September 12, Hickling Broad

This was intended as a trial run for the Drascombe Rally to be held at this venue next weekend.  In the event, I had such a splendid sail, that at 6pm, I phoned my wife, who would have been expecting me home imminently, and said I was still one hour away from Hickling (not to mention the further 2 hours drive back home...) I'm lucky to have such an understanding wife!!!

 If the weather does this next week, we'll be in for a truly wonderful time.  Unfortunately, as I write this, things have taken a turn towards Autumn...

12.4nm, which makes a total track this season of 342.7nm



Hickling Broad



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September 4, River Blackwater

Went for a sail in, for me, uncharted waters, with my sister-in-law Gilly, nephew James, plus Sally and Tom.  Launched at Bradwell Marina and had a wonderful sail with the outgoing tide as far as the mouth of the River Colne, and then a marvellous broad reach/run back with the new flood.  Wind was ESE, F3/4.  For most of the journey, we used reefed main with jib and mizzen; on the return trip, I shook out the reef, and we often topped 6 knts.  What particularly struck me was the sheer expanse of water even at low tide.  Clearly, the South East corner of Mersea Island has some issues concerning depth, but the remainder of the sail was simply glorious.  Easterly winds against the ebb left some wonderful waves to negotiate, and we all had a good dose of saltwater - all added to the excitement.
We anchored off the southern shore of Mersea Island for some well-earned lunch.

Today's track was 15.5nm; season's total now stands at 328.3nm.

Slipway at Bradwell Marina

The slipway at Bradwell Marina.  The costs were £16, payable at the office.  The slipway is relatively narrow, but with a gentle gradient.  The water is shallow at low tide; I launched at HW+4hrs, and, whilst the lower reaches were very slippery, the car coped well.  Recovery was equally straight forward.  Definitely recommended.

                                                                                                                                                                               

Happy crew

Return to Bradwell

August 27 - Rutland Water

GPS image of sailing track at Rutland

Time for a change!  I took Daisy II off her mooring on August 25th intending to do some sailing at other locations and, eventually, to attend the Drascombe Association Norfolk Broads rally organised for September.  Finally, the weather cleared up, and the first stop was Rutland Water.  I've been here before but not for a couple of years.  Despite incessant rain over the past few days, the reservoir was lower than I have previously experienced - by at least a couple of metres.  Launched at Whitwell Watersports centre - good value at £10 for use of a very straightforward, user-friendly slipway.  13.2nm later, returned to the same slip.  For some reason, boats were not allowed to go in the south-western arm of the reservoir which is a shame - it would have been good to do it all.  Wind was Northerly, gusting 3-4 initially, but eventually settled down and then completed disappeared - just as well I was close to the slipway by that stage - no engines allowed at Rutland.  Total distance now stands at 312.8nm. 

The following images show some points of interest - firstly, the engineering feat that Rutland Water must be.  The trees from this wood obviously had to be felled in order to facilitate the reservoir - all that is left are these worn out stumps!  Secondly, the slipway which is remarkably user-friendly.

Triffids...

The slipway at Whitwell

August 17-18; Orwell, Dovercourt bay, Walton Backwaters - a new jib!!

Following an extended absence (family holiday in USA) it was time to fit my new jib - superb workmanship from R&J Sails.  Took a brief trip on 17th (red track).  Then, on 18th, following a loppy night on the mooring - westerley wind against the tide - took an extended day cruise leaving the mooring at 7.15am.  Leaving the mooring at HW, I sailed out through Harwich harbour, across Dovercourt Bay and anchored off Horsey Island in the Walton Backwaters for 'brunch' at 10.30am.  I then returned to base, with a brief anchorage in Dovercourt Bay, finishing off with a wonderful beat up the Orwell back to base.  Wind on the 18th was F4-5 Westerley.  Sailing the entire way, the eventual log was 25.2nm.  This brings the season's total to: 299.6nm.

Next week, I shall run another trip (weather permitting) and then take the boat off the mooring, and launch again on the Norfolk Broads, in preparation for the forthcoming Drascombe Association Hickling Broad Rally in mid September.