In the very best traditions of the Cruiser Class this newsletter had its beginning in the Rose Inn at Queenborough and was generously sponsored by Guinness. There were 7 boats including our visitors from Canada and a couple of new members. If you have not sampled the Tuesday group, why not give it a try. Join us on the jetty at about 0830 every Tuesday and choose where you want to go. Come to Queenborough or go to Stangate: whatever you choose you will have a great day with some pleasant company
Easter at Conyer
Easter Friday saw 12 cruisers tied up on the jetty all ready to depart for Conyer on Saturday Morning. Some elected to stay on the jetty whilst others sought the sanctuary and peace and quiet of the moorings…
Saturday came no wind, and quite a lot of mist. Having discovered that the mist was a weather phenomenon and not the result of the night before, the fleet departed at 0600 hrs (no idea how many bells that is), navigation lights on.
The mist soon cleared to show a beautiful bright sunny morning. The trip down was quite uneventful and we all managed to line up at the Kingsferry Bridge together. After a short wait the bridge lifted, and we all proceeded.
As we approached the entrance to Conyer Creek, there was a cunning plan. Depending on the boats draft and the pontoon the boats had been allocated to, we were to go in a certain order. Well, if you have ever herded cats, you will understand the problems. All the shallow draft boats shot up the Creek leaving us big boys to wait for more water. In situations like this a true leader emerges and shows everyone the way. Mischief ran aground showing everyone where not to go !
The return trip was under power as I had forgot to order the wind when I was ordering the brilliant sunshine .
In between the sailing there were walks to Teynham (Dover Castle) walks along the old sea walls, football, rounders and hunt the Easter Bunny .
Forthcoming Events
2nd and 3rd June MYC Regatta
Come and race in the white sail class . If you don’t want to do the whole regatta just sail in the white sail race on the FRIDAY Let’s make the Cruiser White sail the biggest class again this year.
Name the River Challenge 19th June
See below for details
11th June Queenborough weekend.
9th July Montgomery Race and Queenborough weekend
This year the Montgomery Race will be on Saturday the 9th July. Normal rules apply: start 1000 hrs MYC . This is also a Queenborough Weekend so the finishing line will be Queenborough Spit Buoy (for those of you that like to push the rules, you have to round the Montgomery first) this also gives everyone the chance to stay the night in Queenborough.
25th July Heybridge Basin (limited places)
This is a chance to visit Heybridge Basin on the Blackwater and explore the Chelmsford Canal in your dinghies.
Leave Sheerness 25th July to the Blackwater. It probably will not be able to get into Bradwell so will need to pick up a buoy, West Mersea area. 26th July to Heybridge Basin: it’s a 2-hr. trip but essential you are there by high water 1255 hrs.
27th 28 July get the dinghies out and explore the Chelmsford Canal or just enjoy the area.
29th leave at 1425 hrs. high water for Bradwell or wherever.
Some boats will be leaving to go to Ramsgate on the 22nd July
At the moment due to a cancellation there is one space left call me on 07876401305 if interested.
13th August Queenborough weekend
17th September Queenborough weekend the ( change from the normal 2nd Saturday )
8th October Queenborough weekend
12th November AGM and laying up supper
If you want to join in any of these trips please let Bob Turk or John Marshall know (cruiser@medwayyachtclub.com).
Cruiser Class WhatsApp Group
This is for members to let others know of trips they plan or just jolly’s . If you want to be part of this group, please contact Bob Turk
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: Name the River Challenge 19th June. It’s not a race, there is only one competitor, you start when you want and choose your own course.
So you think you can sail and navigate? All the official stuff, sailing instructions etc. are on the club notice WEB SITE but here are the basics that you need to know to take part:
Briefing in the library at 0900. So here is the challenge, you start when you want after the line opens. None of this crossing the line first and then you have to pass these marks in any order but keeping to the side prescribed, noting the time you start and the time you finish.
| Buoy Name | Number | Side to pass |
| Folly | 25 | East |
| Darnet | 23 | North |
| Bishop | 16 | East |
| Otterham Fairway | South | |
| West Bulwark | West | |
| East Bulwark | East | |
| Stoke | 13 | North |
| Stangate Spit | South | |
| Queenborough Spit | South | |
| North Kent | North | |
| South Kent | South | |
| Grain Hard | North |
Subscriptions
Thank you to all of you who have paid your subscription. £10 membership and £10 for a outboard stored in the store. If you have yet to pay and would like to continue to receive these newsletters and various invites to Cruiser Class events then please pay!
You can leave a cheque or cash in the Cruiser Class mail box situated in the Bosun’s Office or you can pay by bank transfer. We will be having a bit of a cull of all those that have not paid this year at the end of May. If you have paid do not worry, if you are not sure contact Bob
Outboard Store
Those who have visited the outboard store will have noticed that there has been some tidying up done. Could you please ensure that you only leave one 5l can of fuel, oars and pump along with your outboard and can you please mark fuel cans and outboards.
Early June there will be a fuel can cull, beware .
That’s all for now.