Pic: Colin enjoying the sail from the dolphin seat

We entered the lock with the starboard side pontoon empty, giving me another clear run to get in easily.

Out into the bay with a NE wind so that we couldn't quite make our course to Beachy Head so sailed slightly off under genny only. Once we could see clear round the headland, we were able to jibe and point at Brighton. The wind was a perfect F4 and with all sails out we were merrilly knocking off the miles. Unfortunately it was quite a murky day with the white cliffs of Beachy and the Seven Sisters merging into the grey sky. Our gentle sail didn't last too long as the wind picked up off Seaford to a F6. Staysail away and some genny furled but left a full main up. Then it started raining too.


Murky Beachy Head


With the wind still gusting F6 as we approached Brighton marina, we were a little anxious about manoeuvring inside, but as we got inside the walls the wind disappeared with the protection of the cliffs. The sun came out and we berthed easily alongside quite a rickety pontoon.

Hello Brighton! It's been three years since we left but it felt like we'd never been away and we spent a great few days catching up with friends and visiting a few of our favorite places.

Distance traveled: 21nm in 4.5hrs