 |
| Peaceful anchorage in Bradwell Creek |
This was the Blackwater Rally which almost didn't happen. Plans had been abandoned due to lack of interest, and then Lugger Eileen Mary became a very late participant. So, an informal rally was resurrected. We agreed to use anchorages rather than marinas and the resulting adventure was just as fun, and probably with even more sailing.
 |
| Eileen Mary making the most of the vespers of wind on offer. |
On Saturday, we motored with the flood tide upstream, past Osea where the wind slowly worked itself into action, and then on to Heybridge.
 |
| At last, something filling the sails... |
 |
| Running down to Heybridge |
 |
| Looking back towards Osea Island |
Once past Heybridge, we went round Northey Island, and back downstream with the now fresh ebb. The wind picked up as I passed Goldhanger Creek, particularly with the ebb driving us on. Winds were SE F3 and, once past Stone (where I put some Drascombe literature in the cockpits of the moored coasters
Maid of Stone and
Wagtail) we had a pleasant reach at speeds of up to 6 knots, up to the power station.
 |
| Winds were spicier returning back downstream with the ebb |
Late afternoon, we retired to Bradwell Creek for the evening.
 |
| Evening anchorage in Bradwell Creek. |
The next morning, winds were non-existent. In somewhat gloomy drizzle, we motored across to Tollesbury - where more literature found its way into the cockpit of Drascombe Longboat (or was it Lugger?) Aaron. Subsequently, we paid a visit to West Mersea, before returning to Bradwell and recovering boats.
 |
| David and Goliath |
 |
| Sculling into position at Bradwell Marina. |
 |
| Red track: Saturday 18th May, 22.2nm; White track: Sunday 19th May, 10.4nm. Total trip length: 32.6nm |
No comments:
Post a Comment