Brightlingsea Rally 2012

Having been asked once again by the Hoo Ness Cruiser fleet to arrange decent weather for the end of summer rally I did my best and sort of failed miserably. The entry list was building up slowly and we knew that Chica and Sunny were going to be near when the time came and a further group would be in Wolverstone. Suggesting the winds might be right for some of us.

In the event after a week of hot and sunny weather, light winds and neap tides, it all went darker and wetter as the Bank Holiday arrived.

My own crew were due to arrive on the Friday night and tides suggested 19:00/07:00 departure times. The weather was being forecast to be the blustery side of tasty on Saturday and so it seemed sense to go overnight.

Only to meet fresher side of tasty winds overnight and with tide we careered at 8+ knots after leaving the Medway with no wind at all. Sail changes on a bouncy foredeck in the dark being my favourite occupation, not. A rapid sail and arrival at 06:00/06:30 meant I could wake Bryan up to sort out my berth as he deputised for the harbour master.

By now, Aurai, Chica, Elysium, Ember, Kailani, Physeline, Sisu, and Sunny were in port and over the weekend we were joined by, Water Gypsy, Woodstock Hi, Lady Liz. All credit to smaller boats sailing all the way on the Saturday morning/day.

Lucky for all of us it was Sharon's birthday and so with very little ceremony we all checked in to the good ship Physeline and some of us excelled at celebrating and less so at seamanship or eating any solids. Admiring those experienced crews who left after a good time and went back to their boats for pre-prepared meals! In port the day was hot and sunny.

Same on Sunday and Dinner was looked forward to, with an invite to test PoB capacity on Elysium for pre-dinner drinks, thank you all. Dinner in Colne YC was excellent and with little fuss, we enjoyed a carvery meal. Some fun at the expense of those who claimed their seats at table in the presence of a German family who had not bagged any seats with their towels. Rear Commodore (Sailing) gave a lovely speech and a contented hum pervaded the room. We got our own back on Upnor SC who had half our number at this rally. I still claimed my hug from Fiona and we heard that Mark Arends has been initiated at the club having been fully Amarulered on their own Commodore's boat recently!

Now it was time to get home, tides were good for daylight but a very blustery passage out to the Spitway was followed by an awkward breeze South and most of us motor sailed. All credit then to Chica, Sunny and Lady Liz who got to Charfleet that day and Water Gypsy who we saw sailing up past Kingsnorth at 20:00 as we went back to Charfleet.

A good time had by all.

Chas

Pictures sent in from Ines Hayes

Pictures from Neil Walters

Pictures from Chas Hessey

Date Published 4th Sep 2012