4m 41sLength

A short video clip. A bit shaky, but such is the case with one-hand filming on a small boat on the open ocean. Although a bit battered and bloodied, Amelia finally made it to France. Day 1 departed Ipswich at 5 AM and sailed down the Orwell River to Harwich, where we docked, I stumbled and fell from the 5-foot dock into the cockpit and sprained my foot. More embarrassing than anything. Continuing on, we sailed 20 miles out into the North Sea where it became just too rough, pounding directly into 20-30 knot winds. One of the six chainplates that hold the mast up came loose (not much). The best action was to do a full retreat back up to Ipswich for mending. Day 2 Departed Ipswich at 1 PM and had a lazy sunny sail down to spend the hot afternoon and night at Harwich. Lovely 18th century nautical town. Rough sleep from the arriving ferries from Holland. Day 3 Departed Harwich at 5 AM, out into thick fog on The North Sea. Completely flat seas, no wind. While passing through the 90-square-mile turbine wind farm on the Thames Estuary, the sun came out as the fog lifted. Favourable tides as our ground speed averaged 7-8 knots. Approaching Kent the winds picked up to 20 knots (again coming from right on the nose), so it was a hard beat to windward for the last 20 miles. Got soaked. Lazy day at the dock in Ramsgate, swapped crusty sailin' stories with other cruisers. In bed by 9:30 PM. Day 4 Crossing The English Channel. Departed Ramsgate at 6 AM. Cold, wet, limited visibility. Moderately rough, but light winds. A half-mile from the first main shipping lane traffic line, the engine throttle arm fell off. I jury-rigged a fix while doing circles and we headed out across the three separate lanes of freighter traffic. Over the next 90 minutes, we had to make a few course corrections to avoid the freighters, but all went relatively well. And the engine held. Arrived at Gravelines, France right at maximum high tide and entered port between the two large stone breakwaters, and poured a large scotch while heading up the canal. The marina itself is two miles up a canal where there's a tidal lock that opens at high tide. Cruised right in and tied up to her assigned berth. Phew! Job done. I'm a little back and blue, but Amelia came through quite well. When the time comes, going through the canals of Europe should be somewhat easier. ================ Disclaimer: I claim no credit for any third party music used in this production. Music credits: Sinbad, Legend of the Seven Seas copyright 2003 Harry Gregson-Williams Yves Montand - Sous le Ciel de Paris copyright 1964 Apollo 13 soundtrack copywrite 1995 James Horner Ancient Pines copyright 1998 Loreena Mckennitt