Emsworth Midwater Pontoon to Shoreham

Our last night on Emsworth midwater pontoon was one of strong winds, not quite as strong as those we experienced there during the FSMBC rally in 2023, and no lines parted like last time, BUT Steve was up a couple of times during the night, trying to stop the bow lines squeaking. Eventually some greasy rags had some effect but as Steve didn’t settle down to sleep until nearly 0300, the 0600 early start drifted right a bit. The result was that we caught the last of the flood tide around Selsey Bill and then punched it all the way to Shoreham. This said, we had an absolutely lovely sail, partly broad reach and then a dead run with us running goosewinged for the last hour or two.

WE SAW DOLPHINS!!!

A sizeable pod of bottlenose dolphins came to play with Wight Mistress for a full half hour, during which we did get some video – which will be edited to cut out all the empty waves to save you, dear reader, getting board.

A note to the wise. We arrived at Shoreham at 1630, about one hour before LW Shoreham and about 2 hours before LW Dover (Neaps+5, Springs -3) On calling Shoreham Harbour Radio on Channel 14, he announced only 1.3metres available. A subsequent call revealed that was to do with the small lock (Prince George) and he instructed us to go and wait in the big ship lock next door. We figured we would have to wait for over 3 hours before the water came back up higher than 1.5m but no, the nice man filled the big ship lock for just little ol’ us. We were alongside Lady Bee Marina shut down by 1704. Reeeesult.

Staying in Shoreham for 4 nights as our son Dave is competing in a Brazilian JuJitsu tournament on Sunday. We will depart with the eastbound tidal stream on Monday, get around Beachy Head and either anchor off, or go into Eastbourne Marina, depending on the weather etc.Read more