Was wide awake at silly o’clock in the morning. Body clock still in ‘work’ mode. I could toss and turn in bed for a while, or we could get going. Got going. Very little wind – if any. Off into the morning haze. All the diesel we had brought was going to be put to good use without delay.

The crossing itself was uneventful, bordering in the down-right boring. Had it not been for the fog. The main feature. Average visibility was about half a mile, but at times we were struggling to make out the bow. Crossing the TSS was ‘interesting’. Maybe I should finally get around to installing the radar one of these days. We heard merchant vessels, we smelt them and once I had the feeling we passed through the wake of one. Still, mental nose and ear plot told me we had nothing to worry about. So I didn’t.

Westhinder anchorage duly appeared and disappeared. Not far to go then. Made out Ostend in the fog about a mile out. Ostend mooring kit ready to go: long (!) stern lines and hook + long-ish warp port and starboard. Fifteen minutes later we were as snug as a bug. Let the good times roll.

Two days in paradise, featuring mainly friends, boats and beer (lots of it too). Started off with lunchtime drinks at the Mine Warfare Academy and ended two days later with drinks with old familiar faces who had decided to drop in on the last minute. Some friends never overstay their welcome.

The festival itself stuck to the old tried and tested formula. If it works, don’t mess with it. On Saturday the town heaving with people and bursting out of its seams. Retired to the boat for some peace and quiet. And, of course, there was always the rather colourful RNSYC HM. Razor-sharp wit and some rather outspoken opinions on modern yachting and boat handling skills in particular. Combine this with the in these parts somewhat unfamiliar mooring arrangements and you have all the required ingredients for the ultimate spectator sport. And we had front row seats. All in glorious sunshine, with a drink close at hand.

Good things never last, and this was no different. Other half needed to be back on Monday (work) and so did our youngest (exams). Well, at least we’ve had this and no-one can take it away from us.

Looking forward to a pleasant sail in the morning.