Dutch barge 'Esme'
The crossing . . . . . . . .
Esme had been brought to Nieuwpoort from the north of Holland via Amsterdam by our Dutch skipper Ronald who also stopped off in Volendam to carry out some preparation for the crossing such as new batteries, welding in of fuel tank access hatches and cleaning the fuel system thoroughly. Back to intro.
The chart
the crossing
the crossing Waiting in Nieuwpoort
Esme waits patiently below. Diana and Sid our friend and skipper, ready for the crossing to England.
Farewell Belgium
Nieuwpoort harbour becomes a distant memory.
the crossing
the crossing Some plotting going on
Are you sure this is the right direction skip?
Just blue
About two hours into our twelve hour voyage and not a soul in sight - until we reach the shipping lanes.
the crossing
the crossing Oh buoy!
Always reassuring to pass a buoy and discover that it's the right one. Garden City was our second waypoint.
Relax or what?
 Diana even found a moment for a spot of sunbathing.
the crossing
the crossing I see ships
Eyes peeled as we approach the busy shipping lanes which must be crossed at 90 degrees.

Steady on the helm
 It's only looking back that you can check that you are going straight.
the crossing
the crossing Ship ahead?
Keeping a sharp lookout to avoid a collision course. The big ones move quickly!
No problem!
 The ship passed way ahead in front so no need to alter course.
the crossing
the crossing Land ahoy!
Glorious Blighty in our sights.

The approach to the dreaded Deben bar after only ten hours cruising and right on time for the tide.
The Deben bar
 Sid takes the helm for the clever bit. Easier to blame him if we run aground.
the crossing
the crossing Ahem!
The famous Deben bar at three hours before high water.
The Deben
 Sunset, not far to go now.
the crossing
the crossing Hello woodbridge
Thanks to our new neighbour Chris from 'Halcyon' who took this picture as we arrived at Woodbridge.
Here at last
Safely tied up at Robertsons.
the crossing
the crossing
What a view!
Looking across to Sutton Hoo from our mooring.