Medway Cruising Club Early Bird Sail

Michele

Following a spectacular Sunny Saturday the original plan to go to Stangate had to be altered due to high winds and we were heading up to Rochester. The same happened last year!! It was cold and overcast as we left Gillingham Marina. Kev’s new boat Toucan is being re rigged so currently is massless. What an opportunity to get up river and go under Rochester bridge. There were some others who had braved the weather. Freya, Drumgold, Krista and Omega. We were under motor all the way but the others had sails up as we had good wind coming from behind. A good potter up the river under the bridge and back to the Chatham Marina Pier where we stopped for lunch. Grateful to Christine’s carrot and potato soups which warmed us through, some cheese and ham rolls, lemon cake and a nice cup of tea!! Then headed back to Gillingham Marina for lock in. It was windy and we tried to come in on the right but got blown to the left. One boat hook in the water and struggled to keep her straight in the lock. Fantastic look keeper gave us a slow and steady ascent and retrieved our boat hook. I’m pleased to say no damage done and we managed to get into our right berth first time. Looking forward to getting the Mast on and out for real sailing!!