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'Acadia' - Second Tender to 'Bumper'
Cruise Photos
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A window of opportunity opened for a short cruise before my daughter's wedding on the 24th July. I was able to sail 'Bumper' to the River Colne on Wednesday 14th July; then to proceed around the southern side of Mersea Island the following day to Mersea Quarters. From there a crossing of the River Blackwater while under sail brought my yacht to Bradwell Marina on Friday 16th. This was an intentional visit to a UK Junk Rig Assocaition Rally to be held there that weekend. Although I am not a member of the Association I was made welcome by Robin Blain and other participants. It was a privilege to meet so many enthusiatic 'junkies' with their individual vessels. You can see photos of a few of their boats at the bottom of this page.
John Tompkins, who wrote Riddle of the Sandbar , joined ship on Saturday 17th July, and, while exploring the Blackwater, we met Johnny Adams (the webmaster of the Dinghy Cruising Association web site), who was having a week's holiday as a crew member aboard the Thames barge, 'Pudge'. You can see pictures of her and Johnny above.
John 'T' helped me motor-sail 'Bumper' to Burnham-on-Crouch, via the Spitway, around the Raysand, on Sunday the 18th. It was necessary to use the engine most of the time, because we had to buck the tide as far as the Spitway, then make headway against the wind to Burnham. I can't remember seeing so many motor yachts on a single day. Perhaps there was a rally for them? I know full-well that their popularity is growing, and soon, sailing yachts could be outnumbered by them!
John left ship after a return trip to Fambridge on Monday, 19th July, then I was joined by Martin Baker (a previous joint-owner of 'Bumper') the following day for a repeat performance. Both excursions were different, but excellent in quality - both the sailing and companionship. Martin's visit was like the iceing on a cake, which concluded a very successful and enjoyable short cruise.
The Junk Rig Rally at Bradwell
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27.07.04