Cruisers & Cruiser Racers
On the last weekend in September, two trophies were up for grabs in the Cruiser/Racer Fleet. Tucker Brown Cup (28th September) Saturday saw the Tucker Brown cup, which is an historic Cup, first presented in 1969. The race is always traditionally sailed with white Sails only, allowing no Spinnakers to be used. The weather was dry and sunny day with 10-15 knots of Breeze. It was Santa Evita that got away at the start and there was nothing that could catch her. She won on corrected time, by a massive 17 minutes.
Santa Evita, has had much success this season and it was a glorious way to finish her 2024 season, with a double whammy.
The weather provided a brilliant end to the cruise programme, clear blue skies, scintillating seas and a nice breeze. Our trip in Foo to The Pyefleet via the Spitway was delightful and uneventful, arriving at our allocated mooring at 15.00hrs.
The arrangements were simple enough, I would pick up our seafood from a cool box located behind the Colchester Oyster Co. buildings. Your intrepid correspondent duly set off in the inflatable only to find that their oyster shell hard down to the water’s edge finished 10 foot away from low water, which should have been no problem because I cannily brought wellies with me. However the soft mud of East Mersea soon crept over the top of them and filled me boots. Oh jolly japes! Undaunted I carried out my task and picked up the seafood, abandoned said wellies, sloshed water around my trousers and delivered Reality’s supper and was rewarded with wine.
Guy and Sarah kindly invited us all to eat our seafood on Wigeon which included shucking one and a half dozen oysters creating a lovely mess, but what a lovely way to spend an evening, particularly as it was The Last Night of the Proms, which we all raucously accompanied, including all standing for Rule Britannia! A good night in good company.
Dawn promised another fine day and we were treated to the sight of 11 moored Thames barges accompanied with beautiful fishing smacks, all peacefully lying at anchor in the morning sunshine.
After bacon butties and a little time spent with the weekend papers, we dropped our mooring and took off for the Spitway and Burnham. It was interesting to note, coming into the Crouch, the absence of boats on the river on a gorgeous September Sunday afternoon. So different from days of yore. Although we did see our Commodore on his way back to the Blackwater.
That’s the last of our programmed cruises for 2024 although we do have a timed log and last raft up to come
However Foo decided to wait for an improvement in the weather and eventually got away to Bradwell 3 days later, our eventual destination being Heybridge Basin where we duly arrived. The canal is locked before it enters the river Blackwater and so locking in can only take place at high water, plus or minus an hour. For those who have not been there, it is a very pretty and peaceful mooring. The toilet facilities are basic but clean.
Shopping is a pleasant mile’s walk along the canal tow path or there is the Tiptree Jam cafe along the sea wall. More importantly, there are two pubs, the best of which is the Jolly Sailor which has a restaurant and also offer a reasonable take away menu which includes a seafood platter. So, it wasn’t St. Kats but was a nice alternative to the hustle and bustle of the big city, and on our doorstep.
Don’t forget the upcoming Ipswich/Orwell Odyssey, 10th August. Trip to include Shotley, Woolverstone with the Butt and Oyster walk, and Ipswich. Time permitting Foo may take a look at Orford on the River Ore. Tbc. Should any members be interested in attending, please give Peter Howard a call 07775 753880
Boats attending, Peg Leg, Evie Bee, Ragamuffin, Caticus and Foo
Well, Glastonbury eat your heart out, I mean, why would you want to go to Somerset when there are sea shanties on offer at Fambridge!
14 crew members arrived at Fambridge all ready to “Wey hay and away we’ll go, donkey riding, donkey riding etc. etc”, and of course “What on earth would we do with the drunken sailor earlie in the morning”!
But first it was gins and things on Foo to lubricate the tonsils for the night ahead.
By due time we were ensconced in the River Breeze Cafe where we were fed and watered and entertained by Nick Parsons and his trusty, worthy band.
France’s persistence in requesting Ragamuffin,(an old sea shanty), was eventually rewarded when the band played it as an encore. Later it was explained to our Parisian friend that the reason she got so many funny looks, whilst making her, rather raucous, requests, was due to the alternative, rather coarser, definition of Ragamuffin!
Congratulations must go to Jono and Lizi in Caticus for their inaugural outing to a marina. We all had a first time once, albeit, for some of us it was a long time ago.We are looking forward to seeing Caticus and crew at our future outings.
Also a welcome to Martin and Lesley in Ragamuffin.
Coming up is the St. Katharine Dock trip, 5th July, three boats attending, as well as the Brightlingsea Regatta for those interested.
Unfortunately Foo will be at St. Katharine’s so will not be attending Brightlingsea.
Don’t forget the upcoming Ipswich/Orwell Odyssey, 10th August. Trip to include Shotley, Woolverstone with the Butt and Oyster walk, and Ipswich.
Time permitting Foo may take a look at Orford on the River Ore. Tbc.
Should any members be interested in attending, please give Peter Howard a call 07775 753880
Boats Attending.
Peg Leg, Scarlett, Evie Bee, Ragamuffin, Reality and Foo. 16 crew in total.
I can report that, for the second year running, our raft up in the Yokesfleet Creek was a glorious success weather wise and conviviality wise, both could not have been better as our photos can endorse.
Seven boats attended, which included the Wise’s rib, (hopefully Jane will be launched shortly), all boats arriving at various times during the day. Peg Leg and Foo acted as anchor boats whilst Ragamuffin chose to moor solo, as they were returning to Burnham that night, and Reality berthed alongside Peg Leg.
Three inflatables ensured that ferrying between boats was easy and your correspondent was allowed to drive an electric outboard, a first for him, and an impressive experience it was too. However, Mrs Howard, recognising the gleam in his eye, informed him that he couldn’t afford it before he said anything!
By 18.00hrs we were all ensconced on Scarlett and Foo eating our victuals and toasting the pleasures of the Yokesfleet, all observed by the odd seal.
Of course and after lots of toasting, the younger element of the company decided to have an impromptu disco on the party boat, Scarlett, which would have been to the disapproval of your old correspondent, until they started playing Elvis, and in particular, “Girl of My Best Friend”, after which, he was all over the place!
However, nothing eclipses the sheer magic of a spectacular sunset and majesty of a rising moon and the tranquil stillness of a sparkling morning. We are so lucky to have all of this natural beauty within 5 miles of our Club.
Peg Leg, Reality and Foo remained at anchor on Sunday and long lunched on Peg Leg arriving back at 17.00hrs.
Next up, a reminder about next week,29th June, where we are going to Fambridge Marina for a meal in the River Breeze Cafe entertained with sea shanties by a seven piece string band. Should you like to join us by boat or road please contact me. mob. 07775 753880
Also, it’s not too late to book in for our St. Katharine Dock cruise via Queenborough, commencing 5th July ’24. All are welcome.
Peter Howard
Cruise to West Mersea 25th/26th May ‘24
Our first cruise of the season went well with 3 boats attending, Peg Leg, Scarlet and Foo.
The fine weather going round the Raysand Channel ensured an enjoyable sail for Peg Leg and a milk run for the motor boats. As the WMYC were hosting the EAORA fleet we were relegated to the Mersea Quarters on individual mooring buoys (without rope tails!). However their excellent launch service delivered the crews to Foo where jolly aperitifs were served with a surfeit of olives and nibbles.
The jaunty launchman was summoned and we were delivered to the town jetty and a short walk to the Club where 11 of us sat down for dinner. The Club making us very welcome.
The Mersea Quarters chop ensured an uncomfortable night’s sleep and with dawn came an unsettled weather forecast prompting our fleet to leave and catch the flood over the Raysand in case the wind increased above the 20 knot gusts predicted. With a good deal of wind Peg Leg flew home arriving back before the motor boats.
A short trip which blew out the winter cobwebs and no less enjoyable for it.
Up Coming Events
Mid Summer raft up 21st June
Our next event is the Mid Summer Raft up, Friday night, 21st June and I would suggest we anchor in the Yokesfleet Creek where those Druids that want to, can stay overnight.
St. Katharine’s Dock cruise
5th to 13th July ‘24
Due to interest shown in a cruise to St. Katharine’s Dock, we are revising the programme to include St. Katharine’s on the 5th to 13th July and putting back the Orwell Odyssey to 10th to 16th August ’24.
With regard to St. Katharine’s Dock, we propose to overnight at Queenborough, and take the morning flood tide up the Thames arriving Tower Bridge at midday. Departure left to individual boats. Foo will leave 13th July. At this time they have vacant berths but this may change.
Brightlingsea Regatta 5th to 6th July ‘24
For those who would prefer to stay closer to home, Brightlingsea are holding a regatta and fireworks 5th to 6th July. I would recommend that you contact Brightlingsea Harbour, tel. 01206 302200 to reserve a berth.
Orwell Odyssey 10th to 16th August ‘24
A cruise taking in Woolverstone, (including the Pin Mill walk), historic Ipswich and Levington.
If any member is interested in any of our events please contact Peter Howard mob. 07775 753880
by Cobra - May 2024
The Patterson Cup on Saturday 25th May started with light to no wind with kedging and very little progress for the first three hours. The course was shortened Whitaker to port then back through the Swin Spitway to West Mersea. Cobra took line honours after 10 hours of racing.
Cobra was 1st in Class 2 and 5th overall.
The Ralph Herring Trophy on Sunday 26th May started wet and breezy for the 49 mile race back to Burnham. The foredeck crews were busy with numerous headsail, spinnaker and asymmetric changes as the wind increased to 25 knots on the beat back.
Cobra was 2nd in Class 2 and 2nd overall. 1st RBYC boat winning the Cecil Gatti Challenge Cup.
This week the Burnham Week Team interviewed Phil Collard of Cobra after he won the Stuart Paul Trophy at Burnham Sailing Club on Wednesday Night as follows:
Taken from:- Burnham Week - Official Website - www.burnhamweek.com
06/06/2024 Meet the Sailors Series
As we gear up for the thrilling Burnham Week Regatta 2024, we've caught up with Phil Collard the day after Cobra secured the Stuart Paul Trophy at Burnham Sailing Club. With a lifetime of experience and a passion for competitive sailing Phil kindly shared his insights into his journey, prep and expectations for Burnham Week 2024.
Phil's sailing journey began at 11 when he joined Benfleet's Sea Scouts, progressing to represent his school in national championships, guided by his teacher Ken Layzell.
He has been Involved with Burnham Week and EAORA since the late '70s, helming his own yacht, Rogue Robber, by 1982. This marked the start of his long relationship with Burnham Week, continuing until 1998 and resuming recently with Cobra, a Beneteau 34.7.
"As we gear up for our second year racing with Cobra, I'm lucky to have a seasoned crew, albeit a bit old and hard of hearing," Phil jests. "Last year, we sailed together in 44 races, refining our skills and strengthening our teamwork."
Looking forward to Burnham Week 2024, Phil eagerly anticipates the challenges ahead. "I can't wait to navigate the tide courses and cross the finish line with just enough water under the keel! And, of course, those scorching days on deck, discussing a 2 hour race over a 5 hour chat," he says with a grin!
We're excited to catch up with Phil and all the other participants when the excitement kicks off #BurnhamWeek2024
Provisional Cruising Programme 2024
| DATE | DESTINATION/EVENT | HIGH WATER | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January | Predicted Log | B on C. 15.38hrs. | Icicle race |
| 28th April | Raft up | B on C 16.06hrs. | Location t.b.c. |
| 25/26th May | Trip to West Mersea Y.C. | Holliwell Pt. 14.20hrs | Dinner W. Mersea YC |
| 27th May | Predicted Log. | B o C 15.53hrs | Whitsun Regatta |
| 22nd June | Mid Summer raft up | B on C 13.39hrs | Bring along a Druid |
| 29th June | Trip to Fambridge | B on C 18.56hrs | Meal/Sea shanties |
| 5th July - 13th July | Russ Cashel’s trip to St Katharines Dock | London Bridge 14.21hrs | The theatre maybe |
| 6TH July | Brightlingsea Regatta Weekend | Brightlingsea 13.10hrs | Regatta/fireworks |
| 10th -16th August | Ipswich Cruise | Harwich 11.55hrs | R. Orwell odyssey |
| 17th August | Commodore’s sail past/ raft up | B on C 11.24hrs | Cadet sail past |
| 18th August | Predicted Log | B on C 12.21hrs | R.B. start line |
| 22/23rd August | Clacton Air Show | Clacton 14.38hrs | Boats and Planes |
| 13/15th September | Pyefleet/Bradwell cruise | Brightlingsea 20.30hrs | Seafood delivered |
| 13th October | Predicted log/raft up | B on C. 21.51hrs | R.B. start line |
Expressions of interest please to the Organisers:
Peter Howard : peterandpaulahoward@btinternet.com
Russ Cashel : rjcashel1@gmail.com
Jack Warry : jack.warry2000@yahoo.co.uk
Bob Skeens : bobskeens@icloud.com
Chris Collins: c.j.collins@btinternet.com