The weather forecast was for wind F2 gusting 3 Northerly, cold (6-8 degrees), sunny intervals and dry. High tide to be at around 13:48, height 3m, neap tide. With this in mind the plan was to head upriver on the tide to Heybridge or Maldon, hopefully for a beer and chips or tea and cake somewhere, aiming to return on the ebb at around 3-4 pm.
Water temperature would be quite cold this time of year so dry suits, thermal layers, hats and gloves were worn. Each boat had an outboard in case the wind decided to stop.
Six of us in three Wayfarers: Blue Moon, Pelican and Merlin set off in brilliant sunshine and a gentle breeze, just enough to sail in over almost smooth water. Tide and wind took us to Mill Beach in about an hour for the lunch stop.
With the wind picking up a bit and shifting towards the east we decided to sail up Colliers Reach and round the back of Northey Island, almost high tide made the causeway crossing easy. Sailing in the lee of an island can lead to wind shifts; attention has to paid to them if your course has some fixed way points. The Maldon rowing race was in action and at least two sail clubs had cadet training events ongoing. Steered well clear of the cadets, there were lots of them.
The day was remarkably sunny and it really felt warm in the light airs. We were very fortunate, especially thinking of the recent grim dull weather.
A pleasant sail back to the main channel and then round the back of Osea to MSC at about 15:00.
More pictures of the day can be seen here.
Report and pictures courtesy of Tim Sweet.
