RCYC Shallow Draft Cruiser Fleet

Cruise to Fenn Creek in a Drascombe Lugger.

15th June 2019

Tom Keeper’s Yawl rigged Drascombe Lugger ‘Emily Jane’ is based at Burnham Yacht Harbour. We met at 0830 and by 0845 were motoring out of the marina, we turned west and set all three sails. The SW F3 breeze meant a long beat to Fambridge and on to Hullbridge.  Tacking through the moorings was a challenge especially at Hullbridge where gusts were coming at random from behind the tree lined south shore.

After Hullbridge we turned North into Fenn Creek and after about three quarters of a mile moored alongside the grass bank at Eyott Sailing Club. We received a warm welcome and two mugs of excellent tea.  Thames Barges used to pass this point on their way to Marsh and Eyott Farms with a cargo of manure from London returning to London Docks with Hay for the horses that provided the transport in the capital.

Before the tide turned we motored out of Fenn Creek into the Crouch, turned eastwards and visited Fambridge Yacht Haven via Stowe Creek for lunch at The River Breeze Café (the venue for this year’s Opening Muster).  FYH is ‘Zelda’s’ home port and Chris and Chrissy Nolan joined us for lunch.

We motored out of Stowe Creek and in true cruising style with a strong ebb and a freshening SW wind we made excellent progress under just Mizzen and Jib.  ‘Emily Jane’ was moored and the cover on by 1630 so an enjoyable eight hours on the water with a couple of breaks.

Steve Barham
Cruiser Fleet Captain
Royal Corinthian Yacht Club
18th June 2019

Caption to photo  Peace and quiet in Fenn Creek before the dinghy racing fleet returns.