16 boats participated on the cruise: Amy, Antares, Bluster, Bright Eyes, Brilliant, Captain Nancy, Glen Mist, Hornblower, Hotspur, Islander, Miranda, Nelli Kim, Rully Blue, Suffolk Legend, Tregunna, Willow of Hamble.

John and Elizabeth Harrison planned this cruise to Titchmarsh Marina, followed by a BBQ at Stone Point and a trip into Hamford Water and the Backwaters. This was only our 3rd cruise with the club, despite being members for many years. One of the advantages of now being retired!

All 16 boats arrived at Titchmarsh by mid afternoon on Wednesday. Those boats which had come from the Deben enjoyed a good sail with sunshine and favourable wind and tide. Those coming from the Orwell (especially ourselves who were late leaving) were not so lucky, with the wind and tide against us for most of the trip. We arrived at Titchmarsh at about 1.30 and were very pleased to see some of the earlier arrivals waiting for us on the hammerhead to take our lines, etc. This was especially useful as by now the wind was increasing. For any members who haven’t done a club cruise and may be wary about coming into marinas, etc everyone is always pleased to help. I always have particular problems at Titchmarsh, as the pontoons are very low. It is a long way to jump down for the vertically challenged and I always disappear from deck view holding our lines. A borrowed step made getting back on board much easier, especially later on, following SADS and dinner!

SADS were enjoyed by us all in sunshine beside the pond at the back of the marina. Delicious nibbles were provided with wine and beer which kept us going for a couple of hours. After SADS we adjourned to the busy Harbour Lights restaurant where we ordered their carvery menu – excellent value at £5.95. As well as sailors in the marina, the restaurant also seems to be very well used by the locals. Not too surprising at that price.

Thursday morning dawned bright and sunny again. Whilst many of us were inflating our dinghies in preparation for going ashore to BBQ at Stone Point, Rully Blue and Antares sadly had to head back to the Deben. We left Titchmarsh just before midday and made the short trip down river to Stone Point where we anchored and went ashore clutching our portable bbq, sausages, burgers, salads, etc. It was amazing how much was forgotten and left on board – plates, matches, rugs. Must be a sign of old age approaching! With all the disposable bbq’s eventually lit, there was much discussion and market research on the merits of the different models. The consensus was that the Budgen’s model was the winner. Our own from B&Q was definitely not to be recommended.

Following an extremely enjoyable time ashore in the sunshine, some boats set off towards Hamford Water – 6 boats anchored for the night where the four closest enjoyed pre dinner drinks afloat. Other boats returned to Titchmarsh Marina.

As so often happens, the best laid plans have to change. The Thursday evening forecast was for increasing winds during the next few days. Sadly, early on Friday morning the flotilla expedition up Landamere Creek was cancelled due to strong winds and boats began their return journeys to home ports.

Many thanks to Elizabeth and John for all their hard work in organising an extremely enjoyable cruise.

Sheila Craig
Suffolk Legend