Down Channel 4

 

Was Stargazer's priority entry (over P&O's Pride of Kent), on Wednesday, the result of quick thinking opportunism, by the ever helpful Port Control?

Or, perhaps, a sign of disgruntlement at P&O's sacking of its ferry crews? Many based here in Dover. Local sentiment is strong. Witnessed by the building-high billboard, beside the dual carriageway leading to the ferry terminal, which directs drivers to deny P&O ferries their custom.

Yesterday we enjoyed a relaxing pit stop day in port. Whilst Stargazer took our two day beat, out to the Channel, in her stride; I awoke with stiff limbs and rope-sore palms. More out of condition, after a winter ashore, than I had realised.

Today, both Stargazer and I are ready to ride the passage making north east winds. Before they fall light, over the Bank Holiday.

The plan is to leave Dover mid afternoon, carrying a fair tide west, past Dungeness (where it runs the hardest) and as far into Rye Bay as possible. Before taking to the shoreside shoals, off Hastings, to cheat the turn of the tide. Aiming to lock into Sovereign Harbour in the small hours of Saturday morning.