A gorgeous sunny day to go out for a potter on the River Orwell with family. Glen, Anne & Nicki joined us for a potter down to Pin Mill, where we borrowed a mooring for a lunch time stop. Back to the marina for a crew change, to be joined by Russ, Charlie & Danny. The boys are budding sailors, as each took a turn at steering us under the Orwell bridge! Back for another change-over, to be joined by Craig, Clare, Evie & Kelly. By now on familier ter...

Essential maintenance took up most of the morning, with Skip to be found back in his favourite engine lockers, muttering about the joys of sailing! Lunch in the cockpit, then we were off for the last leg of phase 1, to Ipswich. Past Pin Mill, under the impressive Orwell bridge, thru yet another lock, and we'd arrived at Neptune Marina, Ipswich. Well done White Satin, and thanks for looking after us thus far.

We weren't impressed by Ramsgate and I don't think we'll be hurrying back. Electricity on pontoons broken, poor facilities, grotty town, unhelpful marina staff. Also, the F word was prominent in the weather forecasts (as in fog). It appeared to be a tad less risky going today....although the coastguard actually commented to us "you do know there's fog forecast?"....yes but no but... So we decided to cut our losses and postpone the planned lay day.. It meant yet...

Morning! Fog the worry now, so set off at 05.30 to cross the Thames Estuary today. Radar on, fingers crossed. Last headland ticked off!

Safely at Ramsgate. Off for some grub.