Buoyed out!Had to motor the Thames from Ramsgate, but arrived safe and sound after about piloting around 50 buoys!
Was pretty cool though when I radioed Thames VTS ( Vessel Traffic Service)and someone said 'Is that you Jacquie' we went to VHF Ch.8 and it was the Pilot we'd met in the café in Ramsgate, only the day before. He was piloting a large vessel that was just off our starboard quarter!Cheers for your advice Chris!
Feeling frustrated again , so I've decided to stay in Burnham a couple of days.Mandy's dad has just taken my syphon valve, thanks also to the guys at Burnham Marina, to replace a rubber seal. It was p.....ing sea water in to the cockpit locker, which then went onto the carpet, then into the bilge, which we had to pump every hour the whole of the 9 hour trip!Everything is damp and then a thunderstorm last night like no other. I woke up (safely tucked in after wonderful supper and greeting ground/support crew)to flashing lights and banging!it was an incredible storm.I thanked the Gods I was safe in harbour. Tatti's leaving tomorrow and I'm really sad. We didn't even really sail yesterday, across the Thames.Just the main in the Thames and the 'genny'(foresail) up in the Crouch.
I need to rest, as otherwise i'm not enjoying it. I love to be at sea but organising the crew is taking it's toll, mainly as my schedule has gone out of the window. However, i truly believe it will all work out and I've had so much support and encouragement, via, phone, email and everyone I've met.
Been asked to do a radio interview for a friend who runs a station here in Burnham and acall from my sister-in-law's father whose Lodge have offered to sponsor me.
Any crew out there hang on in for me,I'll be there sooner, or at this rate later! |
