Boats leaving the moorings around 10.30 ish (give or take and hour) were Amaryllis, Waif, Poppy, Bishy Barneybee, Mischief, Pixie, Sun Glory, Joy, and M/C Zanndamon. Waif performed an amazing broach in front of the club site, and sailed on, not stopping for another reef!

Heading up the River Ant we negotiated Ludham Bridge collecting Daffodil and Nymph on route, and on to the shelter of Gay’s Staithe for lunch rather than the planned raft up on the Broad. Here, we were joined by M/C Saskia.

Mid afternoon relocated to Neatishead Dyke, to moor badly! Others went for a Barton Sail. One by one sailing boats arrived at Neatishead  and all secured mooring placees, a miracle! Warm drinks, tiffin, and chat were enjoyed by all as the temperature started to drop.

We all descended upon The Saddlery Restaurant by 6.30 pm, and not just for warmth and light. The hosts were very welcoming and accommodating. 36 people sat down in all, including those who arrived by car, representing the Black Marlin crew. The food was great and very well presented; the ambience lovely; a very enjoyable evening.

Thanks must go to Amanda and Nick for their hard work in locating a suitable eatery/hostelry and relaying menu choices. Sorry you weren’t able to join us. We hope you are better really soon Amanda.

Sunday dawned calmer. Well done (woof) to Bonnie who successfully completed her first night ever onboard Poppy. Bishy opted for breakfast on Barton.



The rest of us left in good enough time to meet up at How Hill for lunch, where we were joined by Ranger.

The only mishap of the day was the loss of Mischief’s modified and. as we all know very expensive burgee in the water when it caught on a bush opposite the How Hill mooring. Try as he may, with boat hook, and magnet from Zanndamon’s inflatable he failed to retrieve it in spite of frustratingly bringing it to the surface at one stage. One by one the boats left the moorings for their destinations in a gentle a gentle breeze and glorious late afternoon sunshine.

Overall a very enjoyable weekend with good company. Thank you to all who attended. Sorry to those who planned to or would have liked to have joined us but couldn’t make it. Next time!

Soozie Hopwood

Many thanks to Soozie for stepping into the breach. She made an excellent “Blue Leader”.