2011 Season
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We barbequed our sausages, meat and
burgers as the sun set, comfortably seated in Marconi's BBQ area. Though dark,
getting back to our boats wasn't too difficult; the tide had ebbed away from the pontoon
and a short drag over the sandy shingle enabled us to easily launch our inflatables. On
station were Papa Romeo, Dry Fly, Lune Orbiter, Parana and Spindrift of
Hamble . An early start on Sunday enabled most to carry the last of the ebb to the
Spitway, while Dry Fly leaving at dead low water retraced his route,
motoring back to the Ray and picking up the fine sou'sou'westerly wind the others had
enjoyed from the Spitway. Pics - Peter Tyler
27 September 2011 Our Speaker at the next Club Meeting (October
Roger, in his Corribee Mingming has voyaged the world and has a wealth of stories to tell of the 'art of minimal (simple) ocean sailing' and what can and does happen.
27 September 2011Marine
Conservation Zones (MCZ). The four marine conservation project teams have published their
recommendations (rMCZ) for the sea areas bordering England Wales and Northern Ireland.
The southeast's area, named Balanced Seas , covers the coastline and tidal waters from
Suffolk to Hampshire and offshore. The final report containing its recommendations
can be downloaded here (pdf file) Balanced Seas Final Report -
Recommended Marine Conservation Zones . It is worth noting that these rMCZs are
largely aimed at sea-floor conservation and would appear to overlap in some cases with
SSSI's and other existing protected areas of ecological importance. Unsurprisingly, most
of the rivers flowing into the North Sea have been included, extending to cover their
estuaries.
The rivers Blackwater, Colne, Crouch and Roach are noted for the presence of native
oysters and the Report's recommendation is to maintain their status and
not recover , the latter being a desire of the Blackwater oystermen and
some conservation organisations. 'Recover' could raise issues with leisure
users of these water dependent on any conservation measures introduced.
For the full report on Marine Control Zone3, click on the following link .MCZ 3 Blackwater Crouch Roach
Colne
Dry Fly
from a black stormcloud; I then realised it
was heading my way. I was soon enveloped in heavy rain, thunder and lightning. This was
repeated an hour or so later. By the time 
I was cruising up the Orwell, all had settled and I
could enjoy the rays of the sun, setting over Shotley. The others had missed my weather
by leaving Burnham slightly earlier! Papa Romeo, Parana, Reality and Storm
were moored in Neptune Marina by the time I locked through in twilight. Parana enjoyed Ipswich's nite-life, while the rest of us ate aboard. I appreciated the hospitality of Storm who took pity on this single-hander, an enjoyably social evening. The following day, we locked out and ran down river to find berths for the night. With it being a holiday weekend, berths were in short supply so we were fortunate with RHYC and Levington, who was also hosting the East Coast Old Gaffers racing weekend. Reality and Parana in the RHYC were no doubt lured in by the close proximity of the 'Butt and Oyster' at Pin Mill.
I dined with Papa Romeo and later we were joined by the crew of Storm, as the 'Lightship' bar "was heaving with old gaffers"! After an early start, the passage home on Monday was fast and reasonably pleasant in the fresh NW breeze, all craft arriving before high tide Burnham.
Dry Fly
After a storm warning on Saturday, many members abandoned going to Brightlingsea and headed up-river to Fambridge.
This dramatic photo was taken by Peter Tyler soon after the start of the Fambridge Middle Distance Triathlon which took place on Sunday morning. One of the participants had been swept by the tide perilously close to the yachts moored to the pontoon. It was with great difficulty that he was extracted by combined efforts and returned to his proper position on the 1.9km swimming course by the Police jetski. The Swim was followed by a 90km Cycle ride around Dengie then an 18km Run.
Saturday arrivals in Brightlingsea included Lady Pickle from
Ipswich and Parana from Burnham, so once all the declarations have been submitted
someone will be declared deservedly the winner of the Brightlingsea Bollard.
Meanwhile in Fambridge the customary boat
visiting and socialising was followed by many with an evening
wining and dining in the Ferryboat. Sunday dawned bright and early
risers watched the Triathlon swim with its massed start and dramatic incident. 
Chart no. 3750 Rivers Crouch and Roach - Edition 6
Chart no. 1975 Thames Estuary Northern Part - Edition 20
13 July 2011 FOR MORE PHOTOS of the FLYSAIL weekend, CLICK HERE for Brian's photos
.
In view of the weather forecast, a more
sheltered venue was chosen, 
as the exposed anchorage off Osea
Island would have been uncomfortable. However with the wind in the south in Yokesfleet
Creek, the yachts Papa Romeo Storm and Dry Fly rafted
and lying to Harmony's heavy anchor were veered towards the shallows of the
Foulness shore. The wind and opposing tide were unhelpful as Dry Fly came
alongside to secure but a line snagged on Dry Fly's rotating prop. For a brief
moment it looked like Peter would be joining the seals in the chilly water in order to
clear the rope from the propeller. Careful use of the throttle lever and a good tug by the
Skipper soon resolved the problem.After a while ( and a drink) it soon became apparent that we should have to move so the decision was taken to relocate to the Yacht Harbour. There we ate our beautifully cooked non-BBQ'd burgers aboard Storm and later spent the pleasant and tranquil evening socialising aboard Barbary Heron. The rally book was signed and the day declared a success.
Saturday 2nd July the Annual Rice and Cole Moorings Fun Race was won by Spindrift of Hamble who managed to find wind as most of the fleet struggled to reach and round the Holliwell buoy. J15 and Lune Orbiter with the ease of fast racers sped away up wind and were scarcely seen by the others. Lune Orbiter retired on a technicality (rounding a buoy the wrong way) and J 15 , first past the post by a long margin just failed to make her time coming in second on handicap with Dry Fly a long way behind in third place. Our thanks to those aboard the Committee boat Papa Romeo who ran this event.
27June 2011
The RIN FlySail Weekend on the 10/11 June was well attended with 6
light aircraft flying in to Great Oakley Airfield and 6 NSC yachts arriving at Shotley
Marina. Well done to Shirias11 for gaining points for the night sail. On
Saturday we took the Ferry to Harwich for the minibus trip to the airfield where after a
BBQ those who wished took up the offer from the pilots and enjoyed a flight. The Piper or
Cessna aircraft flew over the Orwell to the Deben and down to the coast, passing the Deben
bar, clearly visible and back to Great Oakley. Those lucky enough to be 
seated next to the pilot also took the controls. Post flight drinks were
partaken aboard Dolphin Spirit - excellent hospitality, and in the evening a fine
meal at the 'Shipwreck' with 34 attending.
On the following day, the intention was for the pilots to go for a sail before their
return flight at least two pilots managed an early morning cruise with
Roger on Lune Orbiter. With the poor weather forecast the other pilots took the
opportunity to get back to base as soon as possible. For the NSC craft, Pekatajo
had the short passage to Pin Mill, Shirias and Barbary Heron elected to
remain while Dry Fly, Spindrift, Lune Orbiter and Reality
had a wet and windy cruise back to the River Crouch, Reality having a
damaged jib and also recording over 40kts of wind during one gust. Click on Maggie's Photopage for more pix.
RIVER CROUCH BUOYAGE CHANGES The Crouch Harbour Authority (CHA) has issued a Notice to Mariners No. 2011/3 regarding the revised buoyage system for the River Crouch and approaches in readiness for the delivery of spoil from the London Crossrail Project to Wallasea Island. The new buoys and movements of some existing buoys should take place between 20th June and 22nd July 2011. The result of these improvements should mean easier navigation of the Whitaker and Swallowtail channels. Details of the alterations and a chartlet (non-navigational) in pdf format is available to download from the CHA.
'East Coast Pilot' has provided an easier to read chartlet printout which can be accessed from their DOWNLOAD PAGE and then clicking the 'CROUCH' link to their companion site 'Crossing the Thames Estuary'.
New editions of appropriate Admiralty charts are in production for publication after the works are completed.
CALAIS RALLY 2011 ( Report updated 5 June 2011 + photo page )
The high winds during the days leading up the this Bank Holiday weekend and general uncertainty in the forecasts meant that numbers were down this year on UK yachts visiting Calais, only about 50 making the trip. Not withstanding this, six Narrow Seas craft were on station in Calais. Juliet arriving early Wednesday morning just behind Polaris who had taken 12 days and 48 locks to travel the canals from the Netherlands, others were La Mouette, Barbary Heron and Windhover . Three Club yachts set off but the strong southeasterlies obliged them to seek the more sheltered Orwell and the beckoning charms of Ipswich.
Once again Benfleet YC took the NSC Calais pennant with thirteen eligible yachts but we had enough to gain the Marinerie Cup, at the time of the Presentation we believed we had five, our sixth yacht Picaroon arrived Saturday evening but the crew were still refreshing themselves from their 16 hr passage from Burnham. Conyer CC had two and Upnor SC one yacht. Benfleet's pontoon party to which we were all invited was a great success despite the drizzle and the strong breeze whistling down the harbour.
HMS Puncher was on station and Norman Hummerstone, Barbary Heron, as is his custom held his champagne and bacon sandwich reception aboard Puncher on the Sunday morning. Later, Norman spoke at the formal reception held in the Yacht Club by the local Chamber of Commerce for us visiting yachtspeople. The return passage was a question of picking an appropriate window in the weather, hopefully next year will favour us with kinder conditions. Click here for photo page
* Trinity House have said that the buoys marking each end of Foulger's Gat will be temporarily removed on or about the 14th May. Navigation of this route is still possible so long as the 500 metre clearance from any Wind Farm works is maintained; note that the anchors from their moored vessels can spread beyond 500 metres. Thanks to East Coast Pilot for this update.
* Titchmarsh Marina Rally
on the 14th May proved very successful with eleven** yachts on station. The fresh
northwesterly gave us a fast sail up the Wallet
though the squalls in Pennyhole Bay and the offshore racing fleet made the trip more
interesting for some. Parana was blown onto the Pye Sand during an attempted tow
from Storm as she had lost battery power and Vic couldn't start her engine. After
grounding three times Storm stood off until the passing RNLI rib could recover Parana.
In Titchmarsh Marina's Harbour Lights later, Vic sank a well deserved pint while
the rest of us enjoyed the meal and Peter from Storm reflected on the joys of
East Coast shallow water sailing.
** Storm, Spindrift of Hamble, Sea Mist II, Reality, Pilgrim, Parana,
Lune Orbiter, Lady Pickle, Jackalope, Greenwitch, DryFly .
For more information on the RNLI's FREE Sea Check service click here.
* Regalia - for list of items and prices, please click here
sunshine but little wind for some pleasant socialising on board Skipper's Juliet,
(excellent nibbles and drinks) before repairing to the Ferryboat for the evening. On
station were Juliet, Storm, DryFly, Barbary Heron and Lune Orbiter;
other members arrived by road. After a dull start on Sunday, the day brightened, helped no
doubt by the delicious bacon rolls served aboard Storm, though the light
Easterly breeze meant a motoring back to Burnham for some.The Spring Bank Holiday rallies to Brightlingsea and West Mersea were inevitably a disappointment due to the gale-force winds experienced over the holiday weekend. Colin and Yvonne Brewer in Lady Pickle sailed into Brightlingsea on Friday after a 'pretty rough' trip as Colin put it and were one of only five yachts to enter Brightlingsea Harbour over the weekend. Returning Sunday in bright sunshine and a northeasterly gusting 40k at times, the homeward trip was just as 'thrilling' - double rally points for effort maybe?
For those wanting poloshirts, fleeces and the like adorned with the Club logo, Stitchprint, tel: 01621 773900 located in Southminster has the pattern and this can be embroidered onto the item of your choice. Contact them directly.
The system works by transmitting your ATIS number whenever you release the PTT key on your microphone. Only the Authorities with the appropriate equipment can decode this (brief, scratchy sound) signal. The UK is not part of this agreement as our canals are mainly for leisure users and do not have the heavy commercial traffic enjoyed by the canals, waterways and rivers of the continent. More inf on ICOMs FAQ page
* The review of the library has been completed and the list of books can by viewed by clicking on LIBRARY on the left. As we haven't had a Librarian for some time, this post is is available to a worthy volunteer. In the mean time, books can be borrowed by ordering by email from the Sailing Secretary or Skipper quoting the book name and number. Delivery or collection will then be arranged, whichever is most convenient once the ordered books are to hand. Up to three books can be borrowed for a maximum of one calendar month. It is hoped that use of the library will increase especially as more books have been promised.
Click here to see more photos of this trip
* DONG Energy the installers of the Gunfleet Wind Farm have a proposal to extend the farm by installing two 'Demonstration' turbines to the Southwest of the existing array. The RYA and the Cruising Association have made representations that the site extension will come no closer than one nautical mile to the Whitaker Buoy. Thus there should be sufficient searoom for non-commercial vessels from the Thames to pass between the Whitaker Bell Buoy and the new extension on their way to the Spitway. More details on the RYA website and click to see a chartlet of the area in question. (RYA)
* New buoyage is expected for the River Crouch from the Whitaker to the discharge pontoon at Wallasea where the Crossrail Project spoil will be unloaded. Currently we have 13 navigation buoys in this stretch of water, these would be increased to 32 and all lit, some synchronously. Up to 5 ships per day are expected. The area has been resurveyed and we should expect improvement in the Swallowtail/Ron Pipe area where there has been shoaling. See East Coast Pilot for more information and also PLA charts showing the indicated location of the new buoys. As the shipping operation is expected to commence in the autumn, buoys could be in place by the summer (ECP)
*
New Year's Day Outing
Once again Norman Hummerstone with seven others
aboard took Barbary Heron on what has now become a traditional cruise
upriver to Fambridge to celebrate the New Year with a tipple at The FerryBoat Inn. With
little wind and an ebbing tide we motored steadily up-river with just the throbbing
of the engine and the chattering of the cooks below to disturb the tranquility. Ultimately
11 of us arrived in three yachts, Barbary Heron, Sandpiper and Jackalope.
Those of us on Barbary Heron were treated to the traditional Scottish dish
of haggis, tatties and neeps, aye, and that was accompanied by
some traditional Scottish water of life. On arrival at the Fambridge pontoon, mince pies
were distributed to those still hungry. 
The Ferryboat Inn was heaving with a merry crowd but it was soon
time to catch the last of the tide back to Burnham, a merry start indeed to the New Year.