Near and Far

Dinner at 6.45pm. Talks begin at 8pm.

Talk and supper at Blackwater Sailing Club - ‘Near and Far’ - a series of four fascinating short talks by members of the CA and BSC & not necessarily in this order. Please complete the separate booking form and return a.s.a.p.

George Whitchurch – "From B to A" (Blackwater to Antwerp) A voyage to the 'other side' of the N Sea requires careful planning, whichever route you decide to take. If you add on the complexities of a passage up the extremely tidal Westerschelde, with all its sandbanks, to the busy commercial port of Antwerp you had better know what you're doing. George and Vivien found it a delightful trip, and very bicycle friendly. Come along and find out more!

Judith Grimwade is the Regional Editor of the CA Almanac for the Biscay area. In the name of research, Judith and Mark followed the French coast from the Charente to the Spanish border. They entered every port listed in the Almanac on the way and, having gone south as far as possible, they then went west. The Bay of Biscay has a
reputation for not being a friendly environment, but Judith will give us a taste of the area and tell us whether or not it was as difficult as described in the pilots.How about that for your summer cruise?

Dermot O’Riordan - “Sailing the North West Passage”. No, this is not Osea Island northabout, but the voyage that Sir John Franklin famously failed to achieve. The sea route through the Arctic Ocean, connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific has been sought by explorers for centuries as a possible trade route. In 2008 Dermot sailed up the West coast of Greenland and across Baffin Bay to Pond Inlet. In 2010 he was one of a crew of 4 who sailed through the NW Passage, joining the boat from Baffin Island to Alaska. Talk about remote, hostile waters! Climate change has reduced the pack ice, but come with your woollies in case you feel a chill.

Lesley Hastie - ‘Kindred Spirits’ – Adventures on the Essex & Suffolk rivers of an all female crew". It seems that what is sometimes considered in certain quarters to be an indispensible element on the boat has been found to be surplus to requirements. Furthermore, this situation can lead to an especially rewarding time being had by all the ladies present. Could this state of affairs lead to mass male skipper redundancies? Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please!

Our evening social events are held in the very hospitable premises of the Blackwater Sailing Club, Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, CM9 4SD. The Club is down a turning off Goldhanger Road, towards Heybridge Basin. Entrance to the club grounds is 200 yards on the left (in the dark, so keep a good look-out!). Then you just watch out for the sleeping policemen as you drive past the boat park towards the clubhouse.
If you need directions, please email: essex@cruising.org.uk or see: www.multimap.com

Please use the booking form below.