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News and Reports, Sailing Events

Crane out October 2024

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Here we are, ladies and gentlemen, at that thrilling time of year once again. The nights are creeping in like a stealthy cat burglar; the weather can’t seem to decide if it’s summer or winter, and after what feels like a lifetime spent poring over endless back copies of PBO and other nautical delights, the gallant sailors of Wardleys Creek are craning their boats out of the water. They’re gearing up for some serious TLC and an assortment of ambitious projects and are bound to do a fantastic job. If only our vessels would magically polish themselves when the sun peeks out for half an hour, but they don’t, so very soon, lots of delicious back-breaking work and cups of tea will ensue!

Three weeks ago, this magnificent boat was in Ipswich, and since then, it’s been on a glorious voyage, slicing through some of the most iconic waterways in the UK. It has breezed past the Essex rivers, bravely navigated the Thames estuary, and tackled the Dover Straits with all the gusto of an America’s Cup contender. Then it stormed through the Solent, dawdled at Falmouth Roads, and gloriously rounded Land’s End. From there, it cruised through the Bristol Channel and St. George’s Channel, before stopping briefly at the stunning Isle of Anglesey. But let’s be honest—none of those could hold a candle to Morecambe Bay! OUR hidden gem. So, hats off to you, Norman and Terry! You’ve done a cracking job sailing this beauty across such breathtaking waters!

Suzie B swings with Kiln Lane in the backdrop.

Every year, a ragtag bunch of bold Wardley Marine Yacht Club members descends upon the marina for the grand spectacle of hauling out the boats. And wouldn’t you know it, the sun shines down as if it’s cheering us on! It’s a delightful chaos of enthusiasm and camaraderie, where the only thing more stubborn than the barnacles on the hulls are the good folks trying to pry those boats out of the water. Truly, it’s a sight to behold!
This magnificent vessel has boldly ventured to Stornoway and back this year—an impressive feat, to say the least. Bravo to Sika for pulling it off! If you’re curious about her epic journey, don’t forget to check out the earlier post. You won’t regret it!
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How many members of the Wardleys Yacht Club does it take to lift a Dragon? Well, let me tell you, this beauty might not be in the best shape, but she’s still the prettiest boat in the yard. I mean, just look at her! As the blokes throw admiring glances her way, it’s clear that when it comes to elegance, a true word has never been spoken. She’s a classic—battered, yes, but undeniably stunning.
Just take a moment to appreciate those lines. True beauty isn’t just about polished perfection; it’s about someone who can throw on a pair of rags, smear themselves in mud, and still make people stop in their tracks, gasping in admiration. It’s massive! That’s the kind of allure you can’t manufacture—a raw, unapologetic authenticity that leaves everyone else in the dust.

News and Reports

Around Britain Summer Cruise 2024

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This year’s club top sailor award must go to Simon Browning. He recently completed a magnificent cruise around Britain, following the Caledonian Canal route clockwise and starting from Loch Feochan. In total, he covered 1680 miles. This extended journey presented its own set of challenges. Simon efficiently dealt with a diesel engine cylinder head gasket failure, which resulted in a dramatic loss of power and a momentary white smoke scare while at sea with land barely in sight. Fortunately, the ever resourceful skipper located a good man, sourced the necessary bits and pieces, and finally resolved the mechanicals with minimal delay. Despite this challenge, the cruise around Britain allowed Simon and his crew, Jo, to visit some of the most enchanted and unforgettable places, including the White Cliffs of Dover, Lindisfarne, Wells-next-the-Sea, Land’s End, the Brighton Pavilion, and Belfast, the birthplace of the Titanic and her sister ship. His yacht, Raindance, a 34-foot Moody, is flawlessly suited for the task—spacious enough for extended living yet manageable for short-handed sailing. With its relatively shallow draft and bilge keels, it can navigate the salt marshes and tidal estuaries that thankfully abound in UK waters, unlocking the possibility of lingering in some of the most renowned and memorable locations.

On day 1, following extensive preparation, Raindance set sail from Ardoran Marine on Loch Feochan at high tide, embarking on an extraordinary journey. A brief voyage brought Simon and Jo to Loch Spelve on the Isle of Mull. Eager to savour every moment of the long voyage ahead, they acquired and enjoyed fresh mussels for lunch, marking a delightful beginning to their adventure.
The caption above depicts the northern part of the cruise from the mentioned website. The red pin marks the start and end locations, and the circular photos show different places, ports, anchorages, or havens that Raindance visited during the journey around Great Britain.
Continuing from the above, the journey heads south, down through the North Sea, into the English Channel, westward as far as Cornwall and Land’s End, then north to Wales, onto the Isle of Man, with a brief stop in Northern Ireland, before returning to Scotland.
And back at the start on day 101, all safe and sound.

Click here for the whole story. (Best viewed on a desktop PC with a big screen; I recommend working through the photos with accompanying well-written and engaging narrative)