30th May. Arrived at the entrance to the Kiel canal at 0900. We moored expecting a long wait, but our Dutch neighbours told us the lock would open at 0930. On the dot, the lock opened, the lights turned green and we entered.

 Waiting to enter the lock at Kiel. The Kiel canal is 98 kilometers long and carries about 140 ships per day (not including the pleasure yachts). In all the transit took us about 8 hours, with a stop midway to take on fuel....just in case the god weather continued (it did). A very helpful German harbourmaster'ess seemed to find our massive ensign humorous!

 In the Lock........lowest pontoons ever encountered, floating fenders barely helped....but the bowthruster came in very handy....

 Jon desperately retying the fenders!

 It's a hard life, Jon enjoying the glorious weather.

 The Rendsburg High Bridge. With car transporter below. An impressive sight.

 Are you sure we can fit? Some big ships in this canal!

 OK, it says 110 feet of clearance in the book....but are you really sure.....

 The Locks at Brunsbuttel. Opened for us virtually on arrival so no waiting....and no queues!

 In the Lock, we followed the Tug....

Into the Elbe.

 
Now the fun started as we had the ebb tide at springs and the water moves fast. we achieved 14 knots SOG and more at times.  As the wind picked up we had the fun of the North westerly, wind on tide and the slamming commenced, which meant we had to slow down. Even with Miss Liz II and her increased size and displacement had fun. As we came out of the Elbe and into the evening the wind picked up and we had an exhilarating night sail - On jon's watch a reef was needed as the wind picked up. She handled superbly and whether we needed to reef or not with the 20 Knot plus winds was debated. However, the heel lessened which made it more comfortable for all. That night we shot along the North German and Dutch coasts, racking up the miles and passing gas and oil platforms and the odd wind farm.

 Evening on the North Sea

 Oil platform ahead!

 Who said this sailing lark was difficult. Pete and David in discussion on the next leg across the North sea!

Mark and Pete having a chill. Bless the autopilot!

31st May

Night saw the passage across the North Sea, what wind we had dropped off and so motor sailing started. Started the crossing just off Den Helder and set course to avoid the platforms, wind farms, Traffic separation systems and the Deep Water routes so that we could make a straight passage. Highlight on my night watch was sighting of a flip flop and a fender...Jon had more luck spotting an inflatable doll.....hmmm, we wondered if Jon had just lost his....Morning brought us off the Thames estuary and the sighting of a Dolphin heading North (I would have been heading south personally). Great disappointment as we saw the amount of rubbish being thrown into the North Sea by the Thames.  Then the morning surprise as we were visited by a very tired homing pigeon. He stayed with us for some time, leaving a few signatures on our nice shiny teak clad deck! As we had motored substantially we decided that we would need to refuel and so we headed to Ramsgate, arriving on the rising tide at about 1230. Our friend the pigeon having left us as he spotted land! Jon and Mark rushed off to find Chips while Pete and I refueled. By 1330 we had departed the port on our final leg around to the channel and finally the Hamble.

 The Hull Zeebrugge ferry at 0500....hours that is!

 There are some big ships out here. Thank goodness for AIS and Radar!

 Our visitor.

 Inquisitive and friendly..

 Marks new buddy enjoying a spot of breakfast..

 Approach to Ramsgate.

 Time to refuel.....where are those Chips?

 On the way to Dover and the channel, surely it can't be that cold Jon?

 To nice to wear a jacket....and who needs autopilot?

 Dover ahoy!

 And some of those white cliffs....but no blue birds..

Look Ma, no hands!


The rest of the day and evening shot by as we continued to make good time motor sailing. The good weather continued into the evening and as we passed Hastings we had the fun of lobster pot dodging in the dusk.

June 1st.

Clear night, and weather held good. As the tide changed we reduced speed to prevent any slamming as we went head to head with wind over tide. But still maintaining 8 knots plus.  The one thing we have found out is how well she sails with and without wind...a strong fast comfortable cruiser.

 They build some ugly light houses....

Regency of the seas overtaking us as we enter the Solent.

Nearly there, passing the forts at the mouth of the Solent.

At 0650 on June 1st we arrived at our berth B7, Hamble Point. In all 796 miles covered in 3 days 18 hours and fifty minutes. The fastest Hanse transit yet for the journey! Average of just under 9 knots for the trip showing how capable a yacht we have.

On arrival the crew departed leaving me to dwell on the journey...but not for long as Anna from Steam Boat graphics arrived to apply the name officially!

 And last of all at noon I was joined by Daughter and Granddaughter for lunch. Brooklyn is shown below getting to know her new toy!!

Miss Liz II will now be at Hamble Point for three weeks while she is fitted out before delivery to us in the Channel Islands. Watch this space for the next journey. By then we should have stereo systems, TV, SSB radio, Satellite Phone, Generator, Air conditioner, water maker, Windvane and Hydrogenerator installed. A lot of toys to play with that is for sure!