2026 trip from Suffolk Yacht Harbour to Cowes, Isle of Wight

The boat had been left at Suffolk Yacht Harbour (SYH) since the Classic Regatta at the end of June. This was deliberate, as it makes departures much easier without having to worry about the tides in Aldeburgh.

The original plan was to sail to Ostend in Belgium. However, after keeping a close eye on the weather forecasts, it seemed far more sensible, and considerably more comfortable, to head south towards the Isle of Wight instead.

The crew, Harry, Noah, Ed, Malcolm and Toby, arrived at SYH on Friday afternoon, provisioned the boat and made the final preparations for the trip. After supper aboard the Lightship, it was an early night ahead of a very dark 03:30 departure on Saturday morning. Visibility leaving the marina was so poor that Harry had to use the searchlight to guide Noah, who was on the helm.

By 06:00 the sea had become fairly rolly, but nothing too uncomfortable. As we continued south with the tide beneath us, the conditions gradually smoothed out and we were rewarded with a superb afternoon of sailing in beautiful weather.

Our destination for the first night was Eastbourne Marina on the south coast. We had expected to arrive at around 8:00 pm, but thanks to the favourable tide we were tied up by 6:00 pm instead. Dinner was at a surprisingly good Italian restaurant, followed by a few nightcaps back on board before turning in.

One of the most important parts of this trip has been to scatter the ashes of Peter Wilson, who owned and lovingly restored Maudorces, relaunching her in 2016. We scattered some of his ashes in Dovercourt Bay and again as we passed beneath the White Cliffs of Dover. Sadly, we will not be scattering any in Ostend this year, but after so many years making this passage together, it has felt fitting to remember Peter at places that hold so many happy memories.

Tomorrow's plan is an early 05:00 departure for Cowes.