July 3rd High pressure sitting in a favourable position for the start of the Crouch cruise. Most of the Deben boats had a pleasant sail around to Shotley (others anchored or were already on the Orwell) all ready for an early morning start on Monday. Weather was clear and with a gentle breeze we all took the tide down the Wallet. The entrance to the Crouch made more interesting by the addition of some new buoyage; which had the binoculars in use on every yacht. By 1400 hrs most of the 12 boats were berthed safely in Burnham Yacht Harbour. I say safely; because no one fell in ! (The pontoons being very very wobbly there). S.A.D.S. were held in the picnic area over looking the river and Bar-b-Qs were lit. Boules matches were held and a jolly evening was had by all.

The wind was beginning to pipe up on the Tuesday but we all went about our business enjoying the delights of sunny Burnham. The Queens Head was the next venue for a gathering. A real ale pub. They put on a super evening with a big welcome, a bowl of delicious curry and sea shanties; which encouraged a few tunes from our club’s singers. Some of the locals joined in and one of John Warwick’s jokes was over-heard being told in another pub the following evening ! So they must have enjoyed it as much as we did. During the night the winds had increased to a force 6 or 7. The decision was made to stay put, on Wednesday, rather than being rafted up on the exposed linier pontoon at Fambridge. Some of the smaller boats were adventurous and went off to explore the more sheltered areas of Bridgemarsh Marina up Althorne Creek and to the Marina at Fambridge. Others used their bus passes ! It was discovered; that it was Anne and Philip Beven-Thomas’s 55th wedd ing anniversary so that was cause for much celebration on Sea Witch.

No let up in the wind for Thursday, the sneaky low pressure was sitting put. The wind was still blowing hard on Friday; so the Cruise was extended by a day. There was more conviviality, coffees, drinks, suppers together; the time soon passed pleasantly the weather forecast being the main subject of discussion ! Farewell to Burnham drinks for 18 were held on Brilliant. Saturday morning the forecast was only 4s and 5s so the fleet left early and enjoyed a cracking sail home. Thanks to every one who came and helped us all to enjoy being “Banged up in Burnham.”

Boats taking part were Amy, Atheya, Amata, Bluster, Brillant, Gansa, Gelderloos, Glenmist, Kalypso, Myrtle, Piper and Sea Witch.

Bernice Richens – Gansa

Thanks to Rod and Bernice for a well planned Cruise with excellent sailing to the Crouch and back. – John H.