Circumnavigation on Ruby II Paul Flint reports

Published 18:32 on 29 May 2024

This mini odyssey has taken us east to the Thames estuary from Chichester Harbour. We had some fabulous sailing from Hayling to Eastbourne, then on to Ramsgate, and from there up the scenic Thames, with some help from the RNLI! The mast was taken down at south dock marina Rotherhithe and we are hoping it's heading safely off to Bristol. The Thames tidal ?? current took us to Teddington and from there it was a push against a flooded Thames to Reading. We then branched off into the Kennet and Avon Canal at Newbury and heading to Bristol (with mast up) before turning left back home.

We will create a loop of approximately 655 nautical miles at sea and 147 miles of charming canals and rivers. A real adventure filled with 125 locks, 28 moving bridges, awe-inspiring aqueducts, and even 3 intriguing tunnels.

At the moment we are heading to Devizes and facing the infamous Caen hill flight tomorrow! The canal system has certainly been a tribute to the engineering of its day.

Both river and canals have had their fair share of challenges, from too much to not enough water, leaking locks, trees blocking progress, sand bars and sunken boats!

If you would like to follow us as it all unfolds, this is our instagram account.

Happy adventuring - it keeps us young at heart.