Marconi Sailing Club
Membership open to all
Dinghies
Cruising 2004
Saturday 19th June - Maldon Prom
(High Tide 14:31)
Our first Cruise-in-Company event took place on Saturday 19th June 2004. The weather was bright and breezy as we prepared the boats, most deciding to start with a reef as the wind seemed quite strong.
Taking part were:
Eric Harrison and Laura in a Wanderer
Colin Wardell with Harry, Catherine and Jack in their Wayfarer
Pat Shaw and Sophia in the Laser Stratos who were joined by Andy Masson
Dave and Kate (me) Willliams in the GP14
Dave gave us a quick briefing on the expected weather conditions and we planned our route. We started with a "shake-down" sail, to Stone SC and back, to get a feel for the weather conditions and to check that the boats were rigged correctly for the conditions.
When we were all happy, we set off up-river and into Lawling Creek towards Maylandsea. Sneaking round the spit, we had delightful views of two seals, high and dry on the mud awaiting the rising tide. As we rounded the bend into Mundon Creek, Dave gave us a bit of navigation practise with a slalom course around the mooring buoys.
We sailed right up to Maylandsea Bay YC and rounded their No.1 mark before returning down river. Holding the north shore, we spotted a Little Egret in flight, Common Terns fishing and some Lapwings on the mud. The tide was rising fast now but still the seals were sitting it out; with just head and tail showing above the water! We landed on the end of the Spit opposite Steeple Bay Caravan Park for a snack and a drink. David Ball, in his RS600, had already caught us up near Maylandsea Bay and now Jenny and David joined us in Jen's Dart 15.
The sun came out and the wind eased so, after a 20 minute break and shaking out the reefs, we launched again and headed into the main river channel for our trip up to Maldon. We all enjoyed a lively but sunny sail to the Prom Park for Ice Cream, Chips, Tea, Coffee.
After a while the sky started to darken and the tide had turned so it was time to set off. On the return journey we sneaked over the Northey Island causeway and sailed along the south side of the island. Just as we reached the east end of the island the squalls started to reach us, both wind and sea condition changing rapidly.
We all decided we would abandon the planned trip into Mayland Creek and head straight for the Club. We all arrived back safely, if a bit wet, and agreed that it had been an enjoyable and adventurous day out.
Kate Williams
Saturday 4th September - West Mersea
(High Tide 16:58)
Full report to follow.
If you would like further information, please contact:
David Ball - Handicap Fleet Captain
Email via info@marconi-sc.org.uk
Page last updated: 03/10/2004 20:55:44