13.08, log 437, wind south-west, 6 metres/sec.
We cast off in Portsmouth in brilliant sunshine, heat and cheering crowds.
13.19, log 437, wind south-west, 6 metres/sec.
We raise the sail and sail out of the harbour. Starboard bowline tangled. A hand climbs up with a lifeline on to fix it. The crew claps her when she comes down again.
14.12, log 444, wind south-west, 10 metres/sec.
The wind increases and we take a reef.
16.00, log 456, wind west south-west, 9 metres/sec.
The new rudder tackle we fitted in Portsmouth is tightened with two extra wedges. It’s working well. There is sun on the aft deck and the crew play “summer”. In the foreship, the crew still have their warm sailing clothes on. Two different worlds – fore and aft.
18.00, log 470, wind west south-west, 10 metres/sec.
The helmsman sings an old mariner’s song by Holger Drachmann.
Good steady speed of about 7 knots.
20.00, log 484, west south-west, 8 metres/sec.
We cross the Zero Meridian, happy to be in home longitudes.
22.02, log 496, west south-west, 7 metres/sec.
Beachy Head across our beam. We head for Dungeness.
It’s quiet and peaceful sailing, wonderful to be neither wet nor cold.
03.08, log 524, west south-west, 8 metres/sec.
We change course slightly to port, towards Dover.
05.25, log 537, west south-west, 10 metres/sec
The White Cliffs of Dover appear in the morning light.
07.42, log 549, south-west, 10 metres/sec.
Set course for Ramsgate. We go through Ramsgate Channel inside the shallows, to avoid the wind against us as we sail into the harbour, which is due west.
08.00, log 551, wind south-west, 8 metres/sec.
Change of watch and porridge. Blankets and underlay from the sleeping free watch is packed away.
09. 00, log 556, south-west, 8 metres/sec.
Anchor made ready forward, in case we have to drop anchor. We wake the free watch because we are soon going to take the sail down.
10.06, log 558, wind south-west, 8 metres/sec.
Moored in Ramsgate, after a demanding approach against wind and current
122 nautical miles in 20 hours with an average speed of 6 knots.