Here are some of the highlights of this year's cruising activities:
Five cruisers (Avocet, Irene, Scapino, Windrush, and Woodwind) headed off to Ipswich. Four boats motored, in close proximity, down the River Ore and down the coast in sunny weather and with very light southerly winds, until reaching the Woodbridge Haven buoy. The wind freshened enough to make sailing above 3 knots possible and, one by one, engines were switched off.
A fun evening in the Haven Yacht Club bar made for a great cruise and happy crews. Locking in to Ipswich Haven was a squeeze and, with plenty of boats taking advantage of a sunny Saturday, space in the lock was at a premium. No reports of ‘lock rage’ or damage were received.
The trip home was started at first light on Sunday morning, and a convoy of boats once again motored peacefully down the Orwell in a beautiful, slightly misty morning, with the river as flat as glass. Windrush, left behind until a new "impellor pump" was acquired and fitted, set off about four hours later. Once the fleet rounded Landguard Point there was a F3 SSE enabling a comfortable sail up the coast, followed by a rapid sail up the Ore with the tide sweeping the boats along. All the boats were safely back into the river by tea time, although there was a report that one crew stopped for a siesta, and found themselves well and truly aground at Dove point.
This was one of the most rewarding cruises of the season for all who took part (hopefully not because VC Cruising was unfortunately absent), and ended the Club's cruising season on a high note. Thanks to Adam and Penny for the photos.
Five cruisers joined the Bank Holiday cruise to the Deben: Avocet, Curlew, Irene, Moonshine & Woodwind.
The cruise kicked off with a continental breakfast meeting in the Clubhouse and a leisurely trip down to the cruiser assembly point (Boyton Dock) for a BBQ. An early morning start on the Sunday (Wind WSW F4/5) was required to take the rise down the coast and into the Deben and to allow time for a ‘Big Ferry’ fried breakfast at Felixstowe Ferry. With full bellies, and in good spirits, the cruisers progressed (auxiliary and under sail) up to Ramsholt, to join Woodwind and Curlew for further socialising and enjoyment of Suffolk produce. A pleasant evening at the Ramsholt Arms and then aboard Avocet ended a perfect day. An early start, 0600, for Curlew, Irene and Moonshine on Sunday morning was called for to take the weakest part of the flood out of the Deben and up the coast in gusty winds, WSW F3-5. It was fantastic sailing in slight seas. Avocet and Woodwind dropped their moorings a few hours later to ensure full recuperation after the previous day’s exertions. Thanks to Fred Harris, Janette Lee, Kay Laskey, Paul Eaton, Margaret and Robin Smith for making such an enjoyable cruise.
Eight cruisers joined the dinghies for another beat down the river. Some cruisers in their rush to beat the queue forgot where their halyards were and sped down under engine. Thanks to Lizzie, Dawn, Robert and all the helpers who provided a fantastic lunch: the beetroot salad was to die for! Moonshine & Avocet, in support of the hardy campers, spent the night in Butley Creek and had another gusty sail (SW 6/7) back on Sunday. Unfortunately, Avocet lost a forestay on the return journey, which required some speedy work from Robert and Margaret to save the mast before returning to their mooring.
Unfortunately this annual highlight was cancelled due to poor weather.
A big thank you to Phil and Chris who made us all welcome and laid on a fantastic evening in their wonderful beach house. The SSC/SOCA cruisers: Avocet, Bydand, Galatea, Irene, Moonshine and Whisker, experienced another exhilarating beat down the coast and into the Stour. The SW wind gusting 6/7 at times made the calm arrival, in no wind at all, a joyous one. A large fry-up for all on Bydand made for a civilised start to the Sunday with Robert, in his pinafore, excelling in the galley. Wrabness: Café Bydand The return journey was a fantastic experience and a boat watchers dream with a fun beat in F3/4 out of the Orwell (it could have been Cowes – it was so busy). A broad reach up the coast made for a great cruiser race with boats closely bunched all the way to the Orford Haven buoy.
Three cruisers: Avocet, Galatea and Moonshine had a lively beat down the coast to Stone Point (SW 4/5). The unfavourable forecast (F6 in the morning) restricted departure and numbers The wind put paid to the idea of a BBQ through fear of sandblasting, however as the evening progressed the wind died away and crews enjoyed a lovely walk on the beach followed by drinks while the sun dropped behind the sunken barges. Some crews took advantage of the warm calm night to enjoy a swim and experience the bioluminescence close up. The sail back on Sunday afternoon, following a lazy summer’s morning of beach walks, fishing, coffee and cake, was in light SW winds (F2/F4) and with worsening visibility. June and Des on Cygnet were a surprise encounter off Wadgate Ledge.
The entrance, and trip back up the river with the flood, was in thick fog with visibility below 200 metres. Curlew experienced the worst of the conditions on her return from the Deben.
Nine dinghies (including 2 juniors) and three cruisers took part in the cruise to Orford / Sail For Gold Day. It was overcast and a hard beat to Orford, but the grey morning improved and the sun made an appearance for the picnic lunch on the river bank. The wind increased for a lively sail back to Slaughden.
The journey to Snape was an eventful one. The wind was again blowing hard. A North Easterly Force 5, with plenty of force 6 squalls. 6 boats set off, 3 sailing and 3 motoring, accompanied by Alan Carr and Luke Cousins in the rescue boat.
Leslie had to return with a bent mast, but joined the trip on the safety boat.
Jessica and Di did a capsize drill early on to check all was well... that the boat could be righted quickly and efficiently, that the wetsuits were filled with the optimum amount of water...
Michael and Janette made swift passage in their reefed tender Amber.
Once the mud at Iken had been traversed a well earned lunch was enjoyed on the beach.
The motor boats set off for Slaughden, the two sailing dinghies set sail for Snape, pausing only to tack, tack, tack more times than I thought possible in order to follow the snake like route as indicted by subtely coded 'withies' - 'straight' for port and 'with branches' for starboard.
On arrival at Snape we enjoyed ice creams, hot drinks and beer before setting off back for yet more 'nose in the reeds' tacks.
The sail back from Iken was absolutely amazing, more than sufficient to remove all of the Iken mud. Michael and Janette made it back despite their rudder parting company with their boat - secret training for that 'no rudder race'.
All in all about 20 members took part in the day in one way or another - hopefully a good day had by all. I for one am looking forward to doing it all over again next year. Thanks to Allen & Luke in the safety boat.
- more photos in the 2011 Photo Gallery
Four boats cruised. Unfortunately strong winds and unfavourable forecast resulted in a split fleet, with Moonshine and Irene returning to Butley and Avocet continuing south to join Galatea in Levington. Avocet's experienced problems:
Well done to Jack and Kay in Curlew for being the only boat to venture down river. The forecast of strong winds limited participation.
A gentle breeze and mild conditions were ideal for the Shakeout Sail. Twelve boats took to the water, nine made passage to Little Japan, five via Stanny Creek. Lunch and a rest were enjoyed by all, before returning to Slaughden. Penny and Chris Best stayed local, practising for the forthcoming Thaw Racing Series. The Faversham helmed by Aernout looked quite majestic and Nick and Loraine took to the water for the first time in their Miracle, Potemkin. A good day had by all. Thanks to Leslie and Harry on the power boat.
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