Up Channel 1

On reflection, I did Sovereign harbour an injustice, when I wrote it off as a mere "marine shopping mall" (During Stargazer's 'An English Summer' cruise in 2021). As a port to enter solo, with the auto pilot down, in a strongly building south westerly (see En France 92), it has few peers. If any.

Hurtling in, from Beachy Head, twenty seven knots of breeze on the quarter, surfing in a heavy swell, I was faced with a conundrum. Namely, how to rig lines and fenders and dowse sails?  Tasks, which I would normally carry out, whilst the autopilot steered Stargazer. In the conditions, motoring slow astern (which would hold Stargazer stern to wind and wave, without any steering input) was not a viable option.

The solution lay in the design of Sovereign's entrance. Strictly speaking, the approach should be from the safe-water mark, on a line just south of the wreck buoy and two green cans, to the pier heads. Directly into the south west breeze. BUT there was depth enough to bring Stargazer in on an arc, under sail, instead : I furl the jib, as we harden up, to shoot the entrance. Starting the engine, and letting fly the main halyard, as Stargazer slips into the lee of the breakwater. Head to wind, mainsail aflutter.

In an instant, the heaving waters calm. The roar of the wind quiets to a whisper. Seal pups stare inquisitively. Wondering at the commotion.

Stargazer is safe to drift, for the breathless moments which it takes to rig three fenders and a midship line. All that will be required, to make her fast in the lock.

We motor sedately in, through open gates. (Sovereign alternates its two locks. One is always available to incoming vessels. Whilst the other is on 'turn around.'). Inside, in a tranquil peace, I am able to stow the mainsail tidily and to rig six lines and six fenders. Which are Stargazer's preferred setup, for approaching an unfamiliar finger berth.

Within the harbour, Stargazer secures behind the lifeboat. Joining a Manx Shearwater, a pelagic offshore bird, blown in by the gathering gale. Or perhaps one of its several predecessors. Enjoying the total shelter, offered by those tall lock gates. 

It is the perfect environment, in which to tend to our unsung hero, of the helm. I am quickly on the phone to 'Psi Paul.' (Who sees to Stargazer's electrical well being). Checks are run. A diagnosis made. Parts are currently being couriered, care of the lock keeper. Fingers are crossed, for their speedy arrival ; and efficacy once fitted.