Rally at Burnham Yacht Harbour, June 2005

On Saturday, 11th June, five boats gathered in Burnham Yacht Harbour on the River Crouch for a rally and barbeque. We had sailed Moonstone, ETAP34s, from Tollesbury on the Blackwater, a trip of about 28 miles, despite Tollesbury and Burnham being only 8 miles apart. As so often, the weather had deteriorated from a sunny dawn to settle into a grey and chilly day, so we were especially pleased to receive a warm welcome from those members already in the Yacht Harbour.

Derek and Jacky Robinson, founders of our association, entertained everyone royally aboard their palatial Corvette 320 motor cruiser, Augusta, after which we spent a convivial evening around the barbeque before returning to Augusta for nightcaps, including some lethal poteen. It was soon agreed that we should not wait too long before the next rally, this time on the Orwell, to make it easy for more members could attend.

Sunday morning gave us a broad reach out of the Crouch and through the Swin Spitway, after which things became a little more challenging. The wind swung abruptly into the northwest and increased to F5, touching 6, giving us an energetic beat home. We had enjoyed a weekend of good sailing and the excellent company that we have come to associate with our association.