In the night from Saturday to Sunday the victory of the Italians against England was celebrated extensively in Oostende. It seemed to us so, as if the marina is the epicenter of some of celebrating fan. The coronation took place but then in the morning at a quarter to four: For several minutes it was again a loud raucous group, only a few meters away to listen to the quay. Then a loud bang by the jump on our floating dock ..... and then ...... steps on the deck of our SUMMER. I thought, I spin! Dietmar was not yet fully awake, while I was shot out of the bed to the front. Quick pulled up the blind: Directly in front of me I saw legs with sneakers. I pounded on the window and ripped at the same moment the hatch up and was screaming: "Get, Of .......!!!“ (we want to censor times better :-) ).
Quick look for the young brats into the distance and fled to his clique, which stood at the top of the quay wall and hooted. Visibly amused the young people moved to the city.
On the prima, Sleeping was at first not to think. Not, that it would have been a really dangerous situation. Nevertheless, remained a somewhat bad. Someone had entered our home uninvited. That was not at all times! We decided to, to speak the next day with the harbor master and ask for another berth. In addition, we determined, From now on the evening Rehling always close. If we had made, wäre der betrunkene Vogel schon an dieser Hürde gescheitert und wahrscheinlich ins Wasser gefallen 🙂 Nach fast zwei Stunden fielen uns dann doch wieder die Augen zu.
As planned we marched after breakfast directly to the harbor master. They were genuinely surprised. At our place is otherwise a permanently inhabited boat and such problems had not yet given it up today. Well, the World Cup is indeed an exception time. There probably happen once things, the sonst not passieren. We were granted permission, Verholen to our boat at the dock to the front here. So now we have enough distance from the quay wall. We like it much better 
Reassured, we make ourselves again to set foot on the road to Racecourse Oostende. Unfortunately, here the summer season starts only at 30. June. No horse racing, no theater performances, even the exhibition of sand sculptures at the booth opened on 28. June. It seems we are at least a week too early for the Belgian summer.
We consoled ourselves over this knowledge back with delicious Belgian "Pannekoken and Apfeltaart". This gives it, Goodness thanks, at least the year. Back on board, was sailing trip for our onward journey towards France on the plan.

How many times after a night ride of the morning started very late on the buzzer. For breakfast we had to find, that a fresh baguette a dream, but one thing is more of a tough matter from the previous day. For breakfast the next we're in the clear and have to figure out just yet, wer das frische Baguette holen muss 🙂

After the culture shock of yesterday turned out to be the next question: Where do we start? What we do today? After some back-and-forth, we decided after a short round of the weekly market, to take a trip to another marina. This is much easier to achieve, according to chart. Had he been a good alternative? After more than 30 Minutes walk through dreary always expectant industrial areas, we could very easily answer this question with a resounding "No". Not even quieter it would have been, because behind the little drab port also runs a large ring road. So Dietmar has really made a good choice.

We followed the various docks, until we finally reached the North Sea. Directly on the beach is also the Fort Napoleon, which we visited briefly. It was created by Napoleon to 1814 built, but never got to use in any warlike activities. Today there is a museum.

The North Sea is today only in gray- and browns, decorated with many crowns show. As announced blew a strong wind from northeast. For some time, we observed a small catamaran, trying, to fight against wind and wave open sea. Not an easy task, but at the second attempt succeeded, and the cat quickly disappeared into the open sea.

We put the ferry into the city and left us near the marina in a cafe down, to enjoy Pannkoeken and an ice.
And then ... a déjà vu: We observed. In Oostende the crooks are however already known throughout the city. Warned on large posters we are of them and very important: Prohibited Feeding!!

 

About nine clock we reached the harbor entrance from Oostende. Dietmar had reserved for us a place in the Mercator Marina in the city center. A challenge for us, because a lock and three bascule bridges still separated us from our mooring. In good weather it was in the morning at the harbor quite full so we were at the locks and when passing the bridge, the tourist attraction. Despite the many observers we mastered all the maneuvers sovereign and finally reached our mooring. In the same harbor is the three-master "Mecator", which is very well known in Oostende.

Throngs of tourists walk on the waterfront right next to our boat passing. All paired with a noise from traffic and city noise. A bit of a shock after the quiet harbors in England, the most quiet and somewhat isolated were in the midst of nature. But on the other hand also a great starting point for the first outing, we took directly. With a superbly documented baguette and a coffee we could equally become better friends with the situation. So we explored even after a long lunch break, continue on foot to the city center and the nearby beach. The beautiful day we were at dinner on board wind down with fresh shrimps and prawns. After that football was announced, because even a sailboat is not spared from the World Cup.

So our first country we have left behind us. Then we came relaxing with a can of English Ales (Old Speckled Hen) an. It was a great time on the island, many new impressions, great nature, London and of course especially the time with Ann and Tom. Of the two, we have received a very special farewell gift. A bottle of good, Australian red wine with a handwritten instructions for use: „To drink when you are on your travel and think of us“. The we want to keep it for a very special moment. And to both of them, we think anyway more often J without wine.

We took advantage of the beautiful, sunny Thursday for a final exploration tour of Ramsgate towards the south - this time on foot. Right on the harbor we came across the sailor's Church. Here sailors are invited to certain times of day, even for a cup of coffee. Since we had already had breakfast but, remained this offer unused and we followed the scenic cliff. Our aim was, according to the prospectus of the faithful replica of a Viking ship, but we did not found. Was probably a very small boat :-). Also, where it was marked on our map, we can find no evidence for large-scale search operations and we lacked today the time. About six clock in the evening we wanted to use the good weather and set off in the direction of Oostende.

So we were against 2 Clock back to the Summer. I treated myself to after a delicious lunch or an hour sleep, while Dietmar again brought to his favorite activity: In chandlery (more or less) shopping meaningful things for our boat. And they always say, only women love shopping. Since I can not really confirm. You have to select only the transactions according to. 
A few more emails from the island, a few pictures posted on Facebook, then everything was stowed in the boot tidy for the next sailing route. In perfect weather we walked at low tide from. In the harbor entrance, but could not we almost have the heart: The depth gauge only shows 1,8 Feet of water at. These are actually 20 Centimeters too little in our draft of 1.95 m .... slowly and carefully we pushed us further about the reason and came to minutes, which seemed like eternity, back to deeper water. That was close, but yes again went well.

But this should be the greatest excitement for the whole sailing route. On the glassy North Sea we sailed with a maximum 10 Knoten Wind. The biggest challenge was to be the crossing of the large and busy traffic separation scheme between England and the Continent.
Traffic separation schemes are set up for the commercial shipping that works like highways. There is a separate area for each direction. From sailors the traffic separation schemes may only be at an angle of 90 ° ± 10 be crossed and commercial shipping has always priority.
While we sailors in the normal case with 5-7 Knots are on the road, can the professionals at speeds up 30 Impress node. It's a bit like, as one would with the Bobby-Car cross the highway. So there it is called "eyes on" and always beautiful the AIS (Automatic Identification System) watch, that gives us information about the speed and course of all vessels.

For safety reasons, we decide to make this portion of our trip under engine. Thus, we remain flexible and are also faster.

I have the exciting part of this crossing but sleepy. When I woke Dietmar four clock in the morning, We had just reached the other side. Together we sat still and took the sails parallel to the coast heading for Oostende.

In Ramsgate driving traffic begins at five-thirty in the morning. Unfortunately all ferries had directly to our berth over what led to, that the buzzer rather violently tugged at their leashes and the threshold beat loudly against our hull. Somit begann unser Tag in diesem Hafen einmal deutlich früher 🙂 als gewöhnlich. After breakfast we went with the bikes on a discovery tour the north, always along the coast road. Only we had to find, that we could not be relaxed without major altitude differences on the way as the last time at this cliff. In plain text, each relaxed descent followed, unfortunately, an uphill climb. Today we were looking over each of the 8.Gänge our folding bikes. But a bit Exercising pity yes not sure, Sailing for work so more arms than the legs.

The coast north of Ramsgate and the city itself have enjoyed it very much. Many old buildings lined up along the coast, one more beautiful than the next. In between bathing beaches, we would not expect here. An ideal place to stay.

Our lunch (times classical English: Fish & Chips und Beef Burger) we enjoyed at the turning point of our tour. But outside on the terrace, it also had great winged parasites except for our food. We were observed in any case all the time sharp and almost made us feel a bit threatened. Diese verfressenen Nordsee-Möwen sind nämlich erschreckend groß und wahrscheinlich auch bissig 🙂

The summer day we left after a brief stroll on deck then finish with a beer and summer temperatures. On Thursday the crossing to Oostende / Belgium stands at. Since we want to cross the English Channel to the many waterways overnight, it can only be good, also rested sensible to go in the next day.

For today, according to the weather we had the perfect weather for the trip to Ramsgate: Wind 3-4 aus West, later turning on Southwest. In bis Boo 5. Clear and sunny, no rain.

After detailed consideration of the tides, we wanted to go at nine clock, so in the evening we reach Ramsgate also run-in water. So it was at half past eight: Cast off and shortly diesel bunker on the other side of the harbor. After we had finally made it, to find the harbor master and fill our tank again, a policeman came to our boat: „Good morning, I`ll check your boat“ J Ok, we have nothing to hide and smuggled we do not have. Then new items, with the young man in the parlor. An endless form later we were released with best wishes again. With half an hour late, we went out into the river Chrouch. From the promised 3 Wind speeds was unfortunately only one half-site. Good, we thought, then we can finally try the Parasailor. When all the lines were ready prepared, then stood still over suddenly 12 Wind accounts on the display so repacked L-what the heck. So it does not rust at least one.

With a good pace we followed our planned route. But then around noon we witnessed, that slowly moved in together dark clouds around us. The wind fell asleep. On the prima! Yet appeared on our boat the sun, So we decided to an extended lunch break with Angel insert (unfortunately unsuccessful) and waited for what, were to come. They came but - thank God - not. The wind can again, the clouds broke up and before us came a wind farm in sight, I had overlooked in my probably planning. How annoying L So we put a new route laid on a flat. Driving over flat spots, which are at Tide to sandbanks, is simply nothing for my nerves. Although the water depth would have been definitely adequate for our 2m draft, I kept to the other side breath.

The last quarter of the way it felt the wind but then again pretty "good" with us. Or maybe it was a single, lasting three hours with gust 20 Node, which blew us quickly to our port. Once again, it was much more strenuous than we had planned. With more than seven knots speed on wind, against a short, bolt steep and high North Sea wave , shoveling hundreds of gallons of salty North Sea water over the deck. For the last 4 Nautical miles to the buoy we enjoyed the trip under engine. Shortly after eight o'clock we were alongside the western bridge in Ramsgate 5 Mooring securely moored.

As usual, the day began with a delicious breakfast after we are already at 9:00 are crawled out of my bunk. Immediately after the visit from the local chandlery on the program. Das ist wie die Verlängerung von weihnachtlicher Vorfreude für den Mann 🙂 Seit Tagen quält mich der Gedanke, I again get more air into the limp Spherical, so he can just abfendern better in rough landing maneuvers to the noble boat skin better and thus protect. The solution was a bicycle air pump with another adapter (found at the chandlery) to equip and then to pump vigorously. A tribute to the talent for improvisation!

Thus in high spirits we have taken the project banana boat attack. It involves an ingenious folding boat, which is produced in Germany and is to be indestructible. If sharp coral heads from dinghies “Rasierpinsel” make, to the banana boat no problems getting. We will eventually find out and report. After a good hour all attachments were there where they belong, Brand new Yamaha hung on the transom and the boat was ready for the first ride.

The motor jumped on and off we went. Does the mood made! Even a seal we could for some close-ups on “Eye level” inspire. After about an hour, the test drive was completed successfully. We had to hurry because a storm was on its way. Quickly washed off the boat with fresh water, Engine again hung on the stern pulpit and then everything again lashed and stowed safely.
In the afternoon, the backpacks were shouldered and it went to TESCO supermarket, to the provisions to replenish. Annoying are always only the many water bottles in the luggage.

All good things come in threes! Thus Katja was finally motivated to get into the mast today. One of our Fallen (Linen) had wrapped itself around the radar and had to be freed, before it damaged still one of the sensitive cable. Double backed it up was a breeze and the case was klariert. Since the Katja's climbing experience has really paid off. There were nevertheless already 7 Meters.
A very good English steak with salad and fresh fruit for dessert rounded off the evening. Katja has once again our route planning for the next destination, the Hafen Ramsgate, checked. Wind, Weather and power seem to be perfect. Departure is tomorrow 8:30 be.

Today we can all tackle time a little more comfortable. Yesterday's sailing has yet pretty geschlaucht us. So sleep and nice breakfast, but not English :-). The galley had scrambled eggs and bagels on offer, served with fresh fruit, Tired of tea and coffee.

Had frittered After we read some time and write emails, it was time, finally to explore the area further away. Quick unfolds the wheels and on the lake. After more than two weeks in England, we expected us good chances of survival in left-hand traffic from. About two hours we rode back and forth across the area. Es war toll, to be traveling by bicycle once again. Although I'm sure, I will surely regret it tomorrow. Unfortunately, none led the way we tried then ultimately to the sea. But that was not really matter. The journey was the reward. Und der war für den ersten Tag mehr als ausreichend 🙂

On the way back we stumbled by chance on an enchanting, old church with a dilapidated graveyard called “St. Mary The Virgin”. Inside the church we received the friendliest. Two Lady led us right through the entire interior and told us all the special features and historical background. When we told them both, that we would travel by sailboat around the world and England is our first stage, we were supplied directly with excursions for the next days. Only after we had entered our guestbook and handed over a business card from us, durften wir weiterradeln 🙂 Es ist immer wieder schön, to meet such nice and interested people. This happens mostly surprising and unexpected!

Conclusion of the day:

Even though I have long been the butt not hurt so much as it is today has (and Dietmar felt the same way), it was a great day. Why we were before so rare with the wheel on the way, will give me less and less clear. Ab jetzt machen wir das öfters und zwei neue bequemere Fahrradsättel stehen seit heute auch ganz oben auf der Wunschliste 🙂

Friday 6. June: The ringing of the alarm clock to 6:00 was very unusual, because we have become accustomed in recent weeks because, just as long to sleep, open up the eyes of its own. Not so today, since we need run-off flood, to speedily reach the North Sea with the flow. About 7:00 it was cast off and down into the lock of Ipswhich Harbour. The lock keeper was once again very friendly, as it apparently is the type of Englishman early in the morning. With perfect weather and plenty of sunshine, we went quickly to the Orwell River downstream, again towards the North Sea. In addition to the steering wheel was a steaming cup of coffee and a delicious bagel for breakfast.

The way to the open sea leads directly to “Roughs Tower” past. Originally this was a military naval fortress from the Second World War. In the 60s were from the Tower “Pirate Broadcaster” operated. 1965 Paddy Roy Bates has the Tower to independent principality “Sealand” proclaimed and appointed himself and his wife (a former Miss England) to unrestricted rulers. It even has its own currency. It's worth it at WIKIPEDIA even have to read the eventful history. The vintage 1965 scheint besonders gut gewesen zu sein 🙂
After a nice day of sailing we are on the recommendation of a sailor, we have come to know in the Suffolk Marina, been run in the Hamford River. A short time later the anchor and 35m chain were then applied and we hung securely on the “Hook”.

Actually, the man had told the truth. Left and right emerged from us 5 funny and hairy fellows from the floods on. It's just a completely different number, when you meet the animals in the wild. The joy was enormous and we had the best evening program, that you could wish for.

With these pictures we went early in the bunk. At least my confidence in the anchor was large enough, that I could sleep well. In the night we had a thunderstorm and again much wind between 15-18 Node. Our Summer has certainly pretty on the chain “danced” Katja and hardly slept. The only thing was was something to me in the stomach, I in the bilge in the engine compartment ca. 10 Liters of seawater had to pump out. As the water came only in the ship? Engine and sea valves were tight. Solution: The seals of the lockers are not tight enough, if sailing is too much sea water over the deck.
Saturday: Anchor up and breakfast on lake. So it was this morning. Our destination was the Marina “Burnham Yacht Harbour” in the “River Crouch”. After this crossing we decided, more intensively to set us apart with the topic of weather and route planning. Were announced 3-4 Beaufort and Boen with 5-6 Wind strengths. According to the motto “already fits” and it is eaten as hot nothing, as it is cooked, I have also made me not have to worry more. Katja slept below deck and I actually had everything pretty well under control. The mainsail was reefed in time and the heeling of the boat (Angle) was thus in the green area. Eventually we went, however, go. The Coast Guard began for commercial shipping warnings for strong winds (Galewarning) and high threshold (Dünung) Send to. The high point we reached at 11:00 resistant than the display 25-30 Knots of wind speed indicated. The wind was in the right against the current and then causes short and high waves. Unfortunately, we had to sail exactly counterclaims, as in Lee (Windschatteseite) numerous shoals were. It was very wet and the deck was constantly flooded by seawater. Katja came sometime on deck and said only: “I find it not so bad today! Probably I'm already hardened….”

At exactly 16:50 we then created our Summer at the dock B40. After an investor beer and a visit to the harbor master a little trip on foot was hot in the city. The swell in the legs has made us very to create now. Ich hatte ständig das Gefühl mich an irgendetwas festhalten zu müssen 🙂 Nach der Rückkehr an Bord hat unsere Sumsi eine ausgiebige Süsswasserdusche bekommen. As a sort of compensation for the salty crossing!

 

About the city and the harbor lay a mantle of silence and peace. Once again, making a sense of “here I want to stay” wide. So similar it feels good to, when someone is in harmony with the world. Simply beautiful!

We are since 2 Days in the marina of Ipswhich. We are not quite come from the place, because us by pulling low pressure area has prevented from Continue. Low pressure areas usually mean rain and lots of wind. Both are weather conditions, the sailors any more like like a normal sentient human being a dentist visit. According to the motto “we make a virtue of necessity”, today was a visit to the capital of England on the program. Promptly at 8:30 were the walking shoes on the feet, charged the batteries of the camera and strapped backpacks on their backs. The transportation of our choice was the train, the us after the hour ride into the center of London, zur Liverpool Street, has brought. Katya had organizationally again everything as always followed confidently in control and I am your. If it were not for that stupid bank, with your boards from Ironwood in shin height, stood right in the way! One has the hurt, as I ran at full speed towards the thing and with a gallant “Flachköpper” about the bank, before the eyes of other tourists, im Sand gelandet bin. “Ouch-Ouch” I can say only! A little later, however, it was going on with our tour. Our first stop was the Tower Bridge, which probably everyone knows from the English lessons.

After two hours of walking and a delicious cup of coffee at the marina, we decided, up the River Thames with a riverboat up to Westminster to drive. The poor steamer really had to fight against the flow of water running off.

It was not just a welfare for the feet, but also a delight for the senses.

After a good 45 Minutes we arrived and on we went walking in the city. Maybe us happiness is yes again hold and Prince Harry remembers our meeting on the Suffolk Agriculture Show. A cup of tea would be there but probably mounted at least. But first had to Katja leave a good impression with the guards.

But here Harry was not to be found so the next station.

We have then a short walk to Picadilly Circus, Hide Park Garden gemacht und Courts. The parks are extremely well maintained and have otherwise made a very good impression.

Equally positive was our overall impression of London after a stay of good 9 Hours and 20.000 Units on the Pedometer! Certainly the impressions were partially “oppressive” after the many quiet days on the water, but it was a very worthwhile visit this very interesting and beautiful city. We can in any case only report best and express a clear recommendation to an imitation! Am Ende des Tages, just before we rose in the train, are we still have a funny colorful “Bird” seen..

Tomorrow it goes to 7:00 early start again. We want to use the flood, to go running off with water back into the North Sea. The next night we want in a river, spend the Hamford River at anchor the night. There will even give seals. Ganz sicher haben wir dort aber kein WLAN und deshalb musste der Bericht noch heute fertig werden 🙂 Es ist jetzt 23.42 Clock and the skipper is now ending. Good night!