Arriving at Shotley on Friday eve, we (me, Tanya, Gary, Michelle, Nick and Chris) fairly quickly decided that a night crossing would be a good option - winds were good, heads were fresh(ish), so off we went. The crossing was superb, a bit of motorsailing, but mosltly with the donkey off and wind varyinf from the beam to a close hauled approach to West Hinder and beyond. It was great fun.

The stroll around Ostend on Sunday after the Frdiay eve when Jim organised a Greek evening, with beers, browsing shops and then stopping for another beer was great. Monday 0430 was the intended departure time however winds of 25kts+ on the nose at the end of the pier suggested a further visit to bed was in order, and so it was. I was hoping for the wind to veer later in the afternoon however it weasnt to be so we settled in for an afternoon's chill on the boat. Jim and Neil very kindly demonstrated winch cleaning and greasing techniques, and I actually performed a quick strip down of the port sheet winch toute-seule, so was very happy with eventually being able to do that.

Monday eve was quiet, and we set off Tuesday morning onto an altogrether calmer North sea although the remaining swell spoke of what had gone before. We engined all the way back save for a 30min stint with the sails up which gave us an extra 05kt.

It was a fabulous weekend and great to have Gary, Michelle, Nick and Chris aboard - all really great company, and really lovely to have Paul and Rosemary over and especiaslly on board for dinner on Saturday eve.

Pdream II was fabulous - no problems or breakages. What a great trip !!!!

Out : 76.8
Back : 78.9
Total : 155.7
YTD : 385.1