Cruising Events

Programme for 2010

The programme page shows details of all the cruising events planned for 2010. Full details will be published nearer the time, but please get these dates into your diary if you would like to attend.

Contact Peter Philpot or David Cooke for the latest information or news about cruising events.

Cruising Events during 2010

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.

Redrooster under sailRed Rooster (left) and Moonshine (right)

Moonshine under sail
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.

The crew at ShotleyDionysus 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

Hard aground in Brightlingsea !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 !

The Young at Heart at EasterPicture (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).

Cruise to Bradwell Cruise to Bradwell
Cruise to Bradwell
Cruise to Bradwell
Cruise to Bradwell

Buxey Ashes 2009

The Buxey Ashes Teams - 2009This year because of tide timing and uncertain weather the Ashes were played on East Mersea. Presenting the Ashes


Above - This years Teams from the TCC and MLSC
Right - Presentation of the Ashes

BBQ on Mersea Stone

Members getting the BBQ going on Mersea StoneGreat 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!

Members at the BBQ on Mersea Stone



Sunset at the Mersea BBQ

Many thanks go to the organisers Wendy & Stewart.



Family Fun Day 2009

David Knight & Ryan enjoying the Tinker TrampKeith Macey under attack!Left - David Knight and Ryan in the Tinker Tramp

Right - Keith Macey under water pistol attack on C Pontoon!




Hamford Water Cruise

Hamford Water BBQ BreakfastA 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.

Relaxing at OrfordLate Summer Cruise at SouthwoldLeft - Relaxing onboard at Orford – late summer cruise

Right - Southwold - late summer cruise






The 'Mama Mia' OutingFlotilla at Mersea StoneLeft - 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.

Supper at Brightlingsea

Left - Easter Cruise, Supper in Brightlingsea

Right - BBQ at East Mersea

East Mersea BBQ
Polo IV en-route to Calais

Left - Polo IV en-route to the Calais Rally in the Spring

Right - Summer Cruise to Holland

Summer Cruise to Holland
David Cooke on Nimrodel in the Thames Estuary

Nimrodel (left) and Magpie (right) during Late Summer Cruise to the Thames

Magpie in Thames Estuary