It has been some while since Whimbrel has ventured north beyond the Blackwater estuary apart from a ‘raid visit’ to Harwich with my eldest brother when I’ve in England from Canada last year.

Last year we went south and up the R. Thames to St Katherine Docks. We had a fabulous time spinning around the lower waters that we know so well.

Our first two years – how time flys by – has been very happy indeed. I know we’re paying for services (not that we weren’t before) but it really has been problem free and totally without stress. We treat the yard, it’s staff and facilities in a manner we wish for ourselves: the manager Beccs said to us – you care… people I have chatted to don’t really have much in their complaints boxes!

A case in point was the rapidity of our ‘emergency’ lift out last year for prop key renewal. Our first on the hard antifouling session was also trouble free with no hassle.

Any way, we got away, first with a cousin and my youngest brother, departing from Maylandsea an hour after high water. Thus was a ‘delivery cruise’ up the coast to Harwich areas.

At West Mersea, my youngest brother enjoyed a sail in Twitch before a capsize in shallow water – he was smiling and baling when we brought Whimbrel along…

The saga provided entertainment for a number of boaters. A good start!
The weather for the weekend was a little ‘iffy’ initially for a gander up the Wallet, however, forecast improved giving a SW 4-5. It made for a great sail and fast passage from West Mersea where we’d moored overnight to Harwich’s Halfpenny Pier.

The Alma was booked for our supper.

Whimbrel was joined by the ironpot Thistle on Halfpenny Pier.

Our last day was a short hop to the Walton Backwaters to meet The Mate at Titchmarsh Marina.

Interestingly, at Halfpenny Pier, a lovely old motor boat came in – a classic from around 1962, a Fairy Huntsman. The owner told us that it had first been owned by a chap who led the Council of Europe in late 1960s. He had a ‘spying’ job during WW2 and Ian Fleming based James Bond on the chap – the boat was used in a Bond film…

The boat, Europa II still had letters for the House of Commons YC…

So, now that the mate is back aboard we are pootling around between Pin Mill, R. Stour and Backwaters having a bit of fun and togetherness.

Next weekend, Whimbrel hosts another family group comprising of my sister and two good friends. Christobel goes home with a week of days out planned. She’ll soon be back.

Down the early morning sun leaving Pin Mill.
It is great to spread Whimbrel around the family, but that is how it should be…