Bringing her back from Holland

Esme was brought to Nieuwpoort from the north of Holland via Amsterdam by our Dutch skipper Ronald. He stopped off in Volendam to carry out important preparation for the crossing such as new batteries, welding in of fuel tank access hatches and cleaning the fuel system.
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 neighbour Chris from 'Halcyon' who took this picture as we arrived.

Here at last


Safely tied up at Robertsons.
the crossing
the crossing

What a view!


Looking across to Sutton Hoo from our mooring.