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...!

Sunday June 19th

No track today, but some photos.  Arrived at the boat with Sally, Gilly, Mark & Kris, only to find that the lock mechanism to the cabin had broken, leaving us locked out.  We still managed a sail, though but I was unable to access any electrics.  I would guess at about 5nm.  The inshore forecast was F5-7, gusting F8 at first.  As with yesterday, things weren't that bad up the Orwell, and we motored our way up towards the Orwell bridge for a bite of lunch, and then, with reefed main jib and mizzen, we had a splendid run downstream almost as far as Levington.  Winds were very variable, and the gusts needed careful handling.  Must have hit speeds of at least 6 knots - pity there was no GPS to prove it.  Then motored back to base, and had a pleasant birthday meal in honour of the Captain, in the Butt & Oyster.

I'm guessing 5nm, probably more, so the season's total now stands at 200.2nm.



Captain's wife makes a rare but welcome appearance




motoring back to the mooring

 



view of Butt & Oyster spoilt by some bloke in the foreground...

 




the closest I'll ever get to a trapeze!