Flat Calm

As the wind was set north-easterly we decided to cross the Thames and check out Kent. The idea was to head over to Ramsgate for the night and then head through the Swale. We expected a good run/broad reach to Ramsgate an planned it on 4 knots. We left at first light, motored out of the backwaters and raised sail. We tried to raise the topsail but messed up and lost the halyard up the mast.

The winds were light at best. For most of the way it was a flat calm and we alternated between motor sailing, sailing and motoring all the way across the Estuary. The London Array wind farm is under construction but they do seem to have left a gap for Foulger's Gat.

There were a large number of ships anchored south of the Gat.

Once we got alongside the Kent Coast we finally got a bit of wind and we broad reached into Ramsgate with a bit more power than we would have liked!

We had really nice fish & chips at Peter's Fish Factory.