S.O.I.A. Anglia Group newsletter - July 2004

Dear Bright-sea-lings,

Images that remain from the Brightlingsea weekend - Battling up the Blackwater into a gusty headwind on a grey Friday; seven Silhouettes rafted up on the visitors' pontoon at Maldon, a different nationality of 'takeaway' on each boat; cruising back down the Blackwater on a perfect sunny Saturday morning in company with sailing barge Nellie; nine boats and crews together on the Brightlingsea pontoon; that delicious Asparagus Mornay I ate in the Colne Yacht Club (new chef...), the fleet sailing out to the Bench Head buoy on Sunday morning, and the amazingly swift and efficient (and entertaining) retrieval of six boats at Tollesbury on Sunday evening. It was a great weekend - thanks everyone.

Six of the nine boats were from our group, with two East Midland boats and one from the South-West group. It was good to see Bob Dyer sailing his Mirror Offshore Alliand, complete with her new gaff rig.

Mike Atkins didn't head back to Tollesbury with the other Silhouettes because he had sailed down from Ipswich. Here's his account of his Sunday and his trip back:

Dear Admiral Letzer

I left Brightlingsea about 20-30 minutes after the rest of the fleet, and followed you down to the Bench Head buoy. You probably saw me. From there, I carried straight on and nudged my way into the Rays'n channel. After anchoring to wait for the tide I got into the Crouch where I rounded a buoy and headed back to Pyefleet Creek for a peaceful night. Quite a long sail to end up a mile from where I started!

The inshore forecast on Monday was NW 3-4 so I left at high water to get the ebb out of the Colne and up the Wallet. The winds were only 2-3 up to Walton but then they increased. I had to reef the main and put a few rolls in the jib but was able to sail close hauled into Harwich.

Once in the Orwell I had to start tacking. I kept this up for a while as the tide was with me, but gave up and started the motor at Levington after being almost drowned by another of those heavy showers.

Overall, the weather could have been better (less rain, more sun) but the important thing is that the winds were good and did not stop us doing anything.

Mike

Plymouth National Rally: 14th - 20th August

Broads Rally: 10 - 12th September (Anglia Group). We will be launching at The Swallow Tail Boatyard in Ludham. More details in the next newsletter.

There is also a boat jumble on Wells Harbour Day, 29th August, along with maritime stalls, demonstrations, entertainments, sea shanties and visiting craft, including the sailing trader Albatros. 01328 711064

Next Meeting: August 14th at the Orwell Yacht Club, Wherstead Road, Ipswich, 8pm

Last gasp... This is a 'Quickie' newsletter because Brian and I are about to take off on Avocet for three weeks, so there should be plenty to tell you about in the next newsletter!