The Prologue

Jobs done and tasks crossed off departure time had finally arrived. We had hoped to leave at the sensible time of 15:00hrs but the weather had other ideas. A southerly gale pinned us to the pontoon and whipped up the Lowestoft shallows into a frenzy which meant a readjustment of our intended passage plan to catch the next tide in the early hours of Thursday. Awaking to a flat calm the wind had deserted us yet again and thwarted our plans. However, the northerly passage up the coast in the dark was a delight in such a tranquil state and as we ticked off the various flashing buoys in the channel the sun soon climbed to greet us and bathe the east coast's finest seaside towns in glorious light.

Sheringham wind farm

Leaving Cromer behind us, the UK's current desire for wind technology was represented well by the new wind farm at Sheringham which climbed gracefully out of the morning glow; providing much needed work for the local economy despite most of the construction now being sourced from abroad. Changing course to head for Grimsby, after having to postpone our earlier intentions of heading for Scarborough, we soon crossed paths with a series of swallows heading south and looking very tired, occasionally one would stop on the boat for a brief rest before resuming its arduous flight.
The wind from the east finally arrived as forecast and combined with a building two metre swell we surfed our way to the Humber and on to a friendly greeting from the Humber Cruising Association where we were cordially invited to the bar.