The club schedules several weekend cruises during each sailing season. Events are planned around tides so a midday or early afternoon tide is ideal for visiting one of the Marina’s on the River Orwell or Walton Backwaters, where an early morning 7am tide is ideal for trips further afield allowing us to return at a reasonable time on the Sunday. Typical destinations for the fuller weekend cruises include Woodbridge, Orford, Snape, Bradwell or Tollesbury.
Longer cruises normally develop when a member has an idea to visit a particular port or destination, they float their idea and others may decide to join in. Trips in recent years have included The Suffolk Coast heading up to The Royal Norfolk and Suffolk yacht Club at Lowestoft and then returning with overnight stays in Southwold, Havergate Island and Woodbridge before returning home, St Katherine’s Dock via Queenborough, and Boulogne via Ramsgate.
Weekend trips are listed on the club website and club programme, an email reminder together with a notice and list posted in the club house enable members to log their intent and marina berths to be booked in advance (some marina’s (not all) give generous club discounts). Any member is welcome to plan an event and post in the club house.
The Club is proud of its diverse range of boats: Fishing, Rowing and Sailing all of which have attended weekend cruises in recent years.
We welcome members who are keen to crew on these events.
If anyone is not on the WhatsApp cruising group and would like to be, just message me and I’ll add you.
David Lodge (07725560052)
2023 Cruising
Short cruising season last year, the wind delayed lift in and interfered with plans but the obligatory shake-down
cruise took place as did the end of season curry cruise.
Others enjoyed time away and personally, I was involved in bringing a number of vessels back to Manningtree from
various locations.
Ken Ward purchased Sheldrake, a Gibsea 27 from Langstone Harbour and the gang of 4 (Ted Brightly, Mark
Bentall, Myself, and obviously Ken, transported down to Havant by David Warner, brought the boat back. A trip
that would involve several Wetherspoons!, severe seas leaving Eastbourne and the long laborious track from
Fishermans Gat past the wind turbines.
Tony Agar purchased his Westerly Ketch which we brought back from Gillingham and Darren Hicks, after long
delays got his Colvic Watson hauled to Levington and we sailed round to Mistley Marine. Not forgetting the
collection of Antares, my additional (at the moment) vessel from Lowestoft. Much help from the gang of 5 this
time, as David Warner joined us as crew.
The cruise was attended by novice and experienced sailors all sharing knowledge and help.
2024 Cruising Plans
We held a meeting on the 10th Feb to try and involve everyone in the planning of where and when. Tide and time
control much of when we can do things, but a base cruising programme was assembled. This will be the framework
of the coming season but it will not be the only cruising going on.
Anyone planning to cruise anywhere, long or short hops who would appreciate the company of other vessels, please
make contact and I will communicate with the group.
We are planning a BBQ that I’m trying to coincide with the 21 mile race and hold it at Wrabness, open to all club
members, sailing vessels, paddle boards and rowers up from Manningtree and of course anyone wishing to come by
road. Confirmation as soon as possible Planned Club Cruises will include booked food tables and will be as follows:-
26th April we sail to Levington, evening meal in the Haven Yacht Clubs Lightship. Depart for Ipswich the following
day with evening meal in the Nelson and returning to home port Sunday 28th
10th May we leave to visit Burnham via Titchmarsh a chance to sample the new restaurant and then on to North
Fambridge with food in the Ferryboat Inn.
8th June we plan to sail to Hamford water, raft up and share food cooked on board. Returning the following day.
15th July to Bradwell then on to Heybridge Basin. Returning the following day.
3rd August to Titchmarsh for a meal in the Harbour Lights
9th October mid week cruise to Foxes Marina, Ipswich and a meal in the Oyster Reach.
Curry Cruise to be confirmed as soon as lift out dates are available.