Bradwell 2007

Wix and Wrabness Yacht Club

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

Tel 01255 870777

The weather was ordered and arrived as expected, wall to wall sunshine and sea breezes, pity about the tides (or lack of them). Still, it gave the newest member of the fleet, Octima, a flying start as she "upped keel" and set off, leaving the rest of us wallowing in muddy holes in Titchmarsh.

What a hopeless Cruising Commodore, cannot even procure an unfair advantage for himself!

With a close reach to the north Eagle and a broad one thereafter, and with the tide helping, we fairly flew down to Bradwell although it seems Octima decided to go via Oostende, thereby handing back her early advantage.

The Green Man did us proud, welcoming a rather "well oiled" crew of nine, (we did arrive a lot earlier than we expected) at no notice.

Another fine reach all the way home, (didn't have to tack once) and a fine weekend, enjoyed by all. It seems global warming is not all bad!

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