SV Laurin: Wednesday 21st August 2019

Last night Ollie told us he'd like to do the early morning watch on the trip from Ramsgate to Oostende. I was particularly impressed that there wasn't a change of heart when I gave him his 4:30am wake up call! By 5am the sky was starting to become a little lighter in the East as we motored out of the harbour, making our way north of the Goodwin Sands before heading towards the shipping lanes. I think Ollie was starting to understand what makes sailing special for us as we watched the sun rise together.

AJ finally surfaced just as we were approaching the shipping lanes, choosing to mark time for 10 minutes to let 4 big boats pass before we made our way through. We always find it interesting listening to marine traffic on the VHF. Today there had already been reports of suspected illegal immigrants on a dinghy which surprised me a little. We were kind of expecting this during our travels in the Med but not on the English Channel for some reason. I know it's not far but you must be really want to come to the UK if you are prepared to cross on a small rubber dinghy! We found it particularly amusing listening to the larger of the 4 tankers we were waiting for radio another to ask for space so he could overtake a third one.... and the polite response basically telling him to go jump as overtaking vessel should keep clear!

It was even longer still until Esmé stirred, sadly with a tummy ache. With precious little wind the sea state was much calmer than the previous day so we didn't really think it was seasickness, however she slept most of the rest of the day in the cockpit, eventually perking up a little on the final leg up the French/Belgian coast.

Patrick and I took turns in catching up on a little sleep until finally some sea breeze filled in and we were at least able to motor sail the last few hours. It was a gorgeous day and I metaphorically dragged Ollie on deck to experience the joy of sitting on the front of the boat in such beautiful conditions.

AJ took the helm whilst I phoned Simon, The RNSYC harbourmaster, as we entered Oostende harbour just as the Wednesday night race fleet were coming out to play. As we watched the shiny black sails being hoisted by the slick race crews I was taken back to my racing days, competing against Patrick on the River Crouch, and as crew mates racing "Zest" across the Channel to various French Ports. It seems strange that Zest is now owned by Kass Schmitt and will be competing in the 2020 OSTAR.

As we entered the Royal North Sea Yacht Club basin Simon came to show us to our box berth, impressed that we had a long line available for use, whilst we berated ourselves for giving away our passerelle! On all our recent trips here we have been alongside or rafted up so it made a change to be moored stern to again!

The Gregorys were keen to get off the boat and head up to the RNSYC bar whilst Ollie was needing some down time alone after banging his head on Laurin one too many times. After a quick first Duvel we decided to book a table in the restaurant there despite Esme still not feeling 100% and hoped that Ollie would join us.

As always the RNSYC made us very welcome and we all enjoyed a lovely meal (although Esme pretty much ate just bread and chips... but Belgian ones taste so lovely!). Oliver tasted his first mussel and Patrick and I had a couple more beers.... hmmmm maybe 3 Duvels in one night wasn't the best plan but they tasted soooo good!

Not quite ready to hit the sack we headed out in an unsuccessful search for ice cream, but we all enjoyed the walk even if Esme needed a "Daddy Taxi" on the way back.