Dandelion 147

 

Stargazer and her skipper arrive in Ramsgate, in fine fettle. Scooting the fifteen miles, up from Dover, in a perfect twelve knots of summertime breeze. In one long fetch.

We leave Dover through the main ferry entrance. 'The Eastern.' We had expected to be held, whilst a suitable gap, in traffic, was found. But Port Control usher us straight through. Across the bows of a P&O arrival.

Which means that the tide has not yet turned in Stargazer's favour. When we emerge, to seaward. Into the full force of an equinoctial spring tide. One of the largest of the year. Fuelled by the pull of the Harvest Moon, which has filled the night sky.

Stargazer does well to make any progress atall. Although we tuck in close under the cliffs. In the hope of finding slacker water. Perhaps even an eddy.

At last, off St Margaret's at Cliffe, the tide turns. Stargazer picks up her pace. Her wind cleared of the influence of the South Foreland.

Off she bounds. Making six and seven knots over the ground. Her skipper already rigging lines and fenders, for our, now imminent, arrival.