Shut out from Littlehampton

The plan was to leave Shoreham by Sea and the row 13 miles down the English Channel to Littlehampton, the next port.

As I set off the coastwatch were looking at me through their binoculars.

Frustratingly, my VHF was flat because I left it on and I could not communicate with them. I had to consider whether to carry on. I still had my flares, a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and my personal locator beacon. I waved and went on my way.

A motorboat was living it up it up as a I departed.

Down the coast there were two fishing boats to avoid as they came up the English Channel. One passed me quite close.

I passed Worthing, normally a grey blur from out at sea. Close up there were some good buildings to view.

Finally I was at Littlehampton. But the harbor was in full ebb and churning up the water outside. I went in for a closer look. It was a bit threatening if I am honest.

A yacht that had been tailing me turned to go in under motor and hit the strong tide, slowing to a crawl. A fishing boat turned in as well.

I realised that there was no way I would be able to get in. I was bouncing up and down already and it would get worse going nowhere very fast.

So I gave up and rowed another five miles down the coast to Felpham where there was a sandy beach and slipway.