The weather seems to be moderating but still raining. Carefully worked out tides last night so we can take the Swinge at slack tide. Prepared the crew and boat for a 9:30 departure. Closed all the hatches and washboards in case we were swamped in the Swinge. The conditions were benign and we had the easiest sea of the whole trip. Had a good upwind sail to Guernsey arriving at 2:30. Wandered round the town and had excellent dinner in Christie's seafood restaurant....

Rained all day so after morning on the boat, Ian led a yomp round Alderney. The island is well fortified, initially by the Romans, then the Victorians and finally the Germans. Went exploring disused German bunker avoiding the dead animals. Marianne wisely went to the museum in St Annes before going to a tea room. We are now enjoying a pint in the sailing club before finding somewhere to have dinner. Just received email to crews on how to change flights to Jersey ...

Awoke at 5am with the wind howling and rain falling. Checked the weather forecasts and decided not to leave here as sea state forecast rough. Going through the Alderney race in a rough sea would be unpleasant at best! So we will be off exploring the sites of Alderney In between the rain showers.

Awoke to loud booming tanoy in Cherbourg marina. This was giving the competitors and spectators the starting instructions for a triathalon. The initial swim was right past our berth in the marina for 300 metres. After we had seen them all back on land we had a fast and lively sail to Alderney from Cherbourg. It was a force 5 with wind over tide causing a lively sea and waves every now and again running down the decks. We were getting over nine knots over the grou...