With the advent of autumn, the club cruises draw to a close, but there is a wealth of social events to tempt and entice members. Onshore activities are an important part of the club’s calendar, and the annual summer barbecue was well attended, as over 60 members enjoyed catching up at the club’s riverside premises. The cruise dinner was held at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, the laying up supper will be held at the club in October, when club walks are also resuming, as are the Wednesday suppers.
Other activities include MAGs ( the Monday Afternoon Group Get Together), which is an informal gathering for all members with afternoon tea, and the Wednesday morning maintenance parties, again with coffee and cakes.
The last cruises of the season were Walton Pond, Blackwater, Ramsgate and the Four Rivers. If you fancy sailing in company, why not join Woodbridge Cruising Club whether you own a yacht or motorboat. Cruises are organised by club members and thanks are due to everyone who organised them.
The Blackwater Cruise was organised by John and Diana, and all 14 boats had a fantastic trip with light winds. The cruise visited Brightlingsea, Heybridge, Bradwell, and West Mersea. Onshore entertainment included Colne Yacht Club’s excellent dinner, a boat trip up the Colne to Rowhedge for lunch, a now traditional Kubb match (a Scandinavian game knocking down skittles by throwing wooden sticks). Members also enjoyed canal trips, barbecues, musical entertainment, pub dinners, and drinks in in the West Mersea Yacht Club. The return passage was helped by a lively NW breeze which, combined with a favourable tide, enabled all to return to Harwich and onward to home ports in record time.
Five yachts participated in the further afield Ramsgate cruise, Ramsgate being the first harbour, with welcome SADs (safe arrival drinks) on Aberration, and a meal ashore. Members enjoyed a rest day, exploring Broadstairs or Ramsgate, followed by an Italian meal, before setting sail to Queensborough – with delightful local markets to explore, trips to the Isle of Sheppy, and a welcoming yacht club. Boats then set sail for a night in Brightlingsea, before returning home. Thanks to the cruise captain Andy, who organised a great cruise, which everyone enjoyed.
The club is not solely nautical activities, and there are a wide range of events throughout the year (nautical and land based). If you are tempted by the activities, do check out the rest of the website. New members are always welcome, whether you own a motorboat or yacht.
