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Sail out to The Rough Towers, 29th May 2025.

Rough Towers; a quirky residence out at sea

Sail out to The Rough Towers, 29th May 2025. Tony J, Tony E and Len aboard SAOR looking forward to the first real sail since taking ownership of Saor. What we planned to do… The local shipping forecast was optimistic in suggesting the wind would be generally from the N.E. and force 3 – 4 and sea smooth or slight. Probably fair to say the direction was fairly accurate, the strength was generally lower than forecast although a brief sea breeze did help and the sea certainly did not ever become troublesome!High tide was advertised as 13.40hours and as we were looking for a decent length sail the choice was to visit The Rough Towers by a anti clockwise circular route incorporating Stone Banks, Medusa, South Cork, Rough Towers, North Cork and then back to Landguard. After carrying out required engine checks etc we left SYH about 10.35 as planned. We knew we would be against the tide until out of Harwich Harbour but even in the light winds we managed to sail and with Tony E at the helm good progress was made. We made use of the engine briefly as we passed the massive ‘wind break’ container ships at Felixstowe but otherwise Saor sailed impeccably in light winds. Interestingly, two other yachts turned back not far from exiting the harbour, not easy sailing in light airs. Towards Medusa. Quite soon we were passing an angling boat at Stone Banks and holding a good course towards Medusa with Tony J now at the helm. At Medusa, as is not at all unusual, we found ourselves in the midst of a lot of marker buoys for fishing nets. Rather skilfully Tony kept Saor sailing well picking his route through them. It was necessary to hold our course before tacking back towards South Cork and then up towards Rough Tower. Tony E at the helm Len at the helm. During this leg, an unusual event! Len took a turn at the helm ! Managed to keep going for a rather lengthy leg held our course well as we neared Rough Towers. The tide had now turned as expected and was working for us. Len demonstrating he can helm! A bit of Rough As we approached Rough Towers we had a friendly wave from one of the occupants with Tony J now back at the helm and soon heading towards North Cork. The wind was coming over our starboard quarter and was decreasing rather rapidly allowing the tide to start washing as towards the shipping lane to our north. Tony held our course well until the failing wind meant that to not start the engine would have meant us being washed to the north and certainly not making Harwich very easily, if at all. Rough Towers – Principality of Sealand Safely back home! With engine again performing well and Tony E helming we soon made Landguard and then into Harwich harbour and back towards home. In the river a bit of breeze picked up and Tony J helmed us well as we pushed a yacht under engine power who we all but caught up but not quite overtake as we arrived outside SYH.Sails down, packed away, fenders out and into SYH where our berthing was impeccable. About 17.30 hours we were tied up and had enjoyed a successful first sail of the season with no adverse issues. Back home; cheated death again! Off to the Ship for a pint… and ready for another day With both Tonys staying at SYH for the night in readiness for a sail the following day it made good sense to retire to The Ship (nearby good hostelry) joined briefly by Len who had business to attend to elsewhere so left the others to their meal. The following morning Tony J and Tony E , having spent the night on Saor, prepared themselves for another day sail from SYH. An exceptional low tide encouraged by weather conditions meant a brief wait for the return of sufficient water to allow exit. Once again, light winds were forecast and unfortunately the wind managed to be even lighter than forecast, once again what did arrive came from the N.E. A short day had been planned and encouraged by the conditions that prevailed throughout it is probably best left that an uneventful sail towards the end of Walton pier and then back to SYH took place. A Misty start from Suffolk Yacht Harbour. The channel marking posts demonstrate exceptional low tide.