28/06/2009 - Lord Nelson

4am – 8am (Morning Watch) Having seen nothing for 3 days the estuary is now awash with shipping. Took on river/lock pilot at 0800. Entered lock and parked for 20 mins. Changed pilots. Expected dramatic rise or fall  in water level looking at the size of the lock. Disappointment ensued as the lock gates opened without any change in water level.  Kiel canal very impressive – up to 160 mtrs wide and 11 mtrs deep – but views restricted by embankments and trees. It made a pleasant change from just sea.  Quite busy at times, at one “passing point” there were 3 large container ships waiting for us to go through.  After 8 hours and 60 miles we reached the second and last lock – so large we could have turned round in it!  Took on water as we waited in the lock and had a special smoko with birthday cake for little John the bosun. After the lock we saw several other tall ships, including the Mir and the John Laing. We took the last dog watch, reduced by 30 minutes as we put the clocks forward at 19.30, taking the ship out of Kiel into the Baltic. Wind still from the East, so still motoring.