Drascombe Association rally, River Blackwater 15-17th July

13.6nm, Season's total 257.1nm

As luck would have it, a dirty great low pressure system parked itself over the British Isles, doing its best to scupper rally plans.  However, a number of hardy boats stood up to mother nature, and went for a Saturday sail across to the Ray Channel which runs west of Mersea Island, anchoring in the lee of the northern tip of Ray Island.  This provided welcome shelter from F5-6 south westerly winds, but the rain still poured throughout lunchtime.  Highlights included a perfectly executed manoeuvre, choreographed by Steve Maynard, leading to the fusion of two separate rafts of boats.  A couple of boats, Drifter Moonstone VIII and Coaster Pamela peeled away soon after high tide, making a dash for Bradwell, but coasters Spray, Virginia and Daisy II stayed a while longer, and were rewarded by the best weather of the weekend, and a fantastic thrash against wind and tide on the return trip to Bradwell, topping out at 7.7knts (although, to be fair, this was when we were being pulled out to sea by the ebb - should have stuck to the shallower waters of the northerly shore - I live and learn!). 

Other than this, much good company, including a barbecue on Saturday evening, kindly hosted by Bradwell Quay Yacht Club, and a Sunday walk along the sea wall to 'St Peter's on the Wall' Chapel.  By then, the F5-7 forecast with squally, thundery showers had pretty much put an end to further sailing...as well as my camera, which still won't work, despite the airing cupboard treatment...
...but at least we managed some sailing the day before.
Pictures of skipper's briefing, Saturday morning, kindly supplied by David Lewin:

And another snap, the only one so far of some sailing action, kindly donated by Nick Payne:

Drifter: Moonstone VIII

Coaster: Virginia

Yours truly

Gin palace!

Evening social, Bradwell Quay Yacht Club

Barbecue and rain, an inevitable combination...

recovery of  Sapphire

No, you need to put hands on knees like that....

Typical weatherscape...

St Peter's chapel

July 9th, Blackwater pre-rally sail



22.5nm; 243.5nm in total

 Next week is the Drascombe Association River Blackwater rally.  This week, couldn't be called a 'dry' run, because it was anything but dry, and the tides were doing the opposite of what will happen next week.  Hence, instead of being swept upstream, I was swept out to sea, and took the opportunity to take in the River Colne, as well as parts of Mersea Quarters.  Strong, gusty south westerly F4/5 led to some heavy seas, but great for a run with jib and mizzen.  Maximum speed over 6 knots.
Exhilarating day's sail which had the added excitement of hearing, and then witnessing the aftermath of a mayday call on the VHF - a boat claiming it had collided with another, and was taking on water.  Thames Coastguard sent out the troops, and I passed them as they were returning to Brightlingsea - boat, rescue boat, and interested flotilla.

July 1-2 Orwell, Stour

15.5nm, 221.0nm total

Another Friday 'getaway'.  Winds very light and fickle.  Certainly a change from recent weeks but too far the other way.  What would be really good would be some steady F3/4 conditions.  We've been missing this.
White track shows the trip on Friday - motored down the Orwell until just beyond Levington.  Then sailed round to the Stour, and spent the night anchored off Ewarton Ness.
Red track shows return trip on Saturday morning where winds were virtually non existent. Sailed briefly down the Stour from the anchorage, and also, for a few tacks upon entering the Orwell.  However, most of the progress was made with the tide and, in the end, I gave up and used the motor!!

Friday June 24th

5.3nm, 205.5nm

Friday was going to be my only chance for a sail this weekend due to other commitments.  So, stole out of work at the bell, and rushed down to Pin Mill.  Had a marvellous time with all 3 up, unreefed, F3/4 beating my way upstream, and then a good run back to base.  This has to be the first time for many weekends that the winds were relatively benign - and even then, the boat heeled over considerably during the gusts.  So, it was certainly worth it, just for the short time I was there, particularly since the wind then took off again the next day.  We must seize our moments...!