During June 2025 last year I celebrated my seventieth birthday, this year I celebrated the end of that milestone year – one I may not have reached had I not ‘demanded’ a PSA test when nearly sixty-three, Under the current Government’s dictate (NHS Policy), I’d have gone on to die…
Job done!
Whimbrel had been antifouled and last of varnishing completed on the yards slipway towards the end of May and we got away for a few days afloat, with a visit to West Mersea and Pyefleet Creek off the R, Colne near Brightlingsea.
Whimbrel from Twitch whilst anchored in Pyefleet.
Hot foot on our return from that weekend, I was due to join the Blue Mermaid as guest crew aboard for the River Blackwater Barge Match. This was an honour (The Mate declined and with weather we had, a good choice Hilary of SCST said) and I was in a mix of trust supporting people aboard.
Chasing the EDME over the start line…
The match was shortened to a reach down off Bradwell old power station and back. Six vessels and a following barge were out, which, under circumstances was pretty good – winds up to F7! Afterwards, the Blue Mermaid was tacked up to the Hythe … an exciting event and greatly enjoyed!
Coming up to the Battle of Maldon memorial statue on end of promenade.
A few days after that experience we were off again to celebrate my last day as a seventy year old! A berth in Maldon had been booked as well as an eatery… Weather was a little windy at first but moderated to enable a great few days away.
Leaving West Mersea on the morning of my last day being seventy!
Hot on the heels of my special time a ‘big’ family event was taking place as the eldest of my siblings was ‘home’ from Canada to visit us all. We were targeted first and with good weather and tides we disappeared off for three days sailing (planned!) while the Mate enjoyed peace and quiet…
I ‘lost’ the boat for a few days!
While big brother was visiting other siblings, the Mate and I got out for a day sail as well as topping Whimbrel’s stores up to summer levels.
Around the boat ‘we’ have possibly the main cabin top to recoat for there is some breakdown taking place with a kind of ingrained ‘dirt’ spots. Mate is going to give it a thorough heavy scour … I have done edges to varnish. I have a short length of deck on stb’d side to touch up too – need to be berthed against a pontoon.
Other jobs completed have been the soaking, scrubbing, washing and reproofing of cockpit and hatch covers.
Cockpit cover being reproofed.
Little hatch covers and tiller cover being scrubbed after a soak in soda and water.
So, onwards into July: Whimbrel summer experience crews are due to join me, in succession, this coming week. My youngest sibling and a cousin first and then my sister and two friends (The Mate is having a few days in Oxford doing the sights during their week…) Then it’ll be the Mate and me alone … aha, but there is a final trip booked – sister and a (Greek sailing) friend!
A great time is likely to be had by all, but most of all, it is always a pleasure for the Mate and myself to share the joys of our delightful little clinker sloop – it is the way it should be…