The lock staff moved us forward in the lock using ropes, and then four other boats crowded in with us. Mary Ritchie, Bonify, Witch, and a bermudan sloop all wanted to leave, and given it was neaps, with high pressure, there was no chance for a second lock out; everyone had to come in at once.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTzMr_O5HaMsmnKG1JF1LFCoiKT37KNLyE4WgQGlOZy9dP5r2fG_jnk3ugFVDJDNW7E_Gdco_UP6N5_mtAIdGCKT4mpRpeZ-sVyJiaMk4FAPTyoNfdAGKQvzzj1ArgXNHEVC0087GCOtc/s320/in+heybridge+lock.jpg)
Julian got some bunting up, and I chatted to people who had come to watch the departure. Given it was only 0900, and there had been much drinking the might before, there were a lot of people there. Not just OGA, but readers of the Yachting Press. Sue Lewis's publicity machine is in high gear, and Dan Houston, editor of Classic Boat was there with a photographer. The the East Anglian Daily Times, The Maldon and Burnham Standard and the Essex Chronicle were also there. A lovely little gunter dingy also came to wish the circumnavigators well. The crew said they were bringing a boat to Cowes in August.
We led the way out of the lock. I had had a good look at the channel out at low water, and we reached safe water without problem. Unfortunately Mary Ritchie behind us was forced into slightly too wide a track by the other boats and went aground. We turned back to see if we could help, but luckily a work boat came out and pulled them off before we got there.
We set off down river with the boats, trying to stay out of shot for the Classic Boat photographers, with Julian working hard as "official photographer" for Eastcoaster. There was not enough wind to sail, but at Osea Island the other boats got their foresails out and posed with the RNLI rib. There should be some great shots for Classic Boat and Julian got good ones too; he posted some on the East Coast Old Gaffers facebook page.
After Osea the foresails got furled away, the RNLI and Classic Boat left, and the engines revs went up. Robinetta was soon left behind as Bonify, Witch, and Mary Ritchie set off to make passage.
There were still interesting things to look at in the Blackwater though. We passed closer than felt comfortable to an event I never knew existed. Water Ski racing looks like an exciting sport, if you like noise!