This trip was the furthest east we had been and also the first time that we had sailed downwind using a boom preventor to stop the main sail accidently gybing across - this is when the main sail is out to one side and gets hit by the wind causing it to shift to the other side and can be dangerous. By using a boom preventor you stop the sails dangerously shifting.
The conditions for this sail started off with a good breeze of 11-12 knots. As the day progressed and we rounded Selsey Bill the wind picked up to 20-22 knots. As the wind direction was behind us our apparent wind was around 16 knots which our boat seems to settle well on these conditions.
We passed our first wind farm (Rampion Offshore Wind Farm) which was straightforward to navigate alongside as there was plenty of water and depth between us and we didn't have to alter our course in order to pass by. The wind farms are a lot larger and more spacious than we imagined.
After 39 nautical miles and reasonable wind the swell picked up as we approached Brighton Marina. We hand steered our way in as the sea had become quite rolly and the waves picked up, as is common with the entrance into Brighton. As soon as we passed the initial sea wall, the water calmed and we were able to prepare for berthing which involves tying fenders on and getting mooring lines set up.
Brighton Marina is surrounded by a huge sea wall and the marina is home to over 1,200 boats. The marina is situated within a complex with chain bars and restaurants but we wouldn't recommend staying for more than a quick stop over.
After 2 nights in Brighton we decided to head onto Eastbourne in time to hide from the oncoming storm. In order leave Brighton we had to wait for a 1.5 hours after low water so that there as enough depth to exit the harbour. We were advised by the marina staff that they do not recommend any drafts more than 1m leave until 2 hours after low water as they haven't had recent dredging.
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