For the first ‘Cruiser Fleet’ event of the season twenty eight members took to Sailing Cruisers, Motor Cruisers and road vehicles to attend a lunch organised at the home of the West Wick Yacht Club in the grounds of Fambridge Yacht Haven.  Overcast but generally good conditions on the river made for enjoyable cruising to and from the lunch venue.

The meal was followed by a talk given by George Clarke from Burnham RNLI, a timely refresher on leisure boating safety.  Not only is it important to wear a life jacket but we were also reminded about the correct size, maintenance and having the correct tension in the straps at the appropriate times to avoid injury. Our thanks to Kathleen Keeper who volunteered to demonstrate the wearing and inflation of an automatic life jacket.  Rumour has it that Tom Keeper bet Kathleen that she would not be able to recite ‘The Owl and the Pussy Cat’ to the assembled audience and find a tenuous link to the subject of the talk, Tom lost his bet.

A significant sum was raised for the RNLI by donations from those attending and a good time was had by all.

Steve Barham

Cruiser Fleet Captain