Marconi Dinghy Cruisers

17/09/2024

September Cruise in Company 2024
The Dinghy Cruisers ‘Sail in Company’ for September took place on Saturday 14th on a lovely sunny day. A morning expedition to Maldon was planned but due to the lack of any wind it sadly had to be abandoned. However the afternoon trip to Bradwell Beach was fortunate to have a light but steady breeze straight down the Blackwater. Five boats with a total of 12 crew set off on a pleasant run with the tide downriver past Radio Caroline and Bradwell power station. Two of the five boats had spinnakers which aided their progress and looked splendid. The flotilla carried on past the first part of Bradwell beach and landed at the point - opposite West Mersea, which has water at low tide. We were joined soon after by a Hobie Cat from the club.
Everyone enjoyed a rest and relax and a few nibbles and drinks in the sun. At 15:30 we set off back to the club. After almost 2 hours of beating in F2-3 with some help from the incoming tide, we all arrived back at the club.
A thoroughly enjoyable day.

11/08/2024

MSC Dinghy Cruisers sail 3rd Aug24
The weather forecast for Saturday showed wind F3/4, Easterly, warm and overcast but dry - ideal for dinghy cruising however on the day the forecast was about the same but conditions looked potentially gusty in part. Mainsails reefed accordingly for easy sailing. High tide was at 13:00hrs.
9 folk and four boats, 3 Wayfarers and a Wanderer.
Plan was to leave to hard at about 10:00 and sail to Maldon promenade by the most direct route and come ashore on the promenade near to Byrhtnoth’s statue. The return trip would take in a visit to Maylandsea and possibly going north of Osea if time and tide allowed.
With the wind it was a beat until we got past Osea and then easier sailing until we got to Colliers Reach when more tacking was needed, two sail Barges were coming out from Maldon, what a sight! Good conditions, warm breeze, slightly cloudy with some rain visible miles away.
We found a clear bit of shore at 12:00 to land on although the gap between boat and pathway was a tricky bit of sea/mud/concrete slope. Ice cream shop was found a short walk away.
Leaving Maldon at 13:10 we went south of Northey over the causeway, plenty of water and had an enjoyable sail to Mundon point where a right turn took us into Lawling Creek. The wind picked up a tad with some gusts and shifts which made tacking up the decreasing creek interesting.
From the water Maylandsea looks a very busy place with two sailing clubs, a large marina plus slipways and the town houses running almost down to the shore line.
We landed right outside Maylandsea Sailing Club, a friendly place who allowed us the use of their facilities. After some adjustments to Blue Moon’s jib we made a fast(ish) departure, the tide had turned well over an hour ago.
Sailing out was simpler, mostly a reach, keeping mid channel and an eye on the marker buoys. Lots of seals bobbing about here and nearer MSC.
Got back to MSC at 15:00, just as the Regatta was wrapping up, great timing and a great day out again for the Dinghy Cruisers.

04/06/2024

A few pics from MSC Dinghy Cruisers sail, June 2nd 2024. High water was at 09:30 and we left the hard a bit after 10:00 with a northerly F3 to 4, a tad variable in force and direction at times.
The plan was to sail round the back of Osea and make a judgment on conditions and target.
We did visit Blackwater SC pontoon (almost), Mill beach for a picnic stop, Lawling Creek beach, stopped here for a look around and then a short diversion further up the creek to see some seals.
At low (ish) water the division between sea and mud is hard to spot when in a boat until you reach it. Likewise picking our way out of the Creek took skill and a bit of luck.
We got back to the MSC hard at about 14:30 just as the afternoon races were finishing. It was a good day, two boats in all 6 people.

03/07/2023

A very windy blustery first Saturday of the Month Dinghy Cruise on July 1st 2023.
The weather was dry and warm, wind F4 gusting F5 and the tide turning at 11.30. Two boats with a total of 7 crew set off towards Maldon. It was an exciting, and very wet! beat up the river and we reached Blackwater SC for a well earned rest and drink. The return to Marconi SC was exhilarating as wind and tide were with us - we were bowling along and reached the club just after lunchtime.
Some of our group had still not had enough adventure and continued in one boat to Bradwell for a pint and then had a hard but successful beat back against the wind.
A fantastic day.

10/05/2022

The May "First Saturday" dinghy cruise was well attended with 8 boats. There were very low winds in the morning and twice we were becalmed. We had lunch at Stone and then with skill and determination and a little wind some of the fleet managed to get as far as Radio Caroline. Then we were becalmed again and could only drift back with the tide. Two boats were equipped with the latest electric outboards and along with normal outboards and good old fashioned oars we all got back to the club. It was still an enjoyable outing but we are hopeful of more wind next time!

02/01/2022

The first Saturday sail of 2022 was a delightful trip up river on the flood tide. The forecast was SSW f4-f6 and 12 degrees. Two wayfarers left the hard at 09.20 and made swift progress towards Maldon under a glorious blue sky.
On this occasion we sailed past the Queens head and navigated almost as far as Fullbridge which was quite interesting and a bit different. With the exception of the sailing barge Hydrogen we were the only sailing boats out that we could see on this part of the river.
We headed of to Millbeach for a lunch stop at anchor. Heading back we sailed north of Osea arriving back at Marconi just after midday. Thanks to Colin for arranging.
Happy new year to you all.
Kind regards Martin

04/09/2021

The September cruise was a great success attracting 8 boats in all 4 of which flew spinnaker, which is a first for the group, but could set a new trend?
Our course was up river, rounding Northey island. Then the group headed to Mill Beach for refreshments on the beach, tea and coffee from the cafe was most welcome.
The homewards leg was north of Osea island, landing on the beach to the east of Osea spit, returning to the club mid afternoon.
Thanks to Colin Wardell for leading as usual, and thanks to all who attended and making the day enjoyable.

03/07/2021

03/05/2021

The May "first Saturday" dinghy cruise went ahead for Marconi sailors. There was a good bracing northerly breeze - at times very gusty! - which allowed a fantastic sail in company. The day started with a trip towards Bradwell in the morning with several boats and then, after a lunch stop back at the club, another sail up river to Maldon with a stop for tea/coffee at Heybridge. Some boats were on both trips and some only joined the morning or afternoon excursions allowing flexibility for everyone. The photo shows the afternoon contingent of 4 boats having a welcome break at Heybridge.

03/10/2020

A jolly jaunt up to Maldon for socially distanced cheesy chips and beer. Lovely sailing weather once the early morning rain cleared.

11/07/2020

Hi folks. The usual first Saturday cruise was blown out this month.
So we grabbed the opportunity of the great conditions today. We sailed down river stopping on the northern shore for a bit of lunch. Then headed onwards to Bradwell, we decided not to stop. Preferring to head back with the tide to Marconi. Great company and sailing conditions