Woodbridge Cruising Club would like to wish everyone a happy and peaceful New Year. Members are already looking forward to cruises for 2022, and Andy the cruise captain is working hard to organise these.
The last talks of 2021 were varied, from well-known local historian and author, Robert Simper, to our very own Captain Peter King, all to enthralled audiences. Robert gave a talk about the characters of the River Deben, which covered nearly 2000 years from Radewald, to 21st century Woodbridge boat yards, and everyone in-between from smugglers, to Thomas Seckford, and the Deben floods.
The Clipper Thermopylæ
Peter spoke enthusiastically and knowledgably about the clipper Thermopylæ ‘The finest clipper of them all’. For years, the clipper ship era has been the subject of romance, epitomised by the Cutty Sark preserved at Greenwich. The Thermopylæ consistently achieved fast passages on the China tea trade before in 1881 being displaced by steam, when she joined other China clippers on the Australian homewards wool trade until again displaced by steam in 1890. She was finally sunk by two torpedoes as the climax of a Naval Regatta presided over by the Queen of Portugal.
Future talks planned are Paul Bragg on Biscay Ports, and South Africa in the Second World War.
The social scene is thriving, with Wednesday suppers, the black tie Commodore’s Christmas Party, plus club walks, enjoyed by members and dogs.
The November walks included from Thorpeness to Sizewell, north along an inland path to the Sandlings footpath leading into Sizewell village, then returned via the beach side cliff walk. Planned future walks include four miles around Hollesley, ending up at the pub, through meadows, sandy tracks and woodland.
At the November AGM trophies were presented to
TONY BUTTALL SHIELD for contribution to cruising: Graham Card
CRUISING CUP for enthusiastic start to cruising: ANNA BEVAN-SMITH
CAROLINE GAMMAGE CUP for services to the Club: The Covid Re-opening Team
ALDRED CUP winner of Washington SHB timed passage: CORANTO Neville and Sally Pearce
Why not make your New Year’s Resolution to join the cruising club. If the activities sound intriguing, then have a look at this website. New members are welcome, whether you own a motorboat or yacht, or are keen to start sailing.
