2 rivers race

Neither Julian nor I were sure we would race today. Even anchored clear of all the other boats we had had a disturbed night with uncomfortable swell. The race was scheduled to begin at 09:30, and we only decided to race at 09:10. We were still anchored and it took Julian longer than expected to haul it up. Then we had to dodge other boats sailing around us while we got our sails up.

Robinetta was last but one over the line and we were not sure if My Quest, the other boat, was even racing. She overhauled us by the time we were passing Thurslet Spit, then we passed her again... Meanwhile the fleet ahead were slowly drawing away.

Having My Quest to race against, and still being able to see the rest of the fleet all the way to the finish line made for an enjoyable trip. We even had a nail biting finish, racing My Quest all the way to the finish line where she was half a boat length ahead.

We moored up on the Brightlingsea visitor pontoon, and were glad to be back there after 2 disturbed nights at anchor. We had to raft up though, on Hussar, who lay outside Cygnet of London. Then My Quest came along outside us. It was a good distribution on boats length and weight wise.

Ostara had gone to fill up her water tanks, and failed to get on to the water pontoon on her first attempt. While going round to try again she ran aground and was soon high and dry. Her skipper tried to set up her beaching legs to keep her upright, but the slope meant that it did not work and she suffered some damage as she lay over, although she came up properly when the tide came back.

The "safari supper" was an interesting exercise in getting to know people. I volunteered to provide a main course, and as they were short of starters Julian offered a starter, so we spent 2 courses on Robinetta. I tried to use the Thermal Cooker to make Jambalaya, but it was not a huge success as the recipe was for 6, and it turned out I needed a larger version of the cooker for that...