We start early to make the best of the currents and to be able to reach Dover before the night ends. We sail along the Belgian and French coastlines until we can make a 90-degree crossing of the traffic separation zone. The stream and the wind make it perfect; we come spot-on the Dover Entrance and call Port Control to get directions. The polite Port Control asks us to wait out one of the high-speed ferry and then continue to the south entrance. We come to the marina half an hour before they open the locks to the marina and we can pay and get directions just in time to the opening of the gates. We get a perfect spot – right by the entrance and with beautiful view of the chalk cliffs and the Dover castle.

Leaving Continental Europe – Dover ahead

After Sail

View from Melody

It has been important for me to get a second impression of Dover. Last time we were here was in 2007 when we sailed Melody to Sweden as we dropped off the Lagoon dealer that had sailed with us from Les Sables D’ Olonne. We were on our own now and celebrated that moment by going to the closest pub and that experience was one of my worst food experiences in my life. The port was busy and we had heavy seas going north. In all a very bad experience that is soon to be cleared.

We take a walk into town instead of the closest pub. We have a recommendation for a nice seafood restaurant and after taking a look at the beach; we continue and manage to get a table. This was more like it should be. Very fresh seafood and an interesting historical setting.

Dover Castle

Time for some Seafood at