Today, winds were northerly, and variable in strength: fairly hefty F5/6 gusts with darker clouds overhead and, at blue sky moments, F3. Leaving the mooring a couple of hours before HW, the aim was to enjoy a sail up and down the Stour, using the northerly wind and the tide. This involved motor sailing against the tide on the way down the Orwell, and then motoring back up the first stretch of the Orwell on the return. Otherwise, I started with jib and single reefed main, adding a second reef in the main after lunch anchored off Ewarton. Even with doubled reefed main and reefed jib, regular speeds in excess of 6knots were recorded - which was precisely why the Stour was a great river on which to sail today.
On the way back up the Orwell, past Suffolk Yacht Harbour, the mizzen was also unfurled and I managed this piece of video:
Today was also notable for the launching of other Drascombes near Pin Mill. Lugger
Truant was on the hard, ready to float off her trailer.
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| Lugger launching, Truant-style |
Also, I received a text from the owner of coaster
Valentine, featured in
last summer's Blackwater cruise. She is apparently launched just upstream at Royal Harwich Yacht Club and ready to play!
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| 17.0nm; top speed 7 knots (with tide). |
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