I came over to Cherbourg yesterday, leaving Portland about 6 am and getting here at 6 pm. It was a pretty good crossing, with a mix of sun, rain, cloud and a tiny bit of fog just as I got in range of channel shipping! Couldn't see France until I was 2 miles off. Thank goodness for GPS.

Total distance from Portland was 69 miles so average speed around 5.75 knots. Some of the time we were tanking along at over 8 but then there were the slower bits when the tide was dead against us.

Arrived just in time to go to a restaurant with some fellow Teignmothians who were already here. Oysters and mussels were the order of the day.

Tomorrow afternoon we're off to St Vaast which has a locked entrance; leave around lunchtime to be there when the lock open late afternoon.

Have been in shorts and tee shirt tioday as it is quite warm between squalls!