegroup arrived (an aircraft carrier with up to 40 support vessels). We only got to see one of the smaller helicopter carrier and some destroyers. The radio announced constant warning to keep clear of all naval vessels and ‘lethal force’ would be used if you got within 1000yds! Interesting fact:  after 6-9 months away, ships returning to their home port disembark with fathers of children born whilst they were away being first. We also had to negotiate lots of very large boats.

Made it to Carters Creek up the Rappahannock River at 17.30 after passing under a 130ft bridge with a 73ft mast - it looked unnervingly low as we went under.

Bud was waiting at the marina when we got there and took us for a delicious dinner at their restaurant – we even got dressed up for the event. They let us stay at the dock whilst we had supper but we anchored off afterwards. A very pretty creek – quiet, peaceful and no night watches.