Hello Waverley & Goodbye Capt. Andy

I'm back on board the Paddle Steamer Waverley sailing as Chief Officer. Before joining today I have been enjoying the hospitality of Captain Ian Clark and his wife for the last couple of days at his home in Kent.  As well soaking in the glorious summer weather down here we visited Canterbury Cathedral, had a hot tub soak and a ride through the Kent countryside as passenger on the back of Ian's Harley Davidson.

At 5:30 this morning we set off for Portsmouth to join Waverley at the Wightlink ferry terminal in Portsmouth.  Unfortunately the glorious summer weather had become steady rain with a stiff SW breeze behind it.  Once underway and clear of the harbour Captain Andy had somehow managed to wangle a free lift from the coastguard to take him ashore.  Here's the photo as proof of him being hoisted on board.

We then set off for Worthing Pier and despite the choppy seas and moderate swell picked up 200+ passengers for the run down to Dover where we arrived about 20:30.  It took a tad longer to get alongside because of "Yokahama" fenders in the way at the berth and then getting everyone ashore up the one gangway but we were safely tied up and clear by 21:00 about and hour and half late. 

Tomorrow it is round the corner and up to the centre of London, forecast isn't great but we hope that we'll be in the sheltered waters in time before it starts to blow. Goodnight from Dover.