Monday 7th of August 2017
A good sunny and warm morning on the visitors pontoon at North Fambridge - we got ready and decided to push the tide for an hour or so and sail down to Burnham - I have never done that - purely under sail.
We left at about 11 - a breeze on the starboard quarter pushing us along under the foresail only - nice and steady - no tipy angles today.
Engine off - kettle on - WONDERFUL !!
A good way down river we passed Pagan heading home at North Fambridge - from their summer cruise along the South coast as far as the Isle of Wight.
The wind stayed good and in our favour right down through Cliff Reach and then died off.
Motor on to Burnham.
We were a bit early to head into the marina - so I suggested we go down river to the Roach and up into Yokesfleet looking for seals - BAD IDEA.
The tide had turned to the ebb and as we turned into the Roach we slowed to one knot !
We carried on but hardly made any distance - so we abandoned the side trip and made for Burnham Yacht Harbour.
The river Crouch was running fast now - against us and we were barely making one knot over the ground.!!
I edged over to the right bank shallows to get out of the main stream - no improvement at first until we went to 3 metres deep - now we made 2 knots !
I followed the three metre contour right up to moorings - threaded our way through them and called up the marina.
We were directed to berth C26 - Jackie and Zoie got prepared - port side to.
I slowed right down to get into the tight berth - next to a brand new motor cruiser ( it looked mega expensive ) - I slowed a bit too much - stopped short by a metre - drifted onto the cruiser !!
Jackie fended us off well - I put on some power and we went back in properly !!
No contact - No marks on it - Thank Goodness !!
A meal on board - a few drinks and I crashed out early - not good company - tired out !!
Overall - a good day sailing in warm sunshine - heaven.
Mike - Jackie - Zoie + Penny.
Sounds like you had a great time. Hope Zoie enjoying the experience.
ReplyDelete