Unfortunately for the second year in a row weather got the better of our overnight cruise plans. A week after the expected date the conditions were right and a group of sailors traversed the length of the Deben. The fleet was made up of Youth Sailing wayfarers, Laser 2000s, two yachts and a Dart 18.
The wind direction meant the first leg to Ramsholt was upwind but with the tide. Lots of tacking for the dinghies but simple motoring for Paul Williams and Paul Smith in their yachts. A little bit of downwind sailing past Ramsholt and to Waldringfield where the Dragonfly World Championships were taking place. No upset caused there as the fleet sailed past.
The fleet moored at Deben Yacht Club and joined club members there for lunch in the club house. Sam and Harley pressed on in the Dart 18 and sailed around the corner of the tidemill, onwards to melton and to the bridge, making them the only boat to complete the entire trip. Perfect wind direction here as it was a reach to the bridge and a reach escaping the bridge and the tide still flowing under it. On the way back they grabbed icecream having pulled hte boat ashore near the house boats. When relaunching with the wind in a difficult wind direction Harley managed to fall out and under the boat before pulling himself in over the rear beam. The fleet was still having lunched so they moored up on the back of Paul Williams Seamaster 815 (5 birth).
The sail back was a great reach with minimal tacks to make it back to the ferry. Having started at 10:30 lunch it was about 3/4pm by the time the fleet returned which was good time. Thanks to Doug Chesterman for organising and hope more join us next year!
