Dave Selby Blog 6: Setting sail from Dover

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Marlin’s in Dover, I’m on Twitter and Facebook, my head’s in a whirl and I’m back home for a few days before I head off again. And I hope you’ll join me for the next leg of Marlin’s Mission, either in your boats or aboard Marlin.

The plan is to leave Dover very early on Sunday 14 August when I’m expecting a benign north followed by a rare and blessed easterly.

The last leg was a blast – literally. Left Limehouse in London on Tuesday 2 August and got into Dover on Friday 5 August, 110 miles in four days with strong westerlies and south-westerlies all the way. The high-point had to be the 40-mile seven-hour blast from Queenborough on the Kentish Thames to Ramsgate. I had Sailfish mates David Longfield and Mark Berry on board, and frankly I wouldn’t have set off at all if I’d been by myself. It was well breezy.

David Longfield, left, and Mark Berry helped Dave Selby on the leg to Dover

David Longfield, left, and Mark Berry helped Dave Selby on the leg to Dover

The low-point had to be leaving London. Limehouse Marina and the Cruising Association were great, but the river’s not what it was. The adventure RIBs thrashing about down as far as the 02 arena made sailing literally impossible. These high-speed “thrill rides” should be in a theme park not on the Thames. It’s dangerous. The whole point seems to be to make as much wake as possible so they can jump over it. I had good winds but simply could not sail because I was being thrown about so much in their wake. I was scared. They’re at their worst at high-water. A pair of Germans who got thrown about in their 40-footer were aghast; they said it would never be allowed in Germany.

A barge skipper I know will no longer take Thames barges to London because the RIBs make berths uncomfortable – and that’s for a 90ft barge. Sad, the Thames is a pulse and artery of history; it deserves more respect. I shot some video from the shore, but although the quality’s not good it will give you some idea of what’s like. I’m afraid I’d have to advise small yachts – ie under 30ft at least – not to visit London.

Also, after making 40 miles to Ramsgate in seven hours the next day was a whole different story. The 15 miles from Ramsgate to Dover took six-and-a-half hours, bashing into a southwesterly. It was OK at the start with 10 miles covered in two hours; the next five miles took another four-and-a-half hours as the wind rose, we lost the shelter of the land and mucky wind-over-tide seas. Dover Port Control were fabulous and very patient as we inched nearer in big seas.

I’ve found the body’s OK but it’s the brain that’s really tired. That’s why I’m back in Maldon to re-group. People along the way have been wonderful and where ever I’ve stopped and put the Marlin’s Mission banner up folk have come over to wish us well and contributed to my charity. I’m humbled.

Dave Selby

The best way to keep up with my progress is on twitter (@Impractical Boat) and on facebook (www.facebook.com/dave.selby.75). If you’d like to meet up or sail with me you can also text me on 07956 501873.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement

Dave Selby