⛵ Dover 🇬🇧 to Oostende 🇧🇪

After a week of easterlies pinning me in Dover, I finally had my chance. The priority hierarchy was clear: cross the shipping lanes without getting hit, then reach the Netherlands - though I lacked a Belgian courtesy flag.

I left in the early morning with the westbound tide, hoping to hold my bow east while reaching in the northerly breeze and crossing the traffic separation scheme at right angles. Light winds forced me to motor. With the saildrive taking on water, every revolution of the prop shoveled more saltwater into the gears - not ideal.

The French coast slid by at a distance, the shore shallow for miles out. Dunkirk and other ports remained just names on the chart. By afternoon, patience ran out. Rather than face a night at sea fighting the tide, I turned into Oostende. The lack of a Belgian flag would have to be forgiven.

Weather Conditions

• Wind: Light, up to 14 knots northerly
• Seas: Low swell
• Weather: Clear throughout

Navigation

• Departure: Dover Marina (outer basin)
• Arrival: Oostende, Royal North Sea Yacht Club
• Distance: 71 nautical miles (about 131 kilometers)
• Duration: 13 hours

Notes

• Bilge pump activated unexpectedly in the afternoon - freshwater from the still-leaking tank
• The tide carved a perfect S-curve on the chart despite holding steady course

Photos

Leaving Dover and the British coast at dawn

Industrial Belgian coastline behind shallow waters

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