After waiting 2 hours for the tidal height in Brighton we left our berth at 12:30. We had winds of 14 knots and it was a lovely sail as we progressed towards Beachy Head. The sun was shining and it was the first time that we weren't sailing with thermals and jackets. The water was a deep blue, a little different from the brown waters of The Solent.
We sailed past the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters a walk we had planned once we were in Eastbourne. The wave height at this point was around 1.0m but as we rounded Beachy Head the wind and sea rose in unison.
Once we were past the end of Beachy Head we changed course to bring us towards the leading line into the Eastbourne. The wind was still increasing as we saw 25 knots of true wind. We had Eastbourne within sight and aimed for the safe water mark (a red and white buoy).
We contacted the marina on the VHF to ask for permission to enter the lock and we were met with a friendly reception as they agreed to hold the lock for us as we approached. This meant we did not have to wait around and could go straight into the lock, making us the last boat on this run.
This was our first time entering a lock so with an audience we did our best impression of knowing what we were doing. In Eastbourne Lock there are pontoons which rise with the tide and therefore you tie on as if you would on a pontoon - we would advise fenders on boat sides at rafting height. Once the lock process had finished we sprung off the pontoon and the lock gates very quickly closed behind us.
Once we were in we made our way to the visitors berth B7 where we stayed to wait out the storm for 6 days. Although we were seeking shelter in Eastbourne, due to the high rise building surrounding the marina the wind funnelled through and we had one of the most uncomfortable nights sleep due to constant rocking and rolling.
During the time we were in Eastbourne we got 2 x buses and went for a walk along The Seven Sisters cliffs which in storm conditions was an experience we (& Freddy) will never forget. At times, the wind was so strong it felt like it was pushing us up hill. We avoided the cliff edge and kept ourselves safe all whilst admiring the power of the elements we were surrounded by. On top of one of the peaks we stopped the enjoy our flask of tea however the wind was so strong it wouldn't even stay in our cups.
A few jobs to complete: changing the coolant hose and making modifications to our preventor line system - see image below.
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