RCYC Cruiser Fleet   –  Cruise to Brightlingsea  –  Saturday 27^th –  Sunday 28^th May 2023.

Brightlingsea is becoming a popular destination for east coast cruisers, the marina development has matured, the water taxi service from the Visitors’ Pontoon across the river is efficient and the Harbour is well run.

Low water at the Spitway was around noon on Saturday and Nightsong with her lifting keel was able to work the tide perfectly and crossed at low water.  The other yachts chose to cross the shallows on a rising tide which meant that with an ENE Force 3 to 5 wind on the nose motoring into the first of the flood was necessary.  There was as usual a nasty chop within a mile or so of the Spitway.  Once through, it was an easy sail into the River Colne and to the pontoon at Brightlingsea.  The one Motor Cruiser  joining us was Boscolina who as usual slowed to say hello as she overtook us and then resumed cruising speed of 20 knots and disappeared ahead.

The Yachtsmans Arms served us with a good meal at the same event last season and did so again on the evening of our overnight stay.

All was set fair for a good sail back into the River Crouch though those that left departure until after lunch had a little more wind from a less favourable direction and another awkward chop to deal with.

All of the Boats were home by 18:00 on Sunday.

Motor Cruisers

‘Boscolina’  –  Sealine SC35  –  Andy & Gina Wood-Hill.

Sailing Cruisers

‘Coco’  –  Sun Odysey 33i  –  David & Justine Page

‘Nightsong’  –  Southerley 46RS  –  Chris & Jackie Goodfellow, Jack Bradley, Rosie

Otra Vez  –  Beneteau 36.7 First  –  Andy & Jude Prestwich

Pereclese  –  Contessa 26  –  Jack Page & Ben Thomas

‘Trinco’  –  Contessa 26  –  Peter & Caroline Hooper.  (Saturday and Sunday only)

Verlette  –  Verle 790  –  Steve & Katherine Barham

Steve Barham

31^st  May 2023