Best laid plans ......

We did have a plan! After Burnham on Crouch, our intention was to anchor off Osea Island for a night and then head to Heybridge Basin. However the weather decided to turn and this meant anchoring off Osea Island was a total no go as the wind direction would mean we would be on the lea shore  with winds forecast Force 6/7 with gusts.

Although we did enjoy our time at Burnham, we had spend four nights there and didn't want to wait longer waiting for a weather window. The weather was good enough for us to head back to our home port of Ipswich so that's what we did. It was a very steady journey back, without a lot of win, which was ironical as we were heading back because of the wind.

As we were back in Ipswich we decided to make the most of our time there and be tourists. So we went to Sutton Hoo and Minsmere (on separate days)and had great fun. Added bonus was we even managed to meet up with friends Cath and Mike in Southwold.

It was also the sailing in company weekend coming up and usually we are never around so we thought we'd would join in with that. All the boats were going down the River to Shotley Marina and having a meal there.

There wasn't a great deal of wind but as this was only a short sail and time wasn't a problem we sailed very gently down the river.

It was also the day of the Pin Mill Barge Race. Just loved these pictures of EDME, who we found out later was the winner.

A good night was had by all. Although we frequently drive down and walk by Shotley it is over 23 years since we last stayed here. I'm good with the dates as it was the week before we got married. It's a nice marina but because it's so close to our home marina it's not one we stay at. For anyone not familiar with this marina, it has baths! That is a total luxury in the sailing world.

The Sunday was also another lovely day so we decided to sail down the Stour, anchor up, have a spot of lunch and listen to the football ( England were playing!).  We had a bit of fun when anchoring. We anchored straight away but when I was about to hoist the anchor ball the elastic pinged and it went over the side and disappeared. Eventually it popped up but not in reach. So we had to up anchor and chase it and eventually managed to retrieve it before  anchoring. It was a lovely afternoon made better by the fact England won.

After the match we up anchored and made our way back to Ipswich. Again there was very little wind but as we had all the time in the world we sailed ever so gently up the River, at about 3 knots. I had to laugh as we were slightly behind another boat that was sailing. I could see John's horns coming out and without the other yacht knowing it was in a race.  All the way up the River the sails were being adjusted, we just about overhauled them when they turned in by Pin Mill to pick up a mooring buoy. We continued to sail right up to the lock.  The wheels came off a bit at this point as four barges and numerous boats were waiting for the lock. so we had a two hour wait for the lock. the longest we've ever had to wait. it was just one of those things. When we got back to our berth, I could see something floating in the berth behind us. Out with the boat hook - it was a computer bag complete with laptop, ipad, various wires and a large bag of change. Believe it or not despite being fully submerged the ipad still fired up. We took it to the marina office the next morning and they think they identified the owner.

Sailing Information
Burnham upon Crouch  to Ipswich Haven Marina  41.6 NM
8 hours 21minutes

Up and down the Orwell with a bit of the Stour  26.1 NM


For this part of our summer we had mainly long sails and without the sail in company we did a total of 227.90 NM, if we include the sail in company it was 254NM. the majority of it was using the Iron Main Sail (engine). It has been a good start and we will be back at the end of July. Before that we have a weeding to enjoy.