Ramsgate

Chiscos
Chris & Helen King
Sat 14 Aug 2021 20:57

51:19.702N  1:25.233E

Saturday 14th August

We set off at 6.30am this morning in good conditions. We put the sails up in the river and sailed down the Medusa Channel, then cutting across the north east ends of Gunfleet Sands and Sunk Sands. Turning into the southwest wind we motorsailed down Black Deep until we reached the London Array Wind Farm. We had the choice of going south across Long Sand through Foulger's Gat (a marked channel which passes through the wind farm) or Fisherman's Gat (a well buoyed deep channel which goes east of the wind farm). As conditions were favourable we chose to sail through the wind farm which, although a bit shallow in places, was more interesting, and a slightly shorter route.

From there we sailed close hauled to North Foreland with a force 4 SW wind and a fair tide.

The wind eventually veered to the west and then died away as had been forecast and we took the sails down about 3 miles from Ramsgate in flat calm. A few minutes later the wind suddenly backed to the south and increased to force 5. Just what we needed when trying to prepare warps and fenders for our entry in to Ramsgate Harbour.

Entered the harbour and berthed in the West Marina at 1.30pm. Very good trip today.

Once settled we headed out in the sunshine to explore the vibrant town. Not forgetting to pop in to one of Ramsgate's main attractions - the largest Wetherspoons in the world. Cheers!