High pressure was moving in and the forecast was for an average of 10-15kts from the south reducing to a flukey 5kn by midnight. With wind on the beam we decided we would be able to sail at least half of the way, but most importantly, we would be sailing and not tied to the pontoon gathering vegetation on the water line.
Leaving Lowestoft we had a bumpy run down the Stanford Channel against an ebbing tide but once we set our course east Arbalest settled into the groove, out of the marina and onto the open sea.
Although the wind dropped significantly as the sun went down we still managed to sail efficiently in a steady 8-10kts. The AIS receiver we had installed just prior to leaving was a major asset and gave us reassurance when dazzling deck lights masked the true navigation lights of nearby vessels.
By sunrise the wind dropped and we had to motor the rest of the way to Scheveningen arriving 22 hours later around mid-morning to an almost empty marina – by lunchtime we were surrounded, rafted seven deep!
Despite what seemed like chaos to us the Harbour Master did an excellent job of packing everyone in sardine style – our thoughts now turned to how we would get out again. We could only stay for a day so when the majority of local boats moved on the following morning we jumped at the chance of moving to the front to make an early exit – strong winds and possible storms were forecast so we needed to leave with the last of the fair weather.
Our return journey was a little tedious to say the least, a 10kt east to north-easterly along with a one metre swell made for a very uncomfortable motion. We managed to sail for around 10 hours but the rolling motion forced us to start the engine and try to push on through for the remainder.
The AIS proved invaluable as we approached the Deep Water Route when a cargo vessel failed to spot us lost in the radar clutter of half a dozen anchored tankers. Despite changing our course his closest point of approach was indicated a matter of yards so we decided to call him up and he kindly altered course a couple of degrees to give us some room.
Safely back on our mooring at around 03:00 hrs after 19 hours this had been our first major outing since our journey up from Lymington two years ago. Weather, equipment refits and rigging issues had held us back up to this point but now we are back in the game, and the vegetation, it has almost gone.
