Cruising Events
Programme for 2012
The programme page shows details of all the cruising events planned for 2012. Full details will be published nearer the time, but please get these dates into your diary if you would like to attend.
Cruising Events during 2011
Family Fun Weekend - July 2nd
The
family fun day started well with a good forecast, even if the winds
were a little light.
The sail from Tollesbury was a therefore a little slow for the Spitfire
catamaran especially with 3 onboard and towing a dinghy with engine!
On
arrival at the the Osea anchorage the wind improved to a 3 to 4, perfect
for some high speed trips for all who were willing to get wet, even
Rob Perrin had the experience of a 3 sail reach with one hull out of
the water!
The beach BBQ started with a fantastic display of how to (or how not
too) land on a muddy beach.
Peter Philpot and Rob Perrin put on a credible mud wrestling display
(or at least that's what it looked like from our end of the beach)!
The beach combers soon got to work and found enough wood for a respectable
fire, which helped keep out the cold as the sun went down.
Dave Cooke
Buxey Ashes - 18th June
The
inclement weather forced a change of plan for this long standing tradition.
The barbeque took place (in the rain I believe) at Bradwell Quay and
the cricket match was played the following morning.
An
influx of new young blood reinforced the Tollesbury side and despite
traditional whites being sacrificed to clothing more suited to the weather
conditions, the “home team” won a resounding victory.
The
trophy was carried back to Tollesbury in style by its triumphant team
members!
Many thanks to Charlotte Perrin for taking the photos. Hilary Morgan
Hamford Water Safari Supper - 11th June
Tollesbury
Cruising Club’s version of “Come Dine with Me” got off to a flying start
as the participating boats assembled in Hamford Water.
Dodging
the various squally showers and rumbling thunder, the action got underway
with dinghies ferrying diners to their various destinations for starters,
to finish with a flourish on Cartel and Quicksilver for main courses
and puddings.
It was not the balmy June evening we would have liked and a huge downpour
and rumbles of thunder kept everyone below decks but we were rewarded
with a lovely rainbow at the end of it all.
Not so pleasant the journey back down the Wallet,
though. Leaving early so as to get back before the worst of the weather
forecast for the evening, we struggled against the tide in what turned
out to be a very cold, dreary and thoroughly unpleasant journey culminating
in an extremely bumpy wait at West Mersea for the tide to make. Nevertheless,
pleasant memories of good food and good company. Many thanks to
Charlotte Perrin for taking the photos. Read a full account
in the next edition of ‘Up the Creek’.
Hilary Morgan
Easter Cruise 2011
The TCC rendezvoused at Brightlingsea on the afternoon of Good
Friday and before the
words “Pontoon Party” were out of Rob’s mouth Robin and Jean had
arrived with freshly baked sausage rolls, Heidi Seary with
wonderfully iced fairy cakes and Trish Noscoe with a supply of
canapés to die for. The tables soon groaned with food and drinks
whilst the pontoon groaned with the weight of the TCC. We were
gently lowered into the water as the pontoon sank in traditional
style under weight of a number of drunken sailors. The gentle hubbub
of seafaring chat became a crescendo of murmuring as the handicaps
for the Pursuit Race were handed out over garlic bread. Those racing
hastily left their glasses of wine when they realised how early they
would have to get up the next day. As everyone returned to their
boats the air was filled with the smell of brewing coffee and
strategic race planning.
On Saturday, before the sun had risen, the TCC fleet had abandoned
the alcohol and fairy cake strewn pontoons for the Pursuit race, and
for those not racing, some general cruising. Quicksilver and Toodle
Pip had headed straight for the delights of Ipswich earlier in the
week and were reporting balmy weather and a fantastic reception at
the Haven Marina as usual.
The crew of Cartel, who were mere observers, listened spellbound to
the race chat on the radio as the epic tale of “hunt the wind” was
played out. Rumour had it that Peter and Glen on Codan got caught in
the doldrums, but later it was revealed that their alarm clock went
off at 7.30am, missing their racing start time by over two hours!
Moonshine and Ostara fought valiantly to find anything more than a
breath of wind. Jean and Robin on Polo IV and resorted to playing
“spot the seal” on the glassy surface of the sea. Hoppitosse decided
to anchor on Colne Bar to wait for some wind to arrive (as you do).
Wave Dancer and Edge Beyond filled the morning counting how many
wind turbines there are, whilst Mimosa had time to cook and eat a
full cooked breakfast and wash up.
Boat by boat over the course of the next few hours they called in to
Joyce and Chris on Calidris (Committee Boat and Finish Line) to
declare that they were dropping out of the race. However Nick Noscoe
on Sardinade, (no doubt fuelled by yet more of Trisha’s smoked
salmon and cream cheese mini bruschetta) determinedly found the wind
and were worthy winners. The fleet admitted defeat and switched
their engines on to limp onwards to find Calidris standing sentry at
the mouth of the Orwell where they had been anchored since the early
hours.
Cartel had a little sail up the Orwell and made it to Ipswich in
plenty of time for the girlie crew to head towards Primark and
Starbucks. The TCC flotilla were soon moored up and heading for the
bar to share stories of empty sails, handicaps and the poor state of
alarm clock manufacture in China.
In the evening Rob had persuaded the Marina bar to release one of
their large BBQs and it was fired up and ready for everyone to cook
on by 7pm. The manly cooking of huge steaks on hot coals became a
spectator sport for the female crew members as they dashed around
madly with salads, drinks, plates and cups whilst still finding time
to praise their men folk for the wonderful job they were doing
cremating meat. The victorious Trisha yet again wowed the assembled
hungry throng with her tapenade canapés. The rest of the evening
blurred into a fabulous sunset through a haze of smoke and red wine.
Easter Sunday began with a manic Egg hunt with Robin and Jean giving
the children a run for their money as they scampered around the
marina dislodging plastic eggs from bollards, sun dials and trees.
After last years’ poor performance, Jean was victorious at last!
After a leisurely day Rob took the company on a route march to the
Brewery Tap where a fantastic meal was scoffed by all. The brave
walked home whilst the sensible took a taxi back to the Marina.
Those who walked marvelled at the cosmopolitan feel of the Haven
Marina complete with riverside bars, music and revellers lying drunk
by the harbour wall.
Sadly on Monday the Cartel crew and others headed home leaving many
to enjoy the delights of the Deben and beyond. Charlotte Perrin
-
Cartel
Fitting Out Supper - March 26th
The
season’s social calendar got off to a rip roaring start with the annual
Fitting Out Supper. We were treated to a superb meal in the
clubhouse followed by dancing to a truly excellent band, the
Interceptors, whose authentic renditions of classic Rock and Roll
and early Beatles numbers eventually had just about everyone up on
the dance floor!
What a way to start the season! Many thanks to Louise Goldie for organising
everything, to Jane for providing us with really tasty food and to the
band for creating such a great atmosphere. Hilary Morgan (Quicksilver)
Cruise to Bradwell - March 19th
The
weather turned out to be perfect for the first early (very early !)
cruise of the season. Clear blue skies, and light winds, enabled all
to sail across to Bradwell with confidence, even though fitting out
was still in progress on some boats. Everyone was glad to be back out
on the water after the worst winter ever (well almost). Ten boats tied
up on E pontoon in Bradwell, and around 35 crowded into the Green Man
for a thoroughly enjoyable meal, after a pre dinner drink on Cartel.
Sunday also dawned bright, with a light southerly blowing which enabled
several boats to have a sparkling reach up the Blackwater, before turning
back and returning to Tollesbury.
All in all a very fine start to the season, and many thanks to Rob and
Charlotte Perrin for organising it all, and being such excellent hosts.
Colin Shead (Toodle Pip)
Cruising Events during 2010
Christmas Cruise - Frostbite Race - December 4th
The Frostbite race weekend turned out to be a party in the
clubhouse with seafood, party games with Stuart and Wendy Wallace
winning the best hat competition!! and amongst other amusements
included a 'pass the parcel' competition. The excellent food was
lovingly prepared by Peter Philpot. Here are a few photos taken in
the clubhouse by Charlotte Perrin.
Late Summer Cruise – East Coast Rivers
The atrocious Bank Holiday weather played havoc with the original
cruise plan. Several boats sheltered in various River Orwell
locations whilst “Quicksilver, having a day’s head start, pressed on
to Lowestoft before the storm hit.
Five boats regrouped in the River
Ore on the Wednesday and stayed together for the remaining days,
cruising the Ore and the Deben (new destinations for some) in the
sunshine and light but fairly cold winds.
A leisurely, sunny sail from Slaughden Quay to Woodbridge was
rounded off by a tasty meal in superb surroundings. The magical,
still and misty Ore and Deben mornings made a striking contrast to
the previous weekend’s gale! Making good headway against the tide,
the five cruise boats returned safely to the Blackwater on Saturday
evening.
Hilary Morgan
Dinghy and Family Fun Weekend at Mersea
At
the end of June some of the younger members of the club had a great
time off of Mersea as can be be seen in these photos from Charlotte
Perrin.
Shotley Cruise - Weekend of the 17th and 18th April
9 yachts and 19 crew participated in the second cruise of the
season in what must be described as almost perfect conditions for
mid April. With the tide on the Saturday being at 1434 boats got
underway around 1330 and we found a mainly south-easterly breeze out
in the river that peaked at around 10 knots, and was quite
consistent. This provided a starboard beat out to the Colne Bar and
then, as the course tended ever into the north along the coast,
sails were progressively eased until after the Naze the final leg
into the Orwell was a downwind run. As the fleet reach the Walton
Pier/Naze area the breeze began to ease and one or two of the more
of the energetic boat crews hoisted spinnakers one way round or
other. Crossing Penny Hole Bay boats resorted to engine power to
counter the dwindling wind and the ebb still exiting the Orwell. The
passage took place under wall to wall sunshine marred only by the
cold edge in the breeze.
Red Rooster
(left) and Moonshine
(right)
On Ostara we began to recognise that our 3 year reign as probably
the fastest boat is under serious threat. Both Moonshine (Maxi 1100)
and Red Rooster (Etap 38) are clearly just as fast as Ostara (take
note please Ray!!).
The lock-keeper efficiently marshalled the fleet into the lock and
onto G pontoon.
As everyone had a clean bottom and the wind had been
favourable there was time for a drink or two on Dionysus, despite
the late start, before heading off to the Bristol Arms for dinner.
Although the quality of the food was acceptable the service was not.
It took 90 minutes from arrival for the first meals to be served.
Happily, animated conversation kept going through the long wait. It
was around midnight before we made our way back to the boats.
Dionysus
down by the stern
It was bright and calm on Sunday morning. Boats got underway between
0900 to 1000 hours. We were leaving just after low water springs and
there was around a 3 metre drop from the marina level to the Stour
outside.
It is slightly unnerving to proceed to the seaward end of
the lock and then look down to Stour, which from eye level appears
more like 4.5 metres below. The sense of unease increases
temporarily when to lower the water they partly open the seaward
gates.
Out on the river there was no chance of sailing, and motoring was
the order of the day. Around midday a workable easterly breeze of
around 4 to 5 knots sprang up and so from the Clacton area, for
those in no rush, there was the opportunity to sail home. On Ostara
we were bumbling along under the mainsail only, listening to the
Wigan v Arsenal commentary and timing the passage to be at the Nass
around 1515 when the match was due to complete. All was going well
until 1505 when in the following 10 minutes Arsenal threw away a 2 –
0 score line and finished 2 – 3 down. That we arrived at the Nass on
time didn’t offer much consolation.
Boats attending were; Aloha, Dionysus, Dualin, Moonshine, Ostara,
Polo IV, Red Rooster, Sanderling, and last, but not least, Tongue
Twister.
Ian Robinson - Ostara
Easter Cruise
Great
Balls Up
Here
is our Vice Commodore Pete and First mate Glen (picture left) showing everyone how
to display three balls in fine style at Brightlingsea during the
Easter Cruise 2010. Word spread on the text and Internet in seconds
of them running aground so we all went to gloat and say "there but
for the grace of God go we...."
and The Young at Heart !
Picture
(right) of the Easter Egg hunters of TCC.
The winners were Clara from Scallywag and Alexandra from Grey Goose.
Notable mentions for Robin and Jean (Polo) and Jo and Andy (Dualin)
for braving the children at 10am on a cold Easter Sunday.
Charlotte Perrin
Cruising Events during 2009
Christmas Cruise to Bradwell
Some of the happy (if chilly) faces on the Christmas
Cruise to Bradwell on 5th December, one of the best attended Tollesbury
Cruises ever (photos by Charlotte Perrin).
Buxey Ashes 2009
This
year because of tide timing and uncertain weather the Ashes were
played on East Mersea.
Above - This years Teams from the TCC and MLSC
Right - Presentation of the Ashes
BBQ on Mersea Stone
Great
weather ensured a good turnout for the recent club BBQ held on
Mersea Stone. A great time was had by all, with only a few sore
heads in the morning!
Many thanks go to the organisers Wendy & Stewart.
Family Fun Day 2009
Left
- David Knight and Ryan in the Tinker Tramp
Right - Keith Macey under water pistol attack on C Pontoon!
Hamford Water Cruise
A
fine turnout, and just for a change, fine weather ensured that the
Hamford Water Cruise and Safari supper was a success.
Herald, Toodle Pip, Polo IV, Silver Morning, Breezer, Codan,
Nimrodel, Mornaque, Rose Tyler, Iceni II, Dualin, Ostara and Rowan
Flower. Thanks to excellent organisation by Geoof Cooch (Breezer)
the evening went well, with everyone well fed and watered. The
photograph (taken by Carole Robinson on Ostara) shows the crews
enjoying a BBQ breakfast on Sunday morning.
Spring Cruise to Chatham & Limehouse
Even though the weather inevitably hampered activities somewhat, it seems that the members who attended the cruise had a great time. Read the full, unexpurgated story of the cruise, by Charlotte Perrin.
Cruising Events during 2008
Here are some photos, which show you a little of the activities on our cruising events during 2008.
Left - Relaxing onboard at Orford – late summer cruise
Right - Southwold - late summer cruise
Left - The ‘Mama Mia’ outing in Lowestoft
Right - Dinghy flotilla at Mersea Stone
Cruising Events during 2007
Here are some photos, which show you a little of the activities on our cruising events during 2007.
 |
Left - Easter Cruise, Supper in Brightlingsea |
 |
 |
Left - Polo IV en-route to the Calais Rally
in the Spring |
 |
 |
Nimrodel (left) and Magpie (right) during Late Summer Cruise to the Thames |
 |
