Setting out from Lowestoft we initially had virtually no wind at all. So much for the predicted F3/4, it just wasn't there. Maybe F1 gusting 2 occasionally at the most, with long lulls where the sea took on that distinctive glassy appearance that is a clear indicator that the day, for the time being at least, is one for motoring not sailing.
And motor we did from Lowestoft to somewhere off Sizewell where, at last, the forecast breeze picked up and we were able to get sailing on, unusualy, a reach. I had been commenting to Rik how we always seemed to be running or beating and never reaching so this was a change.
There was only one thing to be done ... hoist the SCARY SAIL!
Actually, although its a fiddle and a faff to get everything set up, it goes up and down very easily in it's sock although I'm sure it'll prove rather more exciting in more wind.
Then again. I'm not racing so I wouldn't hoist it in F4 and above
It gave us a good extra knot or more of speed which was welcome although we couldn't quite hold the course so in the end it had to be dowsed so that we could come around onto a beam reach for the mark.
Time and tide wait for no man as the saying goes and if we wanted to carry the tide up to Woodbridge we'd have to get a move on so it was on with the motor and off we went. The Entrance to the Deben is a bit nerve wracking with shingle banks all around but we had no problems and then the rain started in earnest.
We'd been observing the antics of a UKBA cutter which was hooning backwards and forwards between Landguard Point and Orford Ness all afternoon. Now, in the river, we encountered their attack RIB (OK, OK, so it's not an "attack" RIB and they don't attack people but jeez, with all the midnight black para-military gear you'd think they were the SBS or something). Happily, they just waved as they went by downriver ... totally ignoring the speed limit of course ... on their way back to the ship for tea.
We've been fairly lucky up until now and hardly ever been rained on but as we wound our way up the rather pretty river we were definitely getting soggy. However, the rain eased off and appeared to have moved on by the time we moored in the Tidemill Yacht Harbour.
After sorting out shore power and paying for one night (the decision on whether to stop for a second being deferred) we headed ashore for beer and grub. Passing on the Anchor, which looked a bit of a locals pub, we eventually (after some poor navigtion by the skipper) found our way to the Cherry Tree. Very good beer, excellent food.
However, on setting out for the walk back we discovered that during our sojourn indoors the rain had returned with a vengance and now is was pelting dowb. Nothing for it but to pull up our hoods, get our heads down and tramp back in the rain.
Matters were not improved by my tripping on a doorstep cunningly projecting out into the public pavement. Fortunately, a slightly grazed knee and a bruised elbow were the only injuries sustained but I could have done without it.
We'll see what tomorrow will bring - we need to dry off wet kit, my cough is getting if anything worse and Rik has started coughing again too. We may end up staying put simply to rest up
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