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

Dear Ditch-crawlers,

Never mind about England not winning Euro 2004 - the important trophy is in the bag. The Anglia Group have brought back the International Paints Trophy from Rutland Water for the third year running.

There were nine boats attending this year, plus a 'ghost' boat that teamed up with the Orroms, making their first visit to the rally in SIVFiesta. Being busy people Howard and Hilary arrived too late to launch on Friday evening and believe me, dry land was the best place to be that night, as we were berthed on a lee quayside and got thrown about something rotten. Some of us crawled off our boats feeling quite green in the morning - and this on Rutland Water!

This clearly indicates that Saturday was windy, causing all boats to start reefed, excepting one who couldn't. Yes, we had to take the tape off our reefing holes... This didn't significantly slow us down, although we were beaten to the first finishing line by our partner SIII Omebac.

By this time we were able to shake out the reefs, especially with a crew like Brian, who is prepared to sit out over the side deck (and get a very wet posterior). Sula continued to fly in spite of all my efforts to slow her down, and won the second morning race and the longer one in the afternoon, which we did have to work hard for, just pipping SIII Girl Pat II to the line.

One of the most necessary skills was to identify the rusty and badly painted marks, mostly not where they are supposed to be, and some not there at all! It doesn't help that much to be at the back because the boats in front will be heading in at least three different directions.

Sunday was a beautiful day, and had a good start for two reasons - one being that my old school-mate Della turned up for breakfast with a bag of croissants. The other was that Alf Baldwin, who has been very poorly, arrived with his daughter and went for a sunny sail with Tony Eden on SIII Blessim, escorted by SII Polly, which delighted us all.

Then we all headed for a picnic in Barnsdale Creek, where the spectator sport was to watch various crews getting on and off their beached Silhouettes, with or without getting wet or muddy or falling in or over. We have noticed that at least one crew always stays aboard and we think it's high time they came ashore and gave the spectators a laugh. (You know who you are...)

Also enjoying a first visit to the rally were Bob Legg's wife Marion, crewing Omebac for the first time (and they won the first race!), and Mike Atkins, who came without his boat but was gratefully received as a crew on SII Joanna.

For the third time (at least...) Sula and Joanna were in collision - don't know what it is about those two boats unless it's because they are both green, so Sula in currently in dock being de-dented in time for Brightlingsea. Talking of which...

As usual some boats will be launching on Thursday at Tollesbury, others on Friday, andd some may sail down from Ipswich or up from the Blackwater, but the idea is for everyone to coincide on the Brightlingsea pontoons on Saturday, where with luck the harbour master will be expecting us. We will dine at the Colne Yacht Club (new chef) and there meet up with any intrepid travellers who come by road. We will aim to arrive at the club around 7pm and eat to suit the Yacht Club, probably about 8pm. The Colne Yacht Club overlooks the Brightlingsea Hard. Eating numbers would be helpful.

High Water Harwich (BST):

Thurs 8th July....... 1708

Fri 9th ....... 1759

Sat 10th................. 0642, 1854

Sun 11th..... 0740, 1954

Differences: Brightlingsea +23 Ipswich +20 Bradwell +29 (Tollesbury similar)

Tides: approaching neaps.

Other important dates:

Plymouth National Rally: 14th - 20th August

Broads Rally: 11 - 12th September. (Anglia Group)

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

THE LAST MEETING as described by Bett Julier, was fairly select, mainly because a record seven of us made it to Rutland Water this year, and the conversation was of boats, aeroplanes and motorbikes. Bill and Bett had had a couple of weeks in Greece, the first being on a charter boat, and while we were enjoying non-stop sunshine they had two stormbound days and another cold, wet day. Not fair!

New Member Derek Wilding from Eye in Suffolk, visited us at Rutland Water to have a good look at our boats. He is looking for a reasonably priced Silhouette, and seems to have leanings towards an SIII, even after looking over the beautiful Sula. A sound wooden boat would also be considered, so if anyone knows of any boats locally please ring him on 01379 678737.

Last gasp... Hope to see lots of you at Brightlingsea, by road, sea or air!