Into the lock

We got up at 6 to motor up to Heybridge.

With the tide with us we got there very early and picked up a mooring to wait. Lost the lid of the grease pot overboard - it took us ages to retrieve it - we needed the practice! When the lock opened I didn't have my sea-eyes on and went the wrong side of the withes (clearly painted with red tops) and put us aground. Alison did a great job digging our way out with the rudder and then she managed to put us aground by heading in too far away from the withes on the correct side. The engine was not happy - lots of smoke. but we got off again and made it into the lock.


The basin was still full of overwintering boats, as well as Bonify, Witch and Mary Richie, so the harbour master told us to turn round and go back into the lock to moor. Heybridge Basin is a lovely spot with great showers.

We said hello to the other crews and then I sat down to revise for my OU exam while Alison checked out the engine. There was a big lump of mud in the raw water filter, the impeller needed a bit of TLC and there is a water drip from somewhere. It is time the 1GM10 had a bit more care.

I also had a go at fitting the gaff saddle with some hope of binding the main sail on. The saddle doesn't fit. When we first had it I had to open up the jaws to fit the mast. Now it is as good as new, I'll have to do that again. Oh well.