Last Saturday five boats and their crews ventured out of the Crouch and round the corner to Bradwell Marina. There were three sailing cruisers, Voyager (Simon and Sarah), Coco (David, Justine and Paul), Layla ( Andy and Sue); and two motor cruisers , Cappella (Phil and Pauline) and Nellie ( Barry and Martin).

On a bright sunny day with little breeze to mention, some of the fleet used the high spring tide to cross the Ray Sands and Batchelor Spit into the Blackwater. A light breeze then gave a pleasant sail up the Blackwater with the flooding tide.  One sailing cruiser went the long way round via the Spitway, but was not that far behind in arriving at Bradwell Marina.

An evening meal was enjoyed in the marina clubhouse where we were joined by Tim and Sarah who now keep their cruiser SeaHound of Dart at Bradwell.  A contingent from the Royal Burnham Yacht Club cruising fleet were also enjoying a weekend at Bradwell and this led to a convivial exchange of toasts and banter.

Despite the forecast Sunday provided a lovely day with sun and breeze. Cappella and Layla sailed home.  Coco sailed to West Mersea for the night and Voyager sailed up the Blackwater and back to Bradwell for a second night.

Monday was a windless and murky day for the return journey, The poor visibility required  constant concentration at the helm.  Despite this it was a lovely opportunity to get out of the River Crouch and spend time with friends off the water in a different location.