WIP River Orwell - Drascombe Association Rally

Participants:
Coasters: Daisy II, Robcat II
Luggers: Jimbo, Rita May
Winkle Brig: Cockle.
plus a Mirror Dinghy!

We haven't been back to the River Orwell for a Drascombe Association rally for several years and, as this was supposed to be a 'grand fleet' event in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Drascombes, Suffolk Yacht Harbour at Levington seemed the perfect venue.  For some reason, our fleet was somewhat smaller than expected, but no less enjoyable for it.  The select company had two splendid days of sailing in some quite testing winds and made the most of this delightful river.

16.9nm

We gathered on Friday and Saturday morning.  Levington Marina, as it is often called, shows few signs of the austerity which has afflicted the rest of the country.  The latest edition to several impressive new buildings is a shower block with marble effect fittings, heated seats in the showers, and fancy lights which fire up when one pulls at the soap dispenser.  Still, the Haven Ports Yacht Club continues to offer good fare and we ate well and in good company each evening.

Winds throughout the weekend were strong and quite gusty - F5 gusting 6 at times, from the south on Saturday with more of a south westerly feel on Sunday.  Nonetheless, it was pleasing that all  confronted these challenging conditions, well reefed,  participating in the sails each day.
On Saturday, we made our way upstream with the tide, and returned to Pin Mill for an HW picnic lunch on the green,  Kings boatyard kindly allowed us to raft up on their excellent pontoon.

On Sunday, we sailed against the tide up into Harwich harbour and anchored to take a look at the ever imposing and incredible container ships, before returning to harbour to take out boats and return home.