We had a nice and calm morning, in glorious sunshine at Swanwick.  Did some laundry and enjoyed the sun.  We had to leave the berth by midday, so set off down the river.  And with a bit of initial persuasion, I steered the boat all the way down the river.  A river full of very … Continue reading Friday 22nd June – Who’s at the helm? →

The much anticipated day has come: the wind has changed and we're sailing west.  We set off at 7.30am, with me having been involved in every step of preparing for sail.  I'm putting the theory to the test!  We came out of Brighton Marina on the tide and there was 15 knots of wind and so … Continue reading Thursday 21st June – A real sail! →

The winds are changing so today is our last day in Brighton, where the clouds are still thick and it’s still windy. Though we have noticed that it gets significantly warmer and more pleasant as soon as you get away from the marina.  Hence, in the afternoon we took our usual no 7 bus in to … Continue reading Wednesday 20th June – last day in Brighton →

Dominic woke up with a very sore throat this morning, so I went off to Asda to get Lemsip.  Always helps!  As he felt too tired to do anything much and the sky was heavy with cloud, we stayed in and pottered about.  I made a very healthy lunch with garlic, ginger and lots of … Continue reading Tuesday 19th June – clouds galore →

We went in to see the Royal Pavilion today.  I know I'm supposed to go ah and wonderful and isn't this building incredible.  Instead this ridiculous structure, with its completely over-the-top opulence inside made me really rather cross.  It would have cost an incredible amount of money, all for Prince/Regent/King George IV's personal benefit.  I … Continue reading Monday 18th June – Regency Brighton and beyond →

Breakfast with freshly made bread (we’ve brought the bread maker on board) to celebrate Father’s Day!  Our children are currently in England, Australia and China, so Father was celebrated by way of internet.     The morning was still windy and grey, but we ventured out for a fresh walk around the marina and along … Continue reading Sunday 17th June – Father’s Day and trying out the bicycles →

In the morning we went into Brighton on the bus, which gave us a nice overview of this part of the town.  Dominic has been to Brighton before, moored in the same marina, so he knows his way around.  We had a bit of shopping to do, and you may be aware that this is … Continue reading Saturday 16th June – a day in Brighton →

Today we left our lovely anchoring spot near the muddy banks of Pilsey Island.  I'd gotten strangely attached to that place.  Such beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the water. We had planned to leave at 11am but after speaking to the marina in Brighton, Dominic decided we'd better set off asap.  It takes a bit … Continue reading Friday 15th June – off to Brighton we go! →

Well what a difference a day makes.  It was a rough night, winds higher than expected, and with the boat constantly swinging around the anchor and lots of clanging, clanking and wind noise.  Dominic had got the boat ready last night, but still had to get out on deck in the dark to tie up … Continue reading Thursday 14th June – a bit of a rough night →

We both woke up early with the sun rays streaming through the portlights and dancing on the ceiling.  A truly beautiful start to the day; so calm and peaceful.  Balm for the soul!  We got our binoculars out and did a bit of bird watching on the muddy bank off the island.  Oystercatchers were easy … Continue reading Wednesday 13th June – at ease in Chichester Harbour →