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.
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.
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Left - Easter Cruise, Supper in Brightlingsea |
 |
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Left - Polo IV en-route to the Calais Rally
in the Spring |
 |
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Nimrodel (left) and Magpie (right) during Late Summer Cruise to the Thames |
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