Awoke at first light. The first thing that struck me was the sound of silence. What had happened to the wind? Packed up and left. Bugger. Looked in my crystal ball, and all I could see was more motoring.

Once at sea we attempted to fly the cruising chute twice. Boat speed dropped to a very disappointing 3kts. And with the tide against us, the autopilot could not cope. As none of us fancied hand helming for the next 12 hours, the chute was ultimately taken down and stored. Motor-sailing it was then.

By the time we got to the TSS the weather gods must have taken pity on us and threw a very pleasant NE breeze our way. Just what the doctor had ordered. Engine off, and enjoy. Conducted a sail past and photo shoot with another Fox’s based boat. What more could you ask/hope for?

Managed to keep sailing till Shotley Spit. Then packed the laundry away and got the boat ready for her berth. Stations, people. Parked, packed stuff for home, trip down the A12 and M25 and home. Nothing more to add. Other that: we must do this again VERY soon.