Renegade Log 2017-2019
To publish your logs please send your write-up and photos to David W.
2019
27 October David, Mike & Robert SYH-Wallet-SYH
16-18 September Len & Friend SYH-Bradwell-Burnham-SYH
22-27 August Mike & Family SYH-Wrabness-SYH-Bradwell-Ramsgate-Brightlingsea-SYH
19-20 August Len, Murray, Tony E & Bob SYH-Woodbridge-SYH
11-15 August David & Mike SYH-Walton-Orwell-SYH-Ramsgate-Burnham-Bradwell-SYH
Mike and I had a good few days on Renegade in ‘feast or famine’ conditions, mainly the former, with feisty winds, rain, occasional thunder and lightning.
Our ports of call were SYH(!) after a good tack up the Orwell (returning after being headed during a triple-reefed venture out by the Naze), Ramsgate, Burnham and Bradwell. We had R. up to nearly 9 knots close-hauled returning on Thursday.
5 August Len, Murray & Bob SYH-Ipswich-SYH
20-25 July Chris, Murray & David East Cowes-Brighton-Eastbourne-Dover-Harty Ferry-Bradwell-SYH
13-19 July Len, Chris, Murray & Brian Gosport-East Cowes- Daysailing (Bucklers Hard, Yarmouth etc with Classics fleet)
28 June-12 July Tony E, John, David & Friends Gosport-Bembridge-Yarmouth-Poole-Portland-Torquay-Dartmouth-Plymouth-Lulworth-Lymington-Beaulieu-Gosport
24-28 June Mike & Lorella SYH-Ramsgate-Dover-Brighton-Gosport
18 June John & Friend SYH-Orwell-SYH
11-12 June Len, Murray & Bob SYH-Ramsgate-SYH
7 June David, Tony E & Chris SYH-Orwell-SYH
6 June David & Tony E SYH-Blackwater-SYH
30 May Len & Murray SYH-Rough Towers-Felixstowe-SYH
22 May SYH-Cork Sands-Pin Mill-SYH
15 May Len, Murray & Brian SYH-Gunfleet Sands-SYH (shakedown)
2018
October 2018 David, Mike, & Chris
Chris, Mike and I had a good few days sailing this week in mixed weather. Monday morning was absolutely freezing with sheet ice on the pontoons, resulting in Chris falling and taking a knock to the head on the gangway. With some memory lapse resulting, we visited A&E where Chris was eventually given the all-clear. We had a quick couple of hour sailing in the river, returning by sunset. Having eaten in the Ship Inn on Sunday evening, we tried the Hand in Hand at Trimley - moderate prices but nothing to write home about, a bit of a youngsters pub. Tuesday we slipped soon after 1000, bound for Bradwell. Mostly northerly, creeping into the WNW later F5 with gusts into F7. We reefed down further to three reefs and a handkerchief of Genoa which Renegade carried well, achieving over 9 knots at times. It appeared that the anemometer was under-the-counter when we were heeled, at times only reading 18 when winds were obviously in the high 20s. We arrived at Bradwell rather wet, a late lunch on board before hitting the Green Man for dinner and a welcoming, roaring log fire. By Wednesday, winds had calmed considerably and backed into the S/SSE with good sunshine. They picked up later in the morning and we had a good sail home. Mike washed out the bilges and has taken off all loose cushions. I have removed all charts, ships papers and library except for equipment manuals that may be needed for maintenance. Thanks to Chris and Mike for a great few days.
June 2018 Len, Tony, Murray & Bob Summer Cruise
After some preparation our summer cruise was set, first night at Chatham, then on to St Katherines Dock for three nights, back to Chatham, on to Burnham and after that into Blackwater and/or Colne.
Supplies on board, all persons present for 05.30 depart , all things looking good and the cruising chute ready for deployment with a light N.E. breeze. (Little did we believe that the light winds would persist from the N.E. all week!)
As we passed through Harwich harbour we could see a thick banket of fog ahead of us at the harbour entrance, yachts ahead of us decided to turn about but having the route planned and everything fine we saw little point in delaying. Cruising chute deployed we sailed on with visibility down to less than fifty yards.
Having experienced similar on a similar return journey in recent years, Len hoped that the conditions wouldn't persist all the way to the Medway. Should have hoped harder! The only navigation buoy , and indeed anything at all, was the Barrow 14 buoy which we did go out of our way especially to find to confirm everything was as it should be, no issues at all.
About to depart Harwich into the gloom.
Despite the fog, it was surprisingly warm!
Once at the Medway the fog disappeared and we soon sailed up to Chatham. Entering the lock was peaceful and later that evening a welcome meal was had in the nearby pub.
Next morning, no fog and what little breeze there was came firmly up the Thames with a lot of East in it. Motor sail (as is usual in the Thames) was the order of the day and we arrived at St Kats in perfect time for our 17.00hrs lock in. (Small note for anyone sailing up the Thames, they have all boats monitored on radar and do know when boats are not keeping to the correct side of the river, when you arrive towards the Thames Barrier they will politely let you know and Renegade was not the only one! The helmsman should remain nameless but he still maintains cutting across the corners is a good idea! ) A good berth was acquired and with cockpit cover on we very soon wandered off towards Wapping to test out one of Bob's old haunts. Good beer, good food and had we entered the pub quiz Len strongly believes that despite our enthusiasm for certain questions, we would not have won!
Next day Bob (The Excursion Manager) took over and exactly as planned we spent a very enjoyable few hours at The Imperial War Museum before a good walk back along the Embankment. That evening we had arranged a special evening at The Tower of London which required a certain degree of 'dressing up' in order for us to join the private tour party and gain access into the Yeoman's bar. As per the picture we believe that certain standards should be set by Renegades crew when going ashore and wonder if this should be raised at the next AGM as appropriate dress code for shore parties? (Suffice to say we never came up to standard again though!!) Note we had to get 'The Dickens Inn' in the background.
Next day our excursion was to Greenwich, yet another dose of history and culture followed by another enjoyable stroll/train journey back to Renegade. That evening using recently acquired local knowledge we found yet another good place to eat before venturing off for a nightcap elsewhere.
With our lock out already booked we were happy to note that we had a royal escort as we were about to depart with the Queen's barge Glorianna alongside us. Murray looked suitably concerned on the helm, imagine describing a collision to the insurance company. Could well have ended with Murray back in the Tower!
We had a great start back down the Thames , not too much of an early start but sufficient to ensure we had maximum use of the ebb. After the previous few days of pressure as Excursion Manager Bob could now relax , just seemed a ruse really so as to keep away from the helm! In good style though, when questioned about being asleep on watch -- instant denial! Old habits die hard.
Bob, NOT asleep on watch!
On arrival at Chatham in true 'softie style' Len was soon off to his hotel, not sure how many times he mentioned to all about the massive bed he would have but at one stage his safety was in danger! The plan had been slightly adapted to now stay at Chatham for two nights as Tony wanted to visit The Historic Dockyard, as it was his birthday who could refuse! A good day there was had and if anyone starts to think bunks on Renegade might be a little small, have a tour of the submarine, Renegade is massive for space!
To celebrate Tony's birthday we went to a good Italian for dinner before yet another nightcap at a pub.
Why we should have thought any different is a mystery, but the forecast wind veering from N.E. to E did not occur and if anything went more into the north to hinder our sail to Burnham. In very light winds (fortunately!) the mainsheet traveller decided it was time to give in to age and suddenly came apart with the internal bearings going all over the place. We managed to adapt connecting the sheets to anchor point in the cockpit. Sailing eventually turned to motor sailing and on nearing the Crouch quick team meeting preferred a trip into Brightlingsea rather than long tail light winds down Crouch with every likelihood of reverse on departure on Monday. We went towards Brightlingsea and the freshening breeze actually gave us a good sail into the Crouch all the way to harbour where we were allocated space in the marina. No water taxi for us! A very enjoyable Indian meal rounded off an eventful day.
Next morning we got probably our best sail of the week, a great beat back up The Wallet and with a little ingenuity managed to get the mainsail to a good position to maximise speed despite the lack of traveller. We arrived back at SYH in good time for our respective drive home.
An enjoyable week.
June 2018 - Mike & David
Mike and I had a very enjoyable cruise this week in dry and sunny conditions with decent winds.
After suffering an early setback on Sunday night when on arriving at SYH, I loaded up a trolley with gear and vittals, locked the car and cleverly (I thought) put the key straight into my kit bag pocket. Then, with an overloaded trolley and a steep descent to the pontoons, I opted to leave two bags in the boot and make a second trip. Better close the boot I thought...you guessed it...boot too was then locked with my kit bag and keys inside. Called the RAC straightaway at 1945...they eventually passed it on to a local operative who eventually arrived at just after midnight! I had deadlocked the car...not good news he said...fortunately the passenger door of our old Focus only locks with the key, so by squeezing open the door with strategically placed, pump-inflated neoprene bags and maintaining the gap with a plastic wedge, a homemade long-handled hook was inserted and the locking handle pulled...bingo.
We opted for Ramsgate as our first port of call, leaving at 0740, not ideal timing but we had bedded down rather late after the fiasco with my keys. With the wind in the SW/WSW, we opted for the outside route, enjoying a smoked cheese with ham croissant and cuppa breakfast underway. A cracking sail hitting 8 knots for the larger part of the distance with pasties underway, until the inconvenience of the Thanet Wind Farm, squally, lumpy conditions and a now adverse tide combined to make the last three hours of the twelve a tedious, wet affair. Finally in the Royal Harbour, with a later-arriving couple in a steel-hulled yacht having recently returned from the Caribbean via Falmouth as neighbours. By the time we had tidied the boat and had an arrival beer, it was already 8pm. As the Thai Orchid is closed on Mondays (missed it again Len!) and the Yacht club wasn't serving food, we hit the Wetherspoons in the Royal Pavilion on the other side of the harbour...it's the largest one in the country. With Mike not a football fan, I eschewed the England game, just glancing at the screen now and again to check the score in the second half (phew, we won).
On Tuesday, we intended to make for the Swale but the forecast was for winds predominantly from the West which would make the North Kent coast leg on the nose. We switched plans for a longer passage to the Crouch and departed shortly after 1300 following Mike's first experience of David's full English breakfast (learnt from Masterchef Tony) in the cockpit, but found the wind less westerly than forecast, so reverted to plan A, picking up a mooring buoy towards Harty Ferry. After breaking out the nibbles and a chilled Sauvignon, we enjoyed fresh meatballs with spaghetti in a tomato and mascarpone sauce with a decent Malbec. As Mike's wife is Italian I felt under pressure not to overlook the pasta! (I think I managed it)
An early start at HW on Wednesday morning to catch the North going tide with another full English cooked and served as we made our way out of the east Swale. With the wind now in the west and a decent breeze we made excellent progress under sail across the estuary and up the Swin, with a pork pie and sausage-roll lunch, before opting to motor-sail up the Crouch rather than tacking given the jury rig, following a beautiful 70 foot ketch, with a large crew, tacking ahead of us. At the Pinto PHB, we turned into the Roach, mooring with a little difficulty close to Peter's Great Dane...Mike claimed it was my inability to stop the boat at the buoy...in fact it was a combination of a slack tide, the wind blowing the bow off and inadequate boat hooks. A couple came by in a launch who looked remarkably like the couple we met in Ramsgate. They were!...coincidentally their new permanent mooring was a few boats downstream and they were ferrying a year's worth of live aboard possessions ashore with a borrowed launch. Lasagne with chargrilled asparagus and a green salad with a bottle of Shiraz tonight.
Off early again on Thursday, with our third and final full English enjoyed underway. With the wind now from the NNW, we motored back down the Roach before unfurling the Genoa in the Crouch, reaching speeds of up to 8 knots again. Len had asked if we might meet him earlier to fit the new traveller gear in Brightlingsea. My response had been that our motto for the week was 'Sail where the wind allows you' and our potential targets were Brightlingsea, West Mersea or Bradwell, allowing a favourable wind direction for our return on Friday as it moved further into the North. We As it transpired, the wind really piped up and we reduced the Genoa twice as gusts exceeded 30 knots, well in excess of the forecast. Fortunately the wind abated before we crossed the Spitway in depths above 3 metres. In the end the wind direction didn't allow free sailing to any of our potential ports so we motored towards Colne Bar and up the Colne, Mike getting a further good soaking at the helm as David popped in a route below. We called ahead just to confirm that we would be ok entering at LW-1. As it turned out we had about 30cm to spare as we crossed the bar on the transit.
Directed to a pontoon berth, we had a second sausage roll and pork pie lunch before relaxing and drying out in the warm sunshine. Len joined us a little later and together we fitted the traveller gear. We then discovered that the water taxi only runs until 1900 on weekdays (except in high summer) so we broke out the Avon for Mike's first trip ashore in it, rowing the short distance to the town jetty.
Speaking to the launchman we reminded him that despite hailing him on VHF and called the HM, no one had come by to collect our mooring fee. He apologised that he had forgotten and promised to call by before we left at 0830 next morning. We showered at the Colne Yacht Club before the 15 minute walk to the Rosebud Inn, which I hadn't realised has a garden and conservatory with great views over Cindery Island and the creek.
Great smoked sprats, toast and spicy tomato relish for me, garlic and cheese ciabatta for Mike, followed by Gammon, Egg and Chips and Scampi respectively with a couple of pints of London Pride. The pub's menu is mostly fish and seafood. We returned to the boat, looking forward for once to a little bit of a lie-in, relatively speaking.
Up ready to leave soon after 0830 on Friday, the launchman didn't call by so having asked three times to make payment, we slipped and departed, with the cheese and ham filled croissants again, hot with some bonus sliced tomato this time. A cracking sail, especially once we crossed Colne Bar with plenty of tide under us and turned towards home, sailing relatively free in the general direction of Medusa, which we oversailed to allow us to tack back towards the channel, reverting to motor beyond Landguard. Unfortunately SYH had berthed a big cat on the fuel berth so we weren't able to refuel. We enjoyed a quick bowl of chicken curry and rice before clearing the boat and getting it ready for David H to board later that evening.
All in all a really good week with some excellent sailing despite the changing wind direction and an occasional soaking.
Summer 2017 Solent Cruise
Thanks to the previous weeks sailing of David H, we were able to travel by car to Gosport to meet Renegade there. By previous arrangement David had left her in Haslar Marina.
Shortly after 0900hrs on Sunday 9th July Len, Murray, Bob and guest Nigel (who supplied transport ) arrived at Gosport after an unusually hold up free journey.
After locating Renegade, in true yachting style our initial thoughts turned to our stomachs and the nearby Wetherspoons was able to supply welcome breakfasts. We finally left Gosport about 11.00 with Murray at the helm, pulling out onto the M25 at rush hour may have needed slightly less attention to timing! There was a constant stream of boats of all types on the move. We then got into the Solent itself and had a very pleasant sail across to Cowes, dodging the many racing fleets in doing so.
Bob, Nigel and Murray crossing the Solent in bright sunshine.
Great view of Osborne House from the Solent
We had arranged a berth at the East Cowes Marina, the West Cowes Yacht Haven and Shepards Wharf were totally full because of ongoing British Classic Yacht Club regatta. This was our first occasion to pass the dreaded chain ferry, nothing like as concerning as various reports make it sound we found throughout our stay.
Len and Nigel being delicate beings had booked themselves into a nearby caravan site for a few days, leaving Bob and Murray a choice of bunks. That evening we had our first meal in the West Cowes at The Duke of York, a popular venue.
On Monday 10th we left East Cowes about 09.30hrs for a sail up Southampton Water. Good sail across The Solent in light winds allowed crew to get their bearings as to where not to stray to, i.e. The Bramble Bank , and happily we avoided that all week.
Into Southampton Water, a few clouds gathering
Approaching Southampton, Len felt safe leaving the cockpit
Eventually having to motor sail into Southampton Harbour itself allowed us a good view of the various cruise ships berthed there before just after the Red Funnel ferry terminal we turned about.
With clouds gathering, Murray considering the comforts of a cruise liner!
As we started to sail back towards The Solent the breeze steadily died and along with almost every other craft in the area it was necessary to use the ‘iron sail’.
A red buoy AND a red funnel to dodge!
However, immediately we entered The Solent we encountered 20knots plus of a westerly breeze making for an exciting sail which we all enjoyed and Renegade performed excellently during the speedy beat towards the west before returning to East Cowes .
Rain was forecast for Monday night going well into Tuesday and this provided opportunity to try the makeshift cockpit cover Len had put together. Probably fair to say that although it kept most rain out, the actual rain that fell ended up not being as strong or lasting as widely forecast.
Not pretty but it worked!
Monday evening was based in The Union at West Cowes (is there a pattern forming here?)
On the Tuesday we decided on a shore day. After a good ‘full English’ breakfast, Len and Nigel tested various hostelries in West Cowes whilst Murray and Bob made good use of their bus passes to explore the island. We did decide that their circumnavigation would not count as a ‘Round the Island’ experience for us ‘yotties’. Tuesday evening came and the lure of the Duke of York was just too much and once again a pleasant time was had by all.
On the Wednesday it was time for Nigel to return to the normal world so we had a good sail in a Force 4/5 northerly across to Gosport to drop him off. After a speedy drop off in Haslar Marina we had a good sail around the various old forts found in the East Solent.
Spitbank Fort
This was followed by a sail across a spinnaker carrying racing fleet that Murray negotiated very well attracting even a nod of appreciation from at least one ‘racer’, surely fine recognition of our skills we felt? Then it was down to Gurnard, west of Cowes and then back into the marina. A pleasant evening and good meal was had in The Lifeboat public house adjacent to the marina before an early (ish) night in readiness for tomorrow’s adventure.
At 05.10hrs on Thursday we left East Cowes for our own ‘Round the Island’ race. Probably fair to say that just because no one else was participating we felt that we were the winners! The wind was very light as we set off towards the west and past Hurst Point thankfully with the tide still in our favour. Picking up a bit more breeze we sailed out to The Needles, an iconic sight that still looks awesome from a small craft.
Still a lightbreeze with tide, both of which soon increased.
An easterly breeze increased as we passed The Needles and we spent several miles hard on the wind. As we passed St Catherine’sPoint we hit 9.75knots but despite Len’s best efforts at fiddling with the sails 10 was not to be made. As we passed Bembridge although the wind became lighter we could still hold a good course to finally arrive back at Cowes at 16.00hrs. Under 11 hours without the use of a spinnaker/cruising chute is quite respectable and we awarded ourselves first place.
To celebrate our Round the Island achievement (victory!) we had a good Italian meal in West Cowes. It should be mentioned that for anyone arranging such cruises Bob is an excellent ‘ship’s purser’, all week our finances were ‘sorted’; Thanks Bob.
Friday was time to say goodbye to East Cowes and return to Gosport. We left about 11.45hrs crossing The Solent to explore The Hamble first, just the one or two boats berthed up there then!
Bob and Murray bid farewell to Cowes
In The Hamble; for Treasurer Tony - how are our finances? Would be a mean machine to sail!
After that it was a gentle sail to Gosport where as we were entering Portsmouth Harbour I did promise Murray I would not mention his jettisoning of one of our fenders as it was very plain for all to see, he just wanted to test our man overboard skills. Thanks though to the passing harbour patrol boat that hailed us to tell us our ‘man’ had gone overboard!
Friday night was spent in Old Portsmouth where we had a good meal overlooking the harbour entrance.
Friday evening’s eatery is on the right of this picture
Saturday was spent as a shore day in readiness for our lengthy return journey. Bob and Len ventured to the Submarine Museum where the living space aboard the submarine(s) made Renegade seem positively palatial!
Saturday evening we were joined by David Wells who had taken the train to Portsmouth to accompany us on our sail back to SYH. We decided that only the best would do so we took David to Wetherspoons where we had an enjoyable meal.
Bound for home
We left Gosport for the 60 mile trip to Eastbourne at 07.00 on Sunday. Although we did have a slight breeze from approximately the forecast direction it was not going to be a challenge to maintain balance.
Boulder Bank marks the entrance to the Looe Channel
However, after exiting the Looe Channel and as the day progressed the breeze did increase giving us a reasonable sail and maintaining our SOG of 6 knots was in order although holding a direct course was not feasible for much of the time. By 17.00 we were off Beachy Head and the top was fairly covered in cloud whilst at the base we enjoyed sun, better than the other way round we felt!
Beachy Head with cloud cover
A welcome sight, nearly at Eastbourne, Sovereign Harbour.
We arrived at Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour at 1845 and not surprisingly found somewhere to eat, Pablo’s where once again the food was welcome and not bad in quality/quantity.
Entering Eastbourne Marina Lock
Eastbourne Marina
On Monday we left Eastbourne about 11.00 with a forecast of wind in the N.E. veering later to E. Our original intention had been to make Ramsgate by 23.00 but suffice to say that ‘later’ quite soon turned to ‘now’ although at least the tide was in our favour, the sun was out and we were on our way.
David helming and searching out ancestors at Bexhill
Bob and Murray searching for mermaids, it’s been a long sail!
About 12.30 David took the opportunity to get sight of the location at Bexhill where his great great Grandfather had served as a coastguard. He was helming so I guess holding station a short distance of the foreshore was a coincidence.
Site of the former Coastguard station and cottages at Bexhill
About 14.30 calamity struck! A large German yacht that had been slowly catching us actually had the cheek to overtake us! More of that later.
Pesky Dungeness
With Dungeness in sight (and it had been for a long time!) Len finally decided that to round Dungeness Point under sail alone was going to be a little tedious and once again the iron sail helped out. His scribbled log recorded at 17.00 ‘Dungeness 8 miles to go - TOUGH BEAT’ and that 8 miles was not rapidly decreasing hence the course change and engine.
Sunset approaching Dover
At 19.30 we had passed Dungeness and the easterly wind had increased, decision made to keep motor sailing and that Dover would be our destination, we finally entered via the west entrance into the outer harbour at 23.00. A lengthy tiring journey and it was good to be in the marina where Bob demonstrated amazing skills preparing a meal to match any we had experienced all week. Very welcome.
Back to the German yacht (larger than us by some way) he too had motor sailed from Dungeness taking a course closer to the beach. Suffice to say we won beating him in by about 45minutes so I guess we claim another victory?
We left Dover about 06.00 Tuesday into a N.E. wind of about Force 3-4. I think it is fair to say that the prevailing westerly/south westerly breezes don’t want to help us!
Exiting Dover Marina
Holding station for an inbound Ferry approaching the Eastern entrance
Passing North Foreland
We carried that breeze right up and past North Foreland which we passed about 08.30, we were making good time. Our course took us out to Fisherman’s Gat which we had negotiated and into The Black deep Channel by 11.30hrs. With the wind now directly from ahead we motor sailed up the channel until we could lay the course towards N.E. Gunfleet and then to Harwich arriving at 15.45hrs.
A very enjoyable 10 days.
