The East Coast Summer Cruise was later this year to allow those travelling to the Netherlands for NL20 time to return. The week began with registration at Shotley Marina on Sunday 25 August, in somewhat stormy weather with ‘Clytie’, ‘Transcur’ and ‘East Breeze’ still awaiting a calmer weather window to cross the North Sea. All three finally reached the East Coast in time to join the last few days of the Cruise. ‘Kestrel’, ‘Sniff’ and ‘Cachalot’ met the fleet on Monday at Ramsholt after the passage race from Shotley to Woodbridge Haven Buoy. The fleet spent a couple of enjoyable days in sunny weather on the Deben, including a visit to the Ramsholt Arms and beach barbecue at the Rocks. Having sailed from their home port in Ipswich to join the Cruise, ‘William’ noted: “It was our first time anchoring at the Rocks. Gorgeous sunset, gorgeous people. The next morning we got up early for the tide and were greeted by the magical sight of gaffers in the mist.”
With the Deben bar to negotiate and shallow water at Walton, skippers took a wide range of decisions with passage planning to ensure they reached Walton & Frinton Yacht Club in time for the Gin Tasting. Starting at Woodbridge Haven Buoy (HW 0700/1934) the Seaways Bells Passage Race finish line was Walton no. 2. Drawing 2m. ‘Rely’ was the first to start, just before dawn, followed by ‘William’ and ‘Cachalot’ both comfortably crossing the Deben bar just after high water. The early morning brought very light winds, forcing some motor-sailing. Those with shallower drafts left later in the day and caught the sea breeze on a beautiful sunny afternoon.
Just in time for the gin, ‘Daisy Bell’ was hauled up to WFYC to rest against the posts. The enjoyable and informative talk and tasting took place at 1730 on Wednesday 28 August, presented by East Coast Distillery at W&FYC followed by a meal and socialising at the Club. Thursday found 20 or so Gaffers climbing the Naze Tower for the wonderful views after an informative talk about its history. Originally built as an aid to shipping along this fairly featureless coastline, many Gaffers had only ever seen it from the sea. Others took advantage of the perfect conditions to go out for a sail before everyone met up on the beach at Stone Point for the judging of the Gaffers Bake-Off, a barbecue on the beach and a barrel of beer from our sponsors, The Mighty Oak Brewing Co.
Friday was a bit more breezy making the Pennyhole Bay Race quite an exciting beat out from Walton no. 2 to Pye End and Cork Ledge, returning into Harwich Harbour with a finish line at Beacon Hill. Boats proceeded up the River Orwell to Pin Mill for supper and an excellent evening socialising at the Sailing Club. ‘East Breeze’, the last boat returning from the Netherlands, arrived just in time for a burger having sailed single-handed from Neiwpoort to Ramsgate and on up the coast to Pin Mill. The forecast storms arrived with a vengeance on Saturday and only ‘Transcur’ ventured downriver for the Gafferteering competition. The Royal Harwich Yacht Club provided us with an excellent evening meal to finish off the week in style followed by the prizegiving and chance to share stories from the week.
Thanks go to the organisers for setting up an excellent week of racing, cruising, socialising, tours, food, beer and gin: Josie, Josh, Ed, George and Vicky. Everyone is looking forward to the next Cruise in 2025!
Participating boats: ’Catsnip’, ‘Daisy Bell’, ‘William’, ‘Tabnab’, ‘Minnie’, ‘Half Moon’, ‘Cayoote’. ‘Reverie’, ‘Charm’, ‘Songbird’, ‘Diamond’, ‘Rely’, ‘Gilda’, ‘Tab Nab’, ‘Clytie’, ‘Transcur’, ‘East Breeze’, ‘Kestrel’, ’Cachalot’, ‘Sniff’ and ‘Philomena’.
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