4 Kidneys and a Wonky Leg

This is it, the last passage of the voyage, we started off sailing into an easterly wind, now we end the journey doing the same. It’s overcast and threatening to rain, but we’re hoping for sunshine when we arrive in Swanage. The sails went up as soon as we were out of the harbour entrance and we were able to sail in the right direction for once, our ETA in Swanage 2:30pm. After a brief shower of rain, the sun came out, as we passed all the familiar sights along the way. Durdle Door, Lulworth, Worbarrow Bay, Chapmans pool.

With the tide speeding us along we found ourselves way ahead of time and at St Aldheims head, we let our friends know we were going to be early. Passing dancing ledge we spotted Tom out in his Fishing boat, and as we reached Durlston lighthouse, a high speed rib came round the corner from Swanage and headed straight for our position. It was friend Phil in the Pierhead Watersports rib with a few friends coming to welcome us home. Such a nice thing to do. They circled us a few times before heading back to Swanage. Just one more castle (Durlston), then then into Swanage bay. The same friends and a couple more were waving from the end of the pier as we sailed past and onto the mooring.

With the help from the various wellwishers we got two loads of luggage off the boat and into our car before heading home. Later, after tea, we returned to the sailing club for a drink and a bit of a welcome home party.

So what now? Well Watanga will need to go to dry dock. She’s served us well but needs some TLC over the winter. I will need some time to collate the data to give a resume of our adventure. The blog will continue but not on a daily basis.

Thank you all for following, and for the most generous donations.

Martin and Louise

The Wessex Kidney Patients Association is a charity that helps patients and their families deal with the upheaval caused by Kidney disease. If you enjoy reading our blog please consider giving to this cause . Many thanks Louise & Martin