We had intended to stop in the Netherlands on our way home but when we exited the Kiel Canal we had perfect sailing conditions. We were concerned about very unsettled weather approaching the English Channel & made a snap decision to get down the North Sea while the going was good, bypassing the Friesian Isles, the IJsselmeer & Amsterdam. We reached the 350nm to Dover in just under 50 hours arriving shortly before the wind turned against us & it begun to rain - good timing! We expected to be stuck there for the rest of the week but having paid for the first night we realised there was a small weather window that night in which we could get nearer home. Ten hours later, showered & refreshed we set off for the final 110nm of our journey, again arriving in Hamble just ahead of deteriorating weather. Well you have to be lucky sometimes.

We have sailed 2,500nm in 4 months & visited 6 countries & made lots of new friends. We found the ARC Baltic Rally very rushed, packing as much sailing & sightseeing into 6 weeks as sensible people would into 2 seasons but it was fun. We are very pleased with the new Oojah although there’s plenty to sort out & refine. However for now we are just looking forward to a bit of down time. We have arrived home before expected so only you the blog readers know. I hope you have enjoyed our  writings & look forward to hearing from you - that’s it for now … remember you heard it here first “we’re back"

           

                                                                                                 

                              

                                                                                                                                    

Love to all,  Peter & Christene