The first official voyage of a Marconi squadron, was once again to our unofficial second base at Brightlingsea. A few crews made the official "Briefing" in the "Briefing Room" (Mamgu Bar) on Friday evening, a new crew actually took it seriously! Initially, the departure time was set at around 12:00ish, but during the course of the evening, a few decided to leave earlier.

Saturday dawned bright & early, but not with much wind. 10:00 arrived & Angela & I joined the first to leave. We crossed a few races, they were finding some wind, but must have been keeping it for themselves. We arrived just before 13:00 having joined a "Donkey Derby" across. Over the course of the afternoon, ELEVEN yachts arrived from Marconi with Sue & Peter eventually arriving with their new yacht Last Dream. An exceptional turnout for the beginning of the season. After an afternoon of "socialising", we met up in Winkies for our evening meal. This was attended by twenty seven diners (we rather took over their restaurant) although I only had twenty five booked. After suitably stretching the waistlines, a few retired to the Colne Yacht Club to round off the evening.

Sunday morning dawned grey & windy, with gusts to 25knots! Also quite a few boats were well & truly wedged in the mud. 10:00 saw the first departures, with Sea Pearl & Evenstar bringing up the rear. We tried sailing back, but eventually gave in & motored back to our mooring arriving at 15:30ish.

Selfishly, it was an extremely enjoyable weekend, that seemed to be reflected across the squadron. We would like to say thank you to all that made the trip, making it extremely easy, but most importantly, thoroughly enjoyable for us. Thank you.

Those that took part were, Angela & George Male - Evenstar, Neil Pembleton - Trumpeter, Mark Foster & Andy Samuel - Poacher, Ray Sparks (& family) - Viridia, Pat Black - Tamarisk, Mike & Cheryl Cutmore - Shadowfax, John Chisnal - Charlotte, Roger Mander - Varuna II, Keith Murray - Dolce Vita (another new aquisition), Ann & Dave Taverner - Sea Pearl & Peter & Sue Arnold with Last Dream.