La Hirondelle 115

 

The cockle boats bustle busily in and out of Sovereign Harbour. Keeping the whelk stalls, on the Eastbourne promenade, supplied with traditional delicacies. Making the most of the settled summery conditions.

For the clarity of the view, across the bay, to the Hastings skyscrapers and the sandstone cliffs beyond (fully ten miles distant) suggests that strong winds are on their way. A suggestion with which the forecasters concur. Although the timing of their arrival, and their precise direction, remain the subject of debate.

The pontoons are slowly filling with boats, waiting for their weather window. Roxie, a Dover based X4o, which we we know well, has arrived today. Berthing across the fairway, on the ‘big-boat,’fingers.

Whilst Stargazer is secured in her usual spot, behind the lifeboat. (Bow just visible. With the blue stripe, one down from the green boat). Alongside her, Emile aboard Take Five, a homeward bound, Belgian flagged, Rival 34. Next down is the Moody 346 Zanzibar, owned by Glen and Keith. Formerly of Chatham. Returning from a cruise of the Baltic. Making for Portsmouth, to overwinter.

Stargazer and Take Five are favouring Friday, as the best opportunity on offer, for our onward passage. (Fair tide, marginal breeze). With the outside chance, for both of us, of then fitting in a final leg home, before a week of high winds hits. If luck is very much on our side.