Burnham 2006

Wix and Wrabness Yacht Club

Dove Cottage Oakley Road Wix Nr. Manningtree Essex. CO11 2SE

Tel 01255 870777

Burnham saw another round of musical boats with Deborah Cole generously offering to crew on Levanter.

4 boats in company, a fine sail from Walton channel to Crouch entrance under sail, mainly NE f 4, only forced to motor once in the Crouch against foul tide.

Full Circle bravely going where no boat (dared) go before, making the most of her shallow draft over the Spitway, (particularly brave without an echo sounder) but all arrived at crouch entrance approximately same time, except for Mike who couldn't resist a detour to RCYC.

Fine curry fest, possibly resulting in slight overindulgence in the Stella fire extinguisher, (enough to suggest flaming sambucca's in any event), a fine evening, enjoyed by all.

Variable winds on return trip, with Mrs C staying on to sample further delights of Burnham. Enjoyable sail home wind swinging from NW to Easterly mainly force 3-4 (although as usual, mainly on the nose). Close sail with Irella III back up Wallet, both boats singlehanded.

Weekend trip of 90 miles, nearly all under sail. Max windspeed 21 knots, max boat speed 7.6 knots (close reach out of Crouch). A thoroughly enjoyable weekend sail.

Useful Links: Royal Yachting Association. The Met Office. Weather Online. UK Hydrographic Office Easy tide.

Deben Entrance. Orford Entrance. www.marinas.com Stour Sailing Club. Windfinder.com