This was a pure experiment. The lights from the Harbour Arm in Folkestone across the water and the coloured lights bouncing into the harbour at low tide just looked so pretty. I don't really know what I'm doing with night shots, but am working on it! Will take the tripod next time ...
You did very well here without a tripod. For night shots I usually use a tripod and occasionally use the 2 second self timer too so that am hands free by the time the shutter clicks.
It's quite beautiful and well done without having a tripod with you. It will make all the difference in allowing you a long exposure with no camera shake.