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Dec 2016

IYC Newsletter

Page 2 Merry Christmas from your Commodore Page 2- 4 Social Events Page 5 Editorial Page 5 Some Race Dates & Abandoned Trailers in Compound Page 6-10 IYC Cruise to Chatham 2016 Page 11-18 Summer’s Grace

Page 18-24 East Coast Cruise Diary Page 25-26 Down on the waterfront…Down on the waterfront…Down on the waterfront…Down on the waterfront… WaterWaterWaterWater RatRatRatRat Page 26 I.Y.C Boats For Sale

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Merry Christmas IYC

I would like to say a big thank you to all the members that have helped

throughout the year, both committee members and those that work behind the scenes.

I would like to add that if anyone has any ideas or complaints to pass them on to the relevant committee members or myself.

This just leaves me to wish all the members and their families Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Yours sincerely Ken Hawkins Commodore IYC

Social Events Saturday 24th September was our monthly Quiz Night 5 teams took part the winning team was Five Alive with a score of 70. A good evening was had by all members and guests that attended.

Saturday 8th October we had a Birthday Party Night celebrating 21 years of the New Club House. About 120 members and guests attended and a good evening was had by all.

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Saturday 22nd October was our monthly Quiz Night 9 teams took part the winning team was Mucking Fuddle with a score of 77. A good evening was had by all members and guests that attended.

Saturday 29th October we celebrated Halloween and Bonfire Night with a Bonfire, Fireworks, BBQ and a Disco. A great night was had by all and some members and guests come in fancy dress. We also had judging and prizes for best dress. This was judge over 3 age groups as so many took part. Ages up to 9 years old best girl and boy.

Ages 10 years old to 17 years old best girl best boy.

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Adult winners were Kelli Darby and Charlie Wilett.

Prizes were presented by the commodore Bob Hough. I would like to thank the judges. Also thanks to Colin, Kelli and Doreen for running the BBQ, Alex and Chris for organising the bonfire and fireworks and all over helpers on that day. Saturday 19th November was our annual Laying up Supper with 46 members attending. A big thank you to all for attending and Sheila and her team for the lovely meal. Saturday 26th November was our monthly Quiz Night 34 members and guests took part making up 8 teams the overall winners were The Supper Six with an overall score of 78

Saturday 3rd December Prize Giving Saturday 10th Children’s Christmas Party (details on social notice board and web) Saturday 17th Adult Christmas Party (details on social notice board and web) Saturday 31st New Year’s Eve. A big thank you to all members for supporting social events through out the year. SOCIAL SECRETARY JANET MASON

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EditorialEditorialEditorialEditorial As something different the cover photo is of the mountains because I am sitting on a balcony in Switzerland contemplating this view as I consider this newsletter. Its both beautiful and commanding, and so peaceful as fortunately the ski season hasn’t started yet. But the mountains are covered with the white stuff and I can see two skiers gliding gracefully down hanging from their parascending chutes. I have just helped Caroline move to her winter work lodgings, complete with her puppy who on his first sight of snow looked terrified, but rapidly became an expert digger and snowball catcher. Such fun.. When he grows up he wants to be an avalanche dog, though he has some tough competition with the St Bernard pass just up the road. Perhaps they will give him a little brandy bottle for his collar. Sipping my Cappuccino considering the past sailing season my thoughts weigh up the balance between cruising and racing, and although Kachina is not really ‘race ready’ we did have some good races. Some podium finishes and certainly winning the boatac’s trophy for the second time was wonderful. But the absolute best was crewing on Aja in the Harty Ferry Race. In virtually no wind, working the currents, zephyrs and sails constantly Aja and Triaz pulled out such a commanding lead that the rest of the fleet were out of sight by the first mark. Quite incredible. But for all the fun racing our best times were cruising this year. We crept into some corners of the East Coast I had never visited in 55 years of cruising, and I realised there are so many more secret waters to explore we will be occupied for many seasons to come. At the end of one such exploration we joined the club cruise to Chatham and had a fantastic time there with several club members including Bob on what must have been his last sailing engagement as Commodore and Colin Dow who is now our sailing secretary. Bob certainly made a success of these cruises during his term as Commodore and I hope Colin keeps them going as we intend to join in. More of that cruise from Gillian Hough in her article, and a taste of secret water exploring from Nick Arrdley.

I hope you enjoy this Newsletter, the first for our new Commodore Ken Hawkins. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you All.

A Couple of Sailing Dates for you:

Nore Race: Sat 1st July 2017 Leigh on Sea S.C. Brass Monkey Trophy Sun 18th Dec 2016 Registration opens 11:00, Race Start 14:00, Entry fee £10.00 per boat For further details www.leighsailingclub.org or email scorbet@btinternet.com

Moorings and Compound Members were sent a circular notice last month with photos of unmarked trailers which will now be disposed of. If you have a trailer in the compound ignore the notice at your own risk.

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IYC Cruise to Chatham 2016 A cruise from IYC to Chatham had been arranged for the August Bank Holiday 2016. As the

tides were predicted to be quite low, some boats decided to leave early. Pompey Lass cast off on Friday morning, heading for Stangate Creek; we left Friday evening for Queenborough, following Loose Connection and Phoenix who had set off earlier on the same tide. It was dark by the time we had enough water to cast off and we ended up motoring across the estuary. As we approached the hammerhead at Queenborough, we could see Loose Connection tied up to one of the mooring buoys; further down the line of trots Kachina was also moored up to a buoy, having sailed round from the R. Swale earlier that evening. We tied up to the hammerhead behind Phoenix, and Tony came aboard for a quick beer.

Early the next morning, the boats moored at

Queenborough set off with the tide for Chatham. Colanna left IYC at high tide, Pompey Lass waiting for her in Stangate; Hood also set off on Saturday morning. By midmorning, seven IYC boats were tied up at the visiting club’s moorings at Chatham. After a celebratory cup of tea (many thanks to Pat and Margaret for the biscuits to go with it), the various crews separated: some went shopping, some went to Rochester, some to the “Ship and Trades” for lunch. We arranged to meet later that evening for a barbecue beside the marquee.

The following day, Sunday, began with rain showers and strong winds, so we decided to hold the cheese and wine party in the marquee, where we would be sheltered, rather than on a boat. Many thanks to Trish and June who helped me to prepare the food and set it out on the tables.

Enjoying the “Cheese and Wine” party

Moored up at Chatham

Bob gave a speech Lahni made aliens out of cheese

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Enjoying a drink

Chatting

Eating

Playing chess

Doing paperwork

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Outside, boats were struggling to lock in due to the strong winds. Some IYC members went to observe and offer advice. A sail training boat inspired applause when it managed to spring off the side of the lock into the wind, avoiding the concrete sill, in spite of a particularly powerful gust.

The next day was Monday, time to return. We had booked an early lock at 7 am; the lock keeper managed to fit all 7 boats into one (crowded) lock.

Then we all set off downriver in a light wind NW force 2-3 (6-9 knots) with calm water and bright sunshine. At first all the boats kept together, but as we neared Sheerness, the motor boats pulled away in order to make sure they reached IYC while there was still plenty of water.

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The IYC fleet heads for home

Kachina Colanna

Pompey Lass

Phoenix Hood

Kachina Loose Connection

Phoenix

Colanna

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As we passed the defence fort opposite Sheerness, we could see the flag of St. George flying from the top - maybe in support of Brexit? We were determined to sail home in spite of the light winds, and made it just in time, scraping through the mud onto our mooring. Most of the fleet made it in time, except for one crew (who shall remain nameless) who misread the timetable and thought high

tide was a bit later than it was. They spent a few hours enjoying some extra time in the sunshine, while the rest of us enjoyed lunch at the clubhouse! Altogether, a great weekend.

By Gillian Hough

……….oooooo000000)))(((000000oooooo………

Hood Pompey Lass

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Summer’s Grace

Southwards, beyond the treed and roof stippled skyline that surrounds Daws Heath, you can, after a short walk, take in the vista of the wide open River Thames where it meets its broader estuary. From the heights of Hadleigh’s fine edifice you can gaze upon it and ponder its ebb and flow. It has passed beneath these slopes for thousands of years – since the last ice age in fact. Down those ages man has made use of it from the moment ‘he’ migrated from the heartlands of Europe. Later, much later, when London came and with it in time when its great years of commerce arrived – it became known as The London River: it leads to London. Beyond Barking, it’s the River of London. The river is fed by numerous streams, creeks and rivers in their own right, but all share commonality: they are tributaries to the main flow. It is amongst these that two club members spend their summers. It is at least thirty-six years since I introduced my wife Christobel to the joys to be had upon these tidal flows. When we first met I lived aboard an old spritsail barge, the May Flower, over in Kent. It is a place clearly seen from Hadleigh. I never planned to continue ‘boating’, it just happened and Christobel was like a horse being led to water – she lovingly followed... For a girl from the heart of the English Midlands she has found it to be, on the whole, an enjoyable and satisfying pastime. We were at it early, being away for the early May Bank Holiday for a couple of days around the Medway. Then at the end of May I took my brother who was over from Canada and a friend sailing. We had a ball!

Grain Fort at the Medway’s entrance.

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During the middle of June we left Whimbrel to fend for herself: we had a week sailing in Scotland’s western isles around Skye aboard a 48’ gaff cutter. She was built as an auxiliary fishing vessel in Denmark in 1938 and is a delight. It was my sister’s 60th birthday treat, following my trip last year (See Yachting Monthly, December 2016). There were eight of us aboard with the three crew – we took over, all being sailors! The skipper said at the end that it had been fantastic: he’d watched with pleasure as we got all we could out of her! Christobel and I then had some time touring in Northumberland before returning to Essex.

Sailing hard towards Skye Bridge on the Eda Frandsen.

At the end of June I disappeared, leaving my Mate at home, ah! I took my youngest brother and his partner for a few days afloat – for him this was a journey back in time. A time to enjoy a gander around childhood waters of the Swale and River Medway. Taking family members afloat is one of my joys and it has cemented bonds that often become shredded between siblings as life moves onwards. ‘We’ had a coffee rota date at our local church’s community room during this and Christobel organised a relief for me. She had a day out in the land of Hogwarts & Co., to keep her occupied too! I wasn’t away more than a few days: we had a date in Maldon to support the Sea-change Sailing Trust at the official welcome from the Mayor of Maldon for the trust’s new Thames sailing barge. The trust works with disadvantaged young people, carers, sailability (blind and less able bodied) and other groups – but core work is with the young in letting them achieve something together with the barge under sail alone, if at all possible, and it will be with the new vessel for she will be engineless. It is a charity we feel well worth supporting...

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The Sea-change Trust’s new spritsail barge after launching in Polruan, Fowey.

Then we broke away together for a week, coming home for the Daws Heath Village Fayre. We spent the time ‘pottering’ and communing with nature amongst the beautiful stretches of salt marsh within the Medway basin. This is a man-made environment. Islands were walled for sheep farming, built on for defence of the Realm in time of conflict, but most of all, it was dug away for bricks and cement. This has left saltings and mud with the odd patch of ‘dry’ land. It has become a wildlife paradise, stuffed with waders, geese, shell duck and basking seals. It is a special place. See my books–.

Sailing in Faversham Creek – with another crew.

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My sister and two friends then had nearly a week aboard and Christobel drove over to Chatham where I was dumping them – they took our car home. At last we were on our holidays proper, at last! First though I had another book event to attend in Rochester – some parishioners had attended an earlier on at The Book Inn, Leigh-on-Sea, earlier that month (some of you may not know that I write about my love for our coastal fringes...). A day was spent dealing with a laundry build – Chatham marina is like home from home – then we were off! We wandered, we ‘drifted’ and stopped here and there enjoying togetherness. We had a working week initially: we were taking part in a rally of class boats the following weekend at Chatham. We slipped round the Swale for idyllic nights under the stars, bright here due to hugely reduced light pollution.

Some of the fleet locking into Chatham together...

The Finesse class were built locally in Bramble Crescent, off Poors Lane North, between 1961 and 1995. Many living locally have little knowledge that a prolific and bespoke boat builder and his family resided amongst us. The builder and his wife are still in the crescent, but happily retired now. The rally went well with nine pretty clinker planked beauties attending from Suffolk and far off Sussex. Unfortunately, one short period of adverse winds prevented several others attending, but the bonhomie and camaraderie between owners and crews who’d also come by road was magical. An unscheduled return home followed: Christobel needed to see a Doctor – that sorted, we continued, heading first for the tranquillity of what is called the South Deep round the Swale before sailing to Harty Ferry. Upon the hilltop of the Isle of Harty (Part of the Island of Sheppey) sits a sweet little church. Its floor area would sit nicely inside the community room at St Michael’s. We took an evening walk out to it, unfortunately it, and the pub, were closed ... spiritual guidance wasn’t needed and fortunately neither was the liquid sort, for

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we’d dined well aboard. We have been inside the church, St Thomas the Apostle dating from 1089, enjoying a yarn once with the flower arrangers and cleaners who were gossiping as like minded people do, about parish affairs! If you haven’t visited, do: it’s simple, but beautiful. A few days up Faversham Creek deep within the town of that name was on the agenda – a sail maker has her loft here and as our sails are in need of renewal (I’ve worn them out!) I had arranged to ‘go alongside’ the loft’s waterside premises. Measuring and such took half a morning leaving us oodles of time to soak into this wonderful historic waterside market town. We’d never managed to get into the Abbey Church – on the site of one of Henry’s dissolutions – but this year we did, finding it open. The spire is enormously tall shouting out its dominance over the landscape which is ringed with beer making by Shepherd Neame, brewers of some fine ales I can tell you–.

Christobel wandering ‘within’ the remains of a spritsail barge on a beach in Queenborough. We departed for a weekend out in the Swale to soak into a regatta for spritsail barges, smacks, traditional yachts and even a class made up of ‘Dutch’ sailing types and ‘Humber’ yawls. This is a special weekend over in Kent. For me it is the more so due to the plethora of differing types of vessel taking part. We saw many acquaintances! Time was beginning to move on. But chasing a bottle of gas, essential for cooking and heating of water: we liked to wash, occasionally (!), we had to suffer the joys of going up Conyer creek again to pick up a bottle and we ‘forced’ ourselves to dine out at the rather lovely Ship Inn again. Leaving Conyer we made for Queenborough just inside the River Medway – but really in the West Swale. This was our hopping off point for a cruise up the London River to Limehouse Basin, tracing an old barging route. The basin can be seen from the C2C rail line as you come into the train station – once called Stepney East.

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I was on a journey of fact checking and note taking with planned stops at Gravesend, Grays, Greenhithe, Greenwich and Crayford – this last place on our return passage due to finding the barrier at Dartford Creek ‘closed’ for unscheduled maintenance on our upwards path. Parts of Gravesend are delightful, but the old waterside town of Greenhithe is a wonder. It wasn’t even a parish until around 1860, being part of Stone, upriver. The place has greatly altered over last decade with much new building upon the old yard of Everard (shipping) to the west and eastwards a plethora of flats now fronts the river almost hiding a beautiful old building, Ingress Abbey – although never an ecclesiastical place. The squat tower of Stone church peeps from a stand of trees. Once it was surrounded by towering cement storage bottles.

Approaching the Thames Barrier at Woolwich.

Whilst in Limehouse we chilled first, then walked, poked about, roamed the riversides as well as enjoying a rather brilliant play by Ayckbourn and a meal with a nephew, his partner and our son. Places visited include, Woolwich, Deptford – where the waterside church was a charnel house during the plague, Strand on the Green, Brentford waterfront, Isleworth, Syon House and Richmond ... chasing the route of sail traders–. The areas around the Chancery and northwards provided something different too. Leaving on a blustery bank holiday Saturday we had an entertaining beat down river (that’s sailing against the wind) with some fine reaching along the twists and turns. The ebb helping us along the way and in 3 ½ hours covered 18 nautical miles! Erith was our overnight stop, well two actually: on Monday we sailed serenely into Dartford Creek – something we nearly did some years ago.

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Christobel ‘looking’ for the way in!

This was amazing. Around the entrance several seals were basking on the mud banks and a male patrolled the water around us, popping up now and then metres away, snorting at

us. Passing under the barrier was a little nerve wracking, even though mathematics told us we had several metres height to spare! Once inside the world changed. Reed swished close by. Ducks dabbled, egrets strutted along the mud bank edges and grebe dived about us. Overhead, I’m sure I heard the warble of a skylark and hovering sparrow hawks took our eyes off the creek ... not a good thing: navigation was tight!

Crayford’s last mill under demolition.

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Finally, we sailed into Crayford Creek. We were soon stemming a freshwater ‘ebb’ – the point where the sea met the land. We berthed at an old barge wharf and stayed overnight. A ‘recce’ had been carried out by road and permission sought from the wharf top operators. I was soon away in the dinghy to seek out the headwater: here a mill was being torn down – once these were tide driven here. We sat at a slight angle, but not badly and enjoyed a convivial evening aground. Next morning we sailed away, homebound, taking the tide down to The Ray, mooring off Smallgains Creek at the eastern end of Canvey Island. Next morning, we puttered into the creek. Home, well almost, but a nice feeling–.

Nick ArdleyNick ArdleyNick ArdleyNick Ardley

P.S. During the summer period we travelled over 650 miles, mostly under sail, including the fabled London River and River of London – Barking upwards.

……….oooooo000000)))(((000000oooooo………

East Coast Cruise Diary Wednesday 27th July Great joy in the Hough household! Gary (Terry) has just emailed the planned itinerary for the IYC East Coast cruise this summer, and it fits in beautifully with our plans. It includes many of our favourite places (couldn’t fit them all into 2 weeks!) Particularly pleased he’s included Heybridge Basin where we’ve never been before. Wednesday 3rd August Today we set off for Suffolk Yacht Harbour, leaving late morning. There was a moderate SW wind blowing, so we were able to sail once we were out of the Ray. Passing the Blacktail, the sea became sloppy as usual, but calmed down as we neared the windfarm. Crossing the Whittakers, Bob kept a keen eye out for other boats and buoys, ships and shoals; I kept a sharp lookout for seals. Neither of us saw anything apart from a yacht heading for the Colne in the distance. We carried on past Clacton with the wind blowing SW 5-6 and a fair tide, making more than 7 knots over the ground. We saw a few boats heading in the opposite direction, looking as if they were not having a very comfortable trip! Approaching the Naze we arrived in Lobster Pot Territory so we both had to keep watch again. By now we were beginning to slow down as we lost the tide but it was in our favour as we turned into the Orwell. We managed to keep sailing until the entrance to SYH, where we were given a berth for a 50 foot boat - we fitted in easily! Next to us were 2 boats that we recognised. Their crews came to see if we were settling in OK and we all realised that we had met earlier in the year at Ramsgate. They invited us for a drink in the clubhouse (lightship) - well, it would have been rude not to….

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Thursday 4th August Bad news today. We came to SYH for some repairs to the auto helm and to have an oil leak checked, but the engineer was at Shotley - all day! Walked up to The Ship for lunch and sat outside in the sunshine before going back to marina. Friday 5th August Well what a waste of time! The engineer was “out” all morning, but persistence (and many phone calls) paid off and he finally arrived early afternoon. After much poking and prodding and indrawn breath and head shaking, he announced that the part was in an inaccessible place. And he doesn’t have the part anyway! But Morning Star is OK to use as she is!! Went to the clubhouse for dinner, but our friends weren’t there this time. Fish and chips were delicious - v large portions. Saturday 6th August Decided to go to the Royal Harwich today. Quick motor across the river to the visitor’s pontoon, which was empty. Walked through the woods to Pin Mill Sailing Club, which was also empty (they had a “do” on in the evening, so lunchtime was quiet). It was beautiful sitting outside the clubhouse admiring the view and enjoying the

cider. We reminisced about previous visits. But we were used as a mobile banquet by the local mosquitos on the way back!

Earlier today the other boats left IYC for Stangate. We will meet up tomorrow at Osea.

Sunday 7th August Conditions breezier today. Rang Gary to see if boats were still coming up to Osea; they were but had started later than planned. Still not sure if they might turn back but we decided to set off for the Colne. Can join the others at Osea if they make it or go into Brightlingsea if not. Motored to Felixstowe then hoisted reefed main and full genoa as winds were forecast to pick up. Raced a Halberg-Rassy tacking out towards the windfarm; she was over pressed and couldn’t catch us. Two more tacks and we were racing a Jeanneau; she was well reefed in (don’t think she knew she was in a race!) so we passed her too. Although she was much more upright and having a lovely gentle sail. Good news as we neared the Colne: the IYC fleet were approaching. Then bad news: Gary had engine trouble and was going to Pyfleet. Colin decided to go with him. Then we heard from Dave: Tadpole was anchored just off Bradwell.

R Orwell from Pin Mill YC veranda

Butt and Oyster

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We made a handbrake turn and tacked over to see what he was planning. He upped anchor to follow us just as Kerrin sailed past. Conditions were quite lumpy; they decided to go into Bradwell. We set off for Pyfleet where Colanna was already anchored. Gary was OK, thought he could fix his engine in a day. Pompey Lass anchored nearby. We went into Brightlingsea. Getting IYC boats together is like trying to herd cats!

Monday 8th August Booked to go to Heybridge Basin today, in company with Blue Haze from West Mersea. Gary set out today, but his engine failed again, so the rest of us will have to go on without him. We all manage to meet up outside Bradwell (amazingly) and begin tacking down the river. However the channel soon became too narrow so we had to motor. Locking in at Heybridge is really easy - you just throw your lines to the lockmaster ashore and he ties you up. The lock is as well packed as a Dutch lock though. Heybridge Basin is

really beautiful (maybe the lovely weather helped!) We had a bbq, went shopping by dinghy, one of us even had skateboard lessons! A large branch of Tesco with a landing stage is about half an hours’ dinghy ride up the canal. The canal is really lovely: clear

water, colourful waterlilies and bright dragonflies. And there are also lots of baby moorhen, fluffy and small enough to fit in the palm of my hand. As well as swans with cygnets,

Unfortunately there is also a lot of waterweed - not good for outboards! Mel and Russ were literally smoking on their return trip.

Survey ship off Clacton

Tadpole and Pompey Lass passing Bradwell

How many IYC members does it take to start an outboard?

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Wed. 10thAugust Motored to West Mersea in light winds today. Gary had fixed his engine and arrived before us - and Vern is here as well. Moored up in pairs between the posts. Harry (Blue Haze and RNLI crew) gave us all a lift ashore on his rib. Geoff had booked a big table for dinner; the food was delicious, the service was great and the company was excellent. A great time was had by all. Only drawback - we were supposed to be watching local girl Saskia Clark sailing in the Olympics with Hannah Mills on the club TV, but the race was cancelled due to conditions in Rio. Fri 12th August Sailed up to Ipswich today. We were one of the last to leave - calculated time to go North on the ebb to reach Felixstowe at slack water. Sadly we had to say goodbye to Tadpole when we reached the Colne, as she returned to IYC, but 5 of us continued to the Orwell. Vern left West Mersea just after us. She looked beautiful, sailing past Mersea Island. We caught up with the fleet just off Felixstowe and sailed up the Orwell in SW 4 as far as Pin Mill before putting the engine on.

We caught up with Kerrin in Ipswich lock and tied up on the same jetty at Ipswich Haven marina, the others joined us soon after. Tonight we are going to our daughter Kirsty’s housewarming party.

Sunday 14th August Had a brilliant evening at the housewarming on Friday. This

morning we set off for Woolverstone, on our way to the Deben. Ipswich lock was very busy, with a large barge already tied up to the starboard side. We were rafted 4 deep in front: in total there were 11 yachts, a barge and a restaurant ship in the lock. Gary was quite disgruntled when the Alex Gardiner said over the radio, “Let the little blue boat go in first!” Colanna

may not be as big as the restaurant ship, but she doesn’t just go up and down the Orwell: she has sailed in Kent, Essex and Suffolk! Sadly said goodbye to Vern today as they return to IYC. There are lots of egret on the riverbank next to the jetty

Dave heads off home

Vern sailing goose-winged

Ipswich lock

Egret

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here at Woolverstone. Walked down to Pin Mill again, but Pin Mill Yacht Club was shut, so we went to the Butt and Oyster instead. Wore jeans so did not get bitten this time. Saw a wasps’ nest half buried in the soil beside the path. Tomorrow - Woodbridge! I can’t wait! Monday 15th August What a disappointment! Tide Mill Yacht Harbour is being renovated, atm it looks like a building site! Motored all the way from Woolverstone, wind only 2-6 knots. We were directed to a jetty at the end of the upriver arm of the marina, rafted out 2 deep. Decided to have a barbeque tonight, using the Cobb barbeques we bought in West Mersea. Turned out to be a good evening anyway.

Tuesday 16th August Fed the swans and ducks after breakfast. Then Bob took his

remote-controlled lifeboat to the boating lake. There were quite a few other model boats there. Went out to dinner this evening to celebrate the fact that tomorrow is Colin’s birthday.

Model lifeboat and sailing boat

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Wednesday 17th August

Somebody sneaked aboard Pompey Lass very early this morning, and decorated her with balloons and 50th birthday banners! We set off midmorning for

Stone Point, Colin sailing with all the decorations still attached (and a beer in his hand). There was a series of explosions going down the river as the balloons burst in the sunshine. Good news - our auto helm seems to have started working again. Sailing slowly under genoa in easterly winds force 2-4. Dropped anchor just off Stone Point for barbeque ashore.

Thursday 18th August Several boats dragged their anchors last night - we were woken just after midnight by Colanna brushing our anchor chain, but they quickly re-moored. One boat was seen leaving the anchorage quickly - backwards!

Replacing a buoy off Felixstowe

Pompey Lass, Colanna and Kerrin at anchor Colanna, Kerrin and Moring Star from the shore

“Now the captain has landed, we can cast off the painter!”

Who decorated Pompey Lass?

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Early start today - raised anchor just before 8am. Had a great sail (speeds up to 8.8 knots over ground in easterly force 4), goose-winged as we neared the R Colne, heading for Bradwell. Bad news about the weather, wind forecast to increase, maybe to force 7 or even higher. Quick discussion, we’ve decided to return to IYC tomorrow just in case. Bob has cancelled planned bbq at Queenborough due to the poor conditions. So tonight is our last night: we have decided to go out for dinner at the Green Man. Most of us wanted fish and chips, but there was only 1 left - Russ got there first. Then the waitress found one more, then another one, and another.... A good time was had by all.

Friday 19th August

Difficult to leave Bradwell due to low tides, touched bottom on our way out. Sea calm, wind SE1: motoring! Saw 2 porpoise as we approached the Eagle. Wind increasing to SSW3, sailing with reefed main, tacking down to Thames estuary. Another porpoise was doing acrobatics off our starboard beam, with two more in the distance as we approach the Maplin buoy. Reefed genoa to slow Morning Star as we are getting there too quickly, not enough water to get in. Finally tie up at IYC.

Saturday 20th August

Wind was very strong today - Cat Open meeting was cancelled due to the weather. We were right to come back yesterday. Really enjoyed the cruise though, even if it was cut short by 2 days.

By Gillian Hough

Dinghies racing at Southend

Cheers!

25

Down on the waterfront…Down on the waterfront…Down on the waterfront…Down on the waterfront… I’m peeking from a tuft near a pole where a big bird nests sometimes. The bird’s not been around, but I still take care. I lost some friends a year or so back and don’t wish to follow: their squeals and cries still haunt me... Across the way a group of men and a lady are loitering around a black hulled motor boat, ‘a clinker, I think...’ I squeak quietly. Now, I’m no expert, connoisseur even, but she’s ‘nice lines’ as a human would have it, and I can appreciate lines–. Wondering what’s going on, I lope through the tufted grass along the top of a bank – where a lady slipped down in the spring collecting rubbish – and get round the corner. Twitching my whiskers and listening hard I then scamper beneath one of those ‘double boat’ boats. A ‘cat’, I heard said, but to me a cat’s dangerous. There’s a man in earnest conversation. A lady is marshalling children. Others, yard workers, are loitering, casting comments with grave stroking of chins about something or other... The man in conversation is heard to be discussing some details. Then another chap walks up, he says something, and then I see him stroking the boat’s quarters. He runs them down her buttocks and then along the sweep of her sheer. Funny bloke, I thought! I heard him say, ‘farewell old girl ... enjoy your new home...’ He was looking at ‘her’ seriously. Then he said to the new owner, ‘Lovely motty boat ... enjoy.’ For a while during the long days of late summer, after I’d rid myself of my Mate’s last brood, I was able to spend many splendid moments snucked-up beneath a bit of a monstrosity, a big steel thing. Good all round views I found. Sometimes, a man came along. He biffed and bashed. Mixed paint, splashed it about and then went away. Sometimes my Mate came with me and we were able to lay in perfect seclusion with the sun on us. Nice that. Chap’s phone was always ringing away and work stopped while whoever was being ‘talked’ to. On occasions a few crusts were dropped. My Mate always said, ’Go on you fetch it...’ I’m a manly rat, so I obeyed-. Close by the ‘black boat’ I see that the boat’s still standing still... The ‘big’ machine was sitting quietly over in a corner for a long time, all over the long summer even. Plenty of rich pickings around her wheels while some men were working on it too. ‘Eeeek, what’s that?’ my Mate squeals when we were both down that way a few weeks ago. ‘B– Hell,’ I say seeing that man, ‘Ginge they call him ... get in and rev the monster up. ‘Run,’ I squeal, ‘It’s moving...’ It rumbled off. ‘It’s that time soon,’ I squeak when under cover. ‘What’s that then...’ my mate says snuffling at my nose. ‘Well, they lift those boats about, you know, out the water and...’ ‘Oh.’ She says turning away. I think, a bit like a human really–. One day I scampered out from our home under the hut thing those people sit around in drinking tea and quaffing cakes and stuff and headed out towards where a load of ‘kids’ are sometimes heard excitedly calling and being directed with ‘stuff’ – getting boats ready. ‘Come on’ I call to my Mate, ‘It’s a lovely day ... along the outer bank...’ Kids equal food–.

26

A squeal, ‘Coming’ tells me she’s hard on my tail. We find a cosy spot near a slipway and snuffle down. Sure enough it’s not long before the first of many offerings ‘floats’ our way. It was a delightful afternoon: lots of colourful boats darted about on the water giving us a grand show. Then it happened. That big machine and another daft looking thing towed by ‘tractor boy’ rumbled about dipping themselves in the water and coming back with another load... My Mate has the nest to sort out and we’re thinking of winter’s approach. We’ll need some more bedding insulation. There’ll be some rubbish left out for us, I know, always is unless that ‘funny’ man gets it first, the one who prides himself in litter picking... I heard some clumping above our home. ‘Man tea’ I thought, and I readied myself, ‘cos cake crumbs get left all over...’ They’re outside too. It’s been warm. I think of ‘Biscuit Man’ he’s still seen about. In fact I saw him doing some ‘technical stuff’ by a ‘rig’ sometime ago-. He’ll not be lifting out this winter – sold his, but he still loves it, it seems... ‘Brrrrrrrrr...’ my Mate squeals in horror as we waken early one morning, ‘it’s ... its c ... co ... cold...’ and her teeth chattered uncontrollably. ‘Cor Blimey,’ I squeal in horror too. Yes, it’s got B– Cold. The long end to summer in what has been autumn has come to an end. Winter is coming. We need some extra...’ my Mate snuffles at me. I know. But it’ll have to wait a little. Above there is much clumping about and voices. The water is early today ... they’re early. Those machines will be rolling again too. Later, I heard a man say, cake crumbs spurting about in many directions, ‘Tide didn’t make ... did it?’ ‘No ... never mind.’ ‘Well, can I ... could I ...’ the first said, ‘Can the midweek boys do me ...?’ I didn’t hear the answer–. But, bless them, they did. WaterWaterWaterWater RatRatRatRat

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