We left Ramsgate Sunday at 10.30 am; we had to wait until then to ensure we had enough water to leave the harbour as there is a sandbank just inside the entrance. It was very busy at the time with many vessels leaving port around the same time. The weather, which had been terrible, was much improved. The wind had died down and the snow was finally melting but it was still bitterly cold.

Heading for Dover we could see the famous cliffs in the distance, the sea was nice and calm and the wind was behind us. You could also see the coast of France in the distance the countryside covered with snow. Once passed Dover it was time to think of lunch with the crew getting hungry I took myself to the galley to make lunch of homemade soup (made before we left just in case we encountered rough seas) and ham and cheese sandwiches followed by some fresh fruit.

By now we were making 10 knots and we decided to burst on through the night working in pairs taking two hours each. This weather was too good to stop as stronger winds are forecast for Monday night and Tuesday

I was again in the galley, what a pleasure to be doing the cooking is such good conditions. With everyone fed it was time to divide up the watches Simon and Nigel would work together and Graham and myself would take over from them. We decided on two hour watches, as a lot of concentration was required.

We passed the Isle of Wight at 1.30 am still making 10 knots. There was a lot of traffic in this area even at this time of the night. It was time for some coffee and nibbles to keep the crew awake and alert.

At 4.15 am and the watch changed Simon and Nigel were heading to the sack and Graham and I were taking over. Monday morning and everyone had earned a good breakfast and we took it in turns to go to the bunk for a nap.

Passing the large sheltered harbour of Plymouth we had to take into account the Royal Navy who have a large naval base there. They use the area for training and at certain times of the day there are exclusion areas as their training include firing live weapons. Plymouth is also a very busy commercial port with a lot of ferry and freight traffic.

From Plymouth we plotted a course for the Lizard and from there we will round Lands End. Depending on Weather we will plot a course for Kinsale or if conditions dictate we will head up the west coast of England before we cross the Irish Sea.

It’s around 3 and we have dolphins accompanying us off the port bow as we steam past Falmouth.

Latest Pictures

The Captain and his Mates

Our Ship

Graham fitting New Electronics

Currently we are in Ramsgate where our boat has gone back in the water today, Friday after she was taken out for survey prior to the completion of the sale. For the past ten years our ship was used as a family home and prior to that as a general purpose fleet tender for the Royal Navy. She is now starting the next leg of her working life with us as the platform for our diving and other adventures along the South coast of Ireland. This is our story starting here and we hope that for some small time you may be able to join us along the way as we live the adventure above and below the waves on the beautiful South coast of Ireland.

Our first adventure is to sail home to Kinsale. Our crew are Graham, Skipper and owner of Oceanadicts along with his wife Anne, the cook and GDB. Joining them for this trip are Simon, and Nigel who are two good men to have with you on a boat.

Depending on weather we will depart Saturday or Sunday, travelling out by the Straits of Dover. The strait is one of the busiest international seaways in the world being used by over 400 commercial vessels daily. Because safety is a critical issue, the HM Coastguard maintains a 24-hour watch over the strait and enforces a strict regime of shipping lanes.
The White Cliffs of Dover look out across the Straits of Dover. The cliff face, which reaches up to 107 meters, owes its striking appearance to its composition of chalk. They have great symbolic value for Britain because they face towards Europe across the narrowest part of the English Channel, where invasions have historically threatened and against which the cliffs form a symbolic guard
From Dover, we’ll follow the coast across southern England passing Brighton, and Portsmouth. Traveling by the coast of Cornwall, we will head for Lands End, once round Lands End we will plot a course for Kinsale. We will be maintaining a constant watch on the weather and may have to pull in or alter course as sea conditions dictate.

We will update this page as we go so please do keep an eye on us we would love to have you on board for the trip.
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Today we are doing the final preparations for the trip home. Graham and Simon are finishing off the installations of the new electronics. I’m off to the shops soon to stock up on the goodies to feed the troops during the passage.

Just got told that I’ll be on Newstalk 106 – 108 at about 3.30 today with Sean Moncrief. Listen in.

Check out the online article: http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/kfkfaueyojey/rss2/

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Graham is going to UK next week as boat is going for Survey all going acording to plan Boat should be comming home mid February