Three boats, Broadsword, Nimrod and Neriedes with skippers and a crew each left on the Thursday afternoon tide (8th) to overnight in Stangate. It was not an easy night with strong winds. A leisurely leaving Friday morning and good sail up to the Swin. A bit lumpy to Brightlingsea for a meal at the local pub and extra drinks in the YC. A pleasant quiet night. Leaving with enough ebb to get out to the channel and turn for the Blackwater and up to Heybridge lock. Neriedes suffered some temporary engine loss so anchored at the back of Osea Island. Weather fair so the other two entered the lock and stayed in the lock for the duration. Usual dinghy runs up the canal to Tesco’s for breakfast Sunday morning with excellent weather. Left early Sunday afternoon for Bradwell and picked up Nereides on the way who had partial success with the engine. All three into Bradwell Sunday evening for a meal at the club and another cracking evenings weather. Decided to make our way back Monday with an easterly forecast so from Bradwell to the Swin a little lumpy with the wind on the nose. Good run down to home with the wind easing and going Southerly at Sheerness. Timing good as we went straight to the moorings. A good varied sailing experience.
pics, Bradwell , Osea, Heybridge lock, Maldon
Great trip, thank you John