The club schedules several weekend cruises during each sailing season. Events are planned around tides so a midday or early afternoon tide is ideal for visiting one of the Marina’s on the River Orwell or Walton Backwaters, where an early morning 7am tide is ideal for trips further afield allowing us to return at a reasonable time on the Sunday. Typical destinations for the fuller weekend cruises include Woodbridge, Orford, Snape, Bradwell or Tollesbury.
The Club is proud of its diverse range of boats: Fishing, Rowing and Sailing all of which have attended weekend cruises in recent years.
We welcome members who are keen to crew on these events.
April 2023 Shake Down Cruise/Curry cruise
A three day event that sailed immediately after the multiple delayed lift in from the compound. Well, we wondered if it would happen at all given the weather. Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th should have been lift in but high winds prevented that taking place. So Friday 21st came and a sterling job was done by all involved to lift in as many boats in one day, 18 in all and I think that’s a record in its own right.
We will skip politely over the fact that I managed to find the mud opposite the pontoon which led to Ted, Kelvin and I driving to Shotley to watch David Warner, with Ken and Mike onboard Sonic, Stefaan and Darren on Apollo and Mark single handed on Greylag just about to enter the lock into Shotley Marina. Makeda with Jerry and Margaret also Adrian in Sirius were with us. Matt sailed from Ipswich to meet us and was to sail back with us the following day.
The weather Friday evening was surprisingly good given the forecast and a few pre-dinner drinks were welcome. A walk to the Bristol Arms improved the appetite and a fine meal was appreciated by all.
Saturday morning was very overcast and misty but after a splendid full English fry up courtesy of Kelvin, the boats began to call the lock master for docking out. Apollo, Greylag and Sonic leaving first, the others following. The sail to Ipswich was slow and Karisma and Sirius eventually dropped sails and motored though to Ipswich Haven and the timing could not have been better; as we approached, the lock went into free flow.
Saturday evening we were joined by George driving Jennie and Craig playing a supportive appearance that we managed to convert into an extra diner for the curry.
This is the second time we have used Zaika in St Nicholas Street, only 10 minutes walk from the Marina and it didn’t disappoint. Food was excellent and we were accommodated in an upstairs room to ourselves. I also need to add that the drink did flow, although a surprising number were very restrained. I think most got a fairly early night, but there were a few that found some nightlife!
Most of us were away from Ipswich fairly early as those Manningtree bound had to arrive with the tide. To say the return journey was a little damp would be an understatement, but then it is April.
The cruise was attended by novice and experienced sailors all sharing knowledge and help.
I have to be grateful to Kelvin for giving me a bed for two nights and Mark for putting up with me on the return journey.
If anyone is not on the WhatsApp cruising group and would like to be, just message me and I’ll add you.
David Lodge (07725560052)
Longer cruises normally develop when a member has an idea to visit a particular port or destination, they float their idea and others may decide to join in. Trips in recent years have included The Suffolk Coast heading up to The Royal Norfolk and Suffolk yacht Club at Lowestoft and then returning with overnight stays in Southwold, Havergate Island and Woodbridge before returning home, St Katherine’s Dock via Queenborough, and Bolougne via Ramsgate.
Weekend trips are listed on the club website and club programme, an email reminder together with a notice and list posted in the club house enable members to log their intent and marina berths to be booked in advance (some marina’s (not all) give generous club discounts). Any member is welcome to plan an event and post in the club house.