Recent Events

Heybridge October 2011

2011-10-31T09:32:00.001Z

The weather was perfect for the trip to Heybridge the final sailing destination of the 2011 season.

The sail to Heybridge was uneventful for most sailors who made use of the breeze and sailed under canvas to their destination: using the outstanding visibility and well-marked river to make progress without incident. There was a certain amount of chatter over the airwaves which included a conversation between Illusion and Escapade. Part of the conversation went like this;

Escapade to Illusion “Why are you so far behind me?”

Illusion to Escapade “In case you stop suddenly”

Other chit chat continued for a while during which Illusion overtook Escapade at some speed, still being under sail. The crew on Illusion insisted at this point that no comment was made with regard to the situation, but it would have been rude not to.

Illusion to Escapade “Have you stopped for a Kodak moment?”

This induced various comments from all BCC boats (and probably some other river users) even some that I wouldn’t expect to make comment. Escapade was firmly aground just west of Thirslet Spit. Escapade did eventually, with the use of lots of engine and bow thrusters manage to extricate herself from the sticky stuff.

Saturday evening was spent in the Old Ship where good beer and food was served. Again Escapade’s escapades were mentioned once or twice over dinner.

Sunday greeted us with more sunshine and the morning was spent lazing while we waited for the lock and our return trip home. Well-done to everyone who sailed all the way home.

Tony

Illusion

Trip to Burnham 17th September

2011-09-28T20:16:00.002+01:00

Organisers of Bradwell Cruising Club trips often have a problem with members booking on the trip and then not turning up. It's less common for the members to find that the organiser hasn't turned up. I got a call on Friday from Magaret Forbes to say that her skipper had let her down and could not deliver her to Burnham after all. The skipper, Graham, blamed a lack of commitment on the part of the Magic Flute's engine, which suffered from some sort of nervous breakdown in the Orwell. As the engine is still in pieces and not working - no, not overwrought, in pieces - scattered all over the boat! he may be right.

Courier and Miss T arrived on Friday in breezy conditions, Escapade and Essex Skipper arrived on Saturday in what they described as B........Y windy conditions. I don't know what all the fuss was, it was very pleasant tied onto a pontoon in the marina.

The meal in the Swallowtail was very good. There was a bit of a false start when we started rearranging the tables. We were told that wasn't done in posh restaurants, we argued that they must be mistaken because we nearly always did it. This minor local difficulty was soon left behind and the food and the service was excellent. The Swallowtail is back on a roll again, for how long remains to be seen.

Despite forcasts of dire weather, including strong wind warnings all weekend, Sunday dawned in glorious sunshine and almost windless. After a stroll along the prom and little light breakfasting we set off for home around lunchtime. There was just enough wind to start the journey under sail untill on Courier at least, realisation dawned that we weren't sailing as fast as the the tide was flooding and the GPS speed was negative. As we had an appointment with the Ray Sands on went the engine. If you haven't been that way recently you be pleased to know that the Ray Sands route has some nice new bouys. Two safewater marks, one at the northen end and one in the middle, of the best (deepest) route across the sands. The familiar yellow blob marks the southern end of the route. By the time we reached the Blackwater the wind had picked up and we sailed the last bit home.

I'm sorry Magic Flute but you missed a good weekend. I hope the engine gets sorted soon. If not then I suggest, Margaret, that you start looking for another skipper - ask to see his gaskets before signing on.

Andy Frankland
Assistant, Deputy, Stand-in Organiser

Titchmarsh August Bank Holiday

2011-09-13T18:41:00.006+01:00

Titchmarsh was a sell-out – a record turnout for me! Sixteen boats arrived on Friday and Saturday, some (like Wysiwyg) only stayed one night, while others (who don’t have to go to work any more) could enjoy a prolonged stay in the area (Magic Flute, Courier, Birdsong). On Saturday night Harbour Lights could only offer us tables of four dotted around the restaurant (requiring 8 phonecalls and disguised voices to book tables in different names), but everyone enjoyed their meals and the table pairings I had suggested.

There were various bike expeditions over the weekend to the Naze Tower, two seal trips on Sunday, and a magnificent sunset for the BBQ on Sunday night, where a glass of Pimms was served under the canopies (just in case) from Magic Flute. Our New Members are old hands now and enter into the spirit of BCC’s favourite form of torture – eating outside in the freezing cold!

Thanks to everyone who came and made it such an enjoyable weekend.

Margaret Forbes.

BCC Heybridge Cream Tea : 30/7/2011

2011-08-01T20:18:00.003+01:00

What a cracker, and not just the sunshine, although I admit it took a little while to appear.

The trip to the Heybridge Cream Tea started early for some who passaged up river on Friday with 9 boats leaving Bradwell on Saturday.

Shalom had the benefit of Stuart on board giving his sailing expertise which resulted in Escapade being hauled in. After some radio contact and banter to see if Don required assistance, he suddenly remembered he had another sail, and by pushing various buttons another white sheet appeared.

Approaching Heybridge Lock we were asked to proceed immediately, so a very quick scramble for tenders and ropes, boat hooks and poles, in we shot. This being the first time ever not to moor up or ‘figure of eight’.

Once moored, a Cream Tea spread was laid supplied by Jane & Clara, ably assisted by Janice, Carole, Judith and others. With some 40 members attending, the sun appearing, and four overseas members arriving a good afternoon was enjoyed by all. Pimms, beers and soft drinks helped to consume the scones which in turn raised a very healthy profit of £125.00. Many thanks to all.

Clara & Warren were hoping to quietly slip into their brand new kayak for a trail paddle, but BCC members gathered round for the inaugural launch and offered advice and encourment as they attentively paddled up stream.

Later on we, being now only a party of 30, ascended the stairs in The Old Ship Pub for an evening meal. The service started well but did deteriorate later, but in true BCC style did not affect the occasion. As usual, a light hearted challenge was welcomed by all in the form of origami. This required choosing a set of instructions, and folding paper along with decorations in making a boat shaped design. Efforts varied from the pathetic to the elaborate, and from the exotic to the silly. Carole was the judge for the best and worst, which proved a difficult task. Eventually a winner emerged, not for design but the story attached. Thanks Jill for your interesting rendition of the ‘captain’s tee shirt’ using a paper folding and tearing trick.

As so to the return trip, which was a cracker. Sitting moored in the Basin the temperature was rising with no wind, but once out into the river a most welcome breeze developed. Shalom tramped along passing Infinity who claimed their headsail was jammed causing a lack of speed. Courier was behind and didn’t appear to be catching up, and although we tracked up to West Mersea to play the gusts, Andy beat us into the marina, but headed straight for the fuel pontoon, so draw your own conclusion!

Heydays decided to soak up the heat in the basin for a few extra days, Magic Flute headed home via West Mersea, with Courier, Misty Blue, Danish Blue, Fair Rosilind, Infinity, Valenda, Shelena, Saltpetre, Eleanor, Escapade, Orca, and Shalom all returning to Bradwell. Many thanks to all for attending including Graham & Janet, Bill & Joan from our overseas division in making the weekend a great success.

Jane, Kev, Clara & Warren on Shalom.

PS. There was an un-invited guest who took up residence on Courier dressed as an officer in command. He didn’t seem to pay his way and ignored anyone who saluted. The committee are very concerned about this type of person joining BCC and will cause a great deal of stuttering and muttering at our next AGM.

BCC Brightlingsea 23/7/11

2011-08-01T20:12:00.002+01:00

What a weather pattern, with most websites offering gales in their forecasts, plus heavy rain showers. Remember this is late July, middle of the English summer. Schools have just closed for 6 weeks, and the great get away is in full swing. Caravans are packed and wheeled out, boats are loaded to the Plimsoll Line, fuel tanks filled to the brim, but the weather refuses to co-operate.

So eight boats took no notice, checked the sea weed, and headed out of Bradwell into the unknown and plotted a course to the Cinque Port of Brightlingsea.

Here some skippers crossed the cill into the new marina, whilst two crews stayed with tradition and berthed port side too on the pontoon. All reported the crossing was uneventful. Shalom was not ready, a few items needing attention especially in strong wind situations. Therefore the A12 route probably took longer than the Mersea Flats route.

The meal at the Cherry Tree was worth the long walk, BCC taking over the small restaurant, except for a couple celebrating a birthday. BCC choir burst into song and embarrassed the lady in question. I suggest a few weeks of choir practise might not go amiss though.

The following day Shalom noted the safe arrival of the intrepid eight back into the mother arms, or should it be fingers of Bradwell Marina. Yes there were some strong gusts but not the forecast gales.

Shalom even ventured out into the creek to check her reefing lines, as the late afternoon was gloriously pleasant.

Thankyou all for making the effort and look forward to the next event.

Jane & Kev on Shalom.

Trip to Ipswich

2011-07-26T18:33:00.000+01:00

Stuart arranged the trip to Ipswich for the late May Bank Holiday weekend and was delighted with an excellent turn-out of ten boats. Dave (formerly of Bradwell) dealt with a rush of berthing in strong winds, as well as organising the dinner at the local yacht club, attended by 20 in all. There was a choice – chicken or beef – but it all had to be curried! Despite a chilly wind, there were plenty of laughs and several new Members: ‘Millie’ had persuaded ‘Jacaranda’ to come along, and Heydays of Hamble have a new crew member, Muffin, but she wasn’t too good at the ropes!

Drinks on Heydays on Sunday lunchtime went down well, although some boats had already headed down the river for an early start on Monday.

Easter at Heybridge

2011-07-26T18:25:00.000+01:00

The weather was beyond belief and provided a perfect backdrop to the proceedings. The highlight of the Saturday BBQ was a Cocktail Competition, with 12 boats taking up the challenge to produce a cocktail that would impress our judges, Mr & Mrs lock keeper Martin & Claire. It wasn’t only the recipe that had to be considered, a catchy name was important as well. Clearly it was something that crews had put quite a lot of ‘development’ into, producing gems such as “Rum Aground” – Don Elliott, “Misty Blew” – tricky this one – have a guess, “Grace me Guide” - Mags & Graham Forbes and my personal favourite “Guaranteed Next Day” – the Franklands (boat is called Courier – see, clever eh.) After narrowing it down to a shortlist of three, the judges eventually awarded line honours to Robert & Mandy with an Easter Bunny inspired formulation called “Easter Bunny Whisky Crush”. If wasn’t clear how many bunnies were crushed in the making of the drink, although if they were mixed with whisky they probably didn’t feel a thing. Congrats to them. (Robert & Mandy that is – not the bunnies)

Sunday saw a mass dinghy trip up the canal to Beeleigh weir and then on to an open day at Langford Museum of Power. All of us had a great afternoon amongst the steam engines and classic cars. Some of us had even dried out by the time we got back. It seems inevitable, that if you put enough BCC members into enough dinghies, eventually, somebody will end up in the water (3 people on this occasion).

A perfect weekend with perfect weather and great memories. Monday saw people drifting off home with Martin running two locks to cope with the various passage plans.

Andy Frankland

Fitting in Supper

2011-07-26T18:22:00.000+01:00

The Fitting In Supper was well attended by 13 skippers and crew giving a total of 26 sitting down for the meal.

Unfortunately 9 of the skippers forgot to bring their boats, citing many, varied and good reasons. These ranged from ‘family commitments’ to ‘over-running maintenance programme’, and from ‘too far to sail’ and ‘quicker by car’!

As usual the Fitting In Supper is classed as a ‘silly event’ and this year was no exception. Face Masks and Moustaches were the order for the evening and most enjoyed parading a variety of designs and creations. A very impressive display of the homemade to the designer and from the down right silly to the elegant. Thank you as always for taking the seed of an idea and turning the evening into great success.

Lady Commodore, normally known as Ann, was commissioned to judge the event, split between the genders present. First Gill from Infinity, was judged Best Female attire, and Andy from Courier, was judged Best Male, mainly for his homemade design.

Kev & Jane

Visit to the Thames Barrier

2011-07-26T18:19:00.000+01:00

Despite the cold wind blowing up the Thames, a large group stood on the banks listening to an array of facts and figures about the Thames Barrier, the second largest movable flood defence in the world. Following a video showing the construction, a working model in the Information Centre provided a detailed demonstration of how the gates operate. Outside various pieces of equipment used in the construction are on display as well as the original test model, complete with the dents caused following extreme testing. The Gatwick Flyer provided transport from Upminster and took us onto Greenwich for a delicious lunch in the King William IV Restaurant underneath the Painted Hall (recommended by Dick Mitchell)

Margaret Forbes

Thames Coast Guard - Walton

2011-07-26T18:14:00.000+01:00

A small group of Members had a very interesting visit to HMCG at Walton which is currently under threat of closure. It was fascinating to see operations from their point of view and to see what amazing technology, as well as local knowledge, they have at their fingertips. Big Brother really is watching you! An excellent roast lunch was laid on at the Walton & Frinton Yacht Club, which we would thoroughly recommend visiting by boat, dinghy or car when you are next in the area.

Margaret Forbes