2009 Making Waves - Benfleet Yacht Club

Spring 2009 

the Newsletter of the Benfleet Yacht Club 

In the mag: 

Rob takes the helm. 

Richard Smith reports Cadet 

Week success. 

Richard and Luz enjoy a fine 

weekend. 

Maurice builds his first cruiser. 

Terry communicates with feeling. 

Harvey guides us to the Solent. 

Keith remembers „Billows‟. 

Nore Race on Saturday 

18th July 2009 

Promoting Benfleet Yacht Club 

Dave advises on buying and 

selling a boat 

Wendy with a party of past 

Commodores. 

Ken and Heather thank BYC. 

Phil finds the best antifouling. 

Ian gets nautical with Essex girls. 

Phil Blatchford doesn‟t panic. 

Keron sails to the Baltic in 

„Spindrift‟ 

Cruising in 2009 

BYC website: 

www.benfleetyachtclub.org 

Webmaster: Paul Field 

Rob takes over as Commodore. 

At the AGM Rob Scriven became Commodore and thanked 

Paula Bootle for her hard work over the last two years and 

presented her with a barograph from the club to show our 

appreciation. Perhaps Paula can relax a bit, but she says 

she is not going far and will be around the club to help out. 

Rob has spent a busy year as Vice Commodore sorting out 

the bar and catering for the club. It has been very 

successful and overall the bar made a small profit. 

As Commodore, Rob explained the rise in membership 

fees of £6 to £7, depending on class of membership. “It is 

still very good value. We have to balance the contribution of 

the Full members with that from the greater number of 

Associate plus Retired members.” The proposal was 

passed by a majority. Boat related fees rise by about 7%, 

but dinghy pads are £20. The extra funds will pay for 

maintenance of the club building and increased utility bills. 

Rob asked that members save on electrical power 

wherever possible. 

1

A huge newsletter this year, packed with great articles. Phil Bostock, Editor 

The launch, haul-out and other team members shared a meal at the end of the year 

with wives and friends to mark another successful year, see photos opposite. Their 

great contribution to the club is recognised and appreciated. 

Richard Smith reports Cadet Week, an important part of club life. Cadet numbers 

rise every year with the promise of a bright future. The Nore Race is the most public 

face of Benfleet YC and this year we will be promoting it strongly to local sailors and clubs. Mention it 

to interested friends. 

My antifouling tests have run their course and I have found a treatment best for my boat and mooring. 

I would be interested to know of your experiences through 2009. 

This year an editorial team of Wendy Webster, Dave Chamberlain and Richard Smith advised and 

assisted, and I thank them for their great help. 

The newsletter keeps me busy in the cold months of the year. But the best job in the club, apparently, 

is „Cruiser Captain‟, so I have taken on that role this year to occupy the warmer months! I am going to 

need lots of help, especially with the barbecues! Thanks to all those who filled in a survey form. The 

cruising events of the year are shown on the back page and incorporates your feedback. We have a 

Caribbean BBQ at Chatham in May (!) and Pirates at the Ray Day. Costumes, more Disney and less 

Somali, would be welcome. 

The food is fab and the bar is buzzing. 

Rob Scriven, Commodore BYC. 

Well it‟s been a busy year. We spent three months this 

last summer listening to brewery reps and reporting to 

General Committee each month. „Greene King‟ were keen 

to keep our business and many members wanted to keep 

their IPA, but „Greene King‟ were very competitive so no 

need to look any further. Hurray! Things were looking up. 

Next, Eileen was due to retire. What to do about the 

catering Sue Stripe agreed to become Club Steward and 

run the bar. That‟s good, but who‟s going to feed us 

Much discussion led us to take on a caterer - what a 

disaster! It was time for everyone to muck in; ladies of the club, Commodore 

Paula Bootle and Charlie Bibby, right through to Christmas. I would like to thank Charlie Bibby for his 

commitment to BYC during that difficult time. 

„Purple Chilli Catering‟ were suggested - never heard of them - but after several meetings the officers 

were happy to report back to General Committee with their recommendations. Gary has been with us 

for a year now and the food is excellent. 

We have kept the bar prices lower than the pubs, but we can only achieve this with your continued 

support. The end of year financial report shows the bar making a profit, which is very good news. 

If you have not tried the new catering or the cheap bar please give it a try and keep the club buzzing. 

Watch for specials at the bar from time to time. If you have any ideas about improvements we would be 

only too pleased to listen. 

Let us look forward to the new sailing season. I hope to see as many of you as possible on the water. 

2 

Sue Stripe and Rob Scriven

Team members and friends. 

3

Cadet Week 2008 Report. 

Richard Smith 

This year‟s cadet week was held between 30 th July to 3 rd August. Now in its 15 th 

year cadet week is one of the biggest events in the Benfleet Yacht Club calendar. 

This year a total of 53 students took part. There were 23 children in Optimist, 15 in 

Toppers and then 9 older students in two man dinghies, including RS Fevas, the 

club GP 14 and Sport 16. 

As well as the students 

there was an army of 

volunteers who were all 

needed to make the 

event a success. The 

sailing instructors were 

supported by assistant instructors, safety boat 

crews, beach crews, first-aiders and many 

more. 

BYC Slipway 

There is a saying that an army marches on its 

stomach and certainly this „army‟, or should I say 

„navy‟ sailed on its stomach. A special thank you 

must go to the ladies who prepared the 110 

lunches each day and the 2000 cups of tea drunk 

over the week. The evening meal was the noisy 

highlight of each day, and again a huge amount of 

work, with over 30lbs of meat a day prepared, 

cooked, served and consumed. 

This year we were blessed with good sailing weather with breeze every day. The rain held off and, 

despite being overcast, most who were on the water finished the week with a „Two Tree tan‟. 

BYC is a RYA recognized training establishment with the students following an RYA „Start Sailing‟ 

course. The training is both on and off the water. Ashore the instructors drummed in the five essentials 

of sailing; sail setting, boat balance, boat trim, centre-board and course-made-good. The RYA 

qualification is internationally recognized; former BYC cadet week students have gone on to become 

sailing instructors themselves, getting work in the Mediterranean. Other students have gone on to race 

at the very highest level. 

Benfleet Creek is an excellent training ground. 

Optimists get ready 

Despite the short three hour tidal window the water 

is calm which helps with student‟s confidence and 

prevents waves knocking the wind out of sails on 

light days. The current sets a challenge to the 

student and help improve observation of coursemade-good. 

The sailing grounds are very safe with 

the bank only ever a 100 metres away. The only 

hazards are the motor boats who seem incapable 

of throttling back a little when motoring through the 

sailing areas. 

This year saw the first flag-making competition. 

Each group designed and made their own flag. 

There were some very colourful designs and, despite claims of tactical voting, Paula‟s advanced Oppy 

group won the prize. 

4 

Serious preparation

Billy & Ellis 

At the end of the week there was a big barbeque 

where the students were joined by their families for 

the prize giving. This year ten students achieved 

„RYA Stage 1‟ with five and ten achieving their 

stages 2 & 3 respectively. Six students achieved the 

„RYA Seamanship‟ level which is very 

commendable. This is a very challenging course 

designed to broaden a student‟s skills. Tasks 

included sailing without a rudder, sailing backwards, 

anchor under sail and many more. These are all 

very tricky but great fun to try in a safe environment. 

Sport 16 donated in memory of Kay Brown 

The most coveted award of the week is the 

„Golden Hippo‟ prize awarded for the most 

spectacular incident. The year‟s winner was 

Josh Last who fell out the boat whilst his crew 

Darren Saddington continued to sail without 

noticing his helmsman was lost over board. 

Who needs a helmsman if your boat is properly 

balanced and trimmed Well done Darren! 

There are many other awards presented. The 

„Goldcrest Oil‟ shield is for the best overall 

achiever / improver of the week. This is judged 

by the instructors who have a lively debate as 

to who should win. The decision is taken very 

seriously and deliberated for quite some time. 

This year‟s outstanding achiever was Charlie 

Tovey who had an excellent sailing week and 

really impressed his instructors. 

BYC cadet week is a fun event. It has 

attracted many young new members to the 

club along with many parents who have got 

back into sailing as a result of their child‟s 

involvement in this scheme. Lifelong 

friendships have been made and with over 300 

students passing through this scheme over the 

Support group briefing 

last decade and a half the event is no doubt 

etched on the memories of many. A special 

thank you must go to John and Sue Hancock without whom none of this would have happened. 

Dates for 2009 are planned Wednesday 5 th to Sunday 9 th August. Look out for the application forms 

which will be posted on the BYC website in the New Year. Unfortunately the cost has had to be 

increased to £100 per cadet, but still great value. For those students planning to sail in the 2009 

event please remember to get as much practice in as possible. There is no substitute for practice, 

sailing is not like riding a bike, and you can‟t just leave it a year and jump back on and expect to be 

at the same level. The RYA calls it skill fade and is a very real phenomenon. Without practice you will 

spend the first two or three days of cadet week getting back up to your previous level. 

My thanks to Buzz Coleman for permission to use his excellent photographs. 

5

A Fine Weekend, 

Richard Day 

Richard 

“What‟s wrong with the engine” “It has started leaking again.” Thus begun a familiar 

conversation with my wife I‟d been having of late regarding our small Mariner outboard. It was 

showing the aftershocks of having been briefly, but indubitably, dropped head first into the 

murk of Benfleet creek. 

“I‟ll have to go ashore and get a proper look at it.” And so began the tidal countdown that would 

decide if our plan of getting away for the weekend would have a disappointing curtailment. 

As luck would have it, one of the Yacht club seniors, an engineer called John, was happy to 

assist in decoding the puzzling petrol leak and before too long he had the motor whizzing 

merrily along as if fresh off the chandler‟s shelf. “YES”, I thought to myself, and it looked like 

game-on again. We would have to get a move on 

though because we were already at slack water and we 

hadn‟t watered or provisioned the boat yet. 

“Don‟t tell me the wind has moved to directly astern”, I 

said to myself. But almost as if the wind had heard my 

complaint, it moved back to abeam and with a 

desperate heave out to windward, the dreaded buoy 

was well and truly launched. Mercifully it remained in 

view and bobbed gently away from “Agape” in a 

teasing way as if to say, “You haven‟t mastered me 

yet you know”, and so, I was away. 

I made fast to the staging beside the slipway, as 

someone seemed to be spending an age trying to 

nuzzle an enormous catamaran up to the barge. We 

loaded and watered, and then it was all systems go 

for a tense exit from the muddy shoals on a falling 

tide. We negotiated Benfleet creek successfully, and 

then also the dreaded Bargander sand, where I had 

spent a humiliating night in our first season afloat, 

high and dry on the sands. 

I raced out to the mooring, like one of those maniacs 

you see on the dreaded water bikes, and tried to put out 

of my mind all the miserable episodes of fouling the 

buoy or line under the boat before leaving, that are so 

aggravating. As I boarded “Agape”, I was willing the 

wind to continue to press abeam of our little yacht, so 

that I could ease the boat away to leeward. I rushed 

through all preliminary checks and opened all the 

valves, switched on the reliable Beta diesel, and started 

to join the sink line and float to the two big chain ends. 

I remembered, in passing, how a month earlier I had 

been knee deep in mud fitting new shackles after one 

end had come away in a storm. I had nearly sliced my 

finger off, but now I had the assurity that all was well 

beneath the pudding. 

6 

Luz in the galley

„Agape‟ 

We made directly for Stangate creek, as we have come to resent the 

early morning wake up call for collection of mooring fees at 

Queenborough. We have already, in what is only our fourth season, 

spent many a happy and restful night anchoring at Stangate, as well 

as the odd hellish one with the anchor dragging in the small hours. 

Happily this night was one of the former, and the following day we had 

a jolly time traipsing around Bedlam‟s Bottom in the tender looking for 

historical artefacts and generally exploring. Then it was back to the 

mothership for a quick drink and a snack. 

The weather all weekend, although windless, was beautifully warm 

and I felt that a quick dip in the creek would be bracing, but 

invigorating. Having cast adrift the horseshoe buoy with its 30 or so 

metres of float line, I made for the shore where I could make some 

more historical observations. Coming my way to investigate was a 

solitary black seal that disappeared nervously in response to my 

shouted greeting. It looked just like a black dog swimming along, 

except for its superior expertise, and I was sorry that our close 

encounter had been so brief. 

After supper we pressed on up the Medway under power 

until we opened up that lovely stretch opposite Chatham 

known as “Cockham Reach”. We were delighted to find a 

vacant mooring here, although it was pretty lively with 

passing traffic and rather bumpy during the night. In fact 

shortly after we had tied up, a gigantic monster of a ship 

came down the river, its stern swinging right out, 

precariously close to the moored yachts on the bend. 

Later on in the evening, we heard the sound of a live 

band coming down the fairway, and we enjoyed a little 

boogie on deck to the sounds of the “party boat” paddle 

steamer. 

In the morning we spent a lovely day, whizzing to and 

from the Medway Yacht Club, whose hospitality was 

warm and genuine. After a comfortable 

shower, we took a beautiful stroll past Upnor 

Castle, and from there, discovered a 24hour 

supermarket where we were able to restock a 

few basics (ice lolly). Then we went back to 

Stangate Creek to bring up once again in the 

company of all the wildlife. In the morning we 

had a breezy sail back to the Ray, after which 

I fell for the sucker punch and grounded in 

the middle of the creek, going for the 

mysterious “Y” buoy. Aptly named I felt. We 

soon lifted off again, and after we had tied up 

and shut down our lovely little boat, it was 

time to make our way home to face the 

humdrum of our everyday lives once again, to 

dream of further East Coast boating 

adventures. 

Ray Day friends 

7 

Richard at work

My First Cruiser. 

Maurice Cooper 

Since childhood, I have always been interested in boats, sailing, 

motor, rowing, etc. In 1946, at the age of 14, I decided to build a 

10‟ “flatie”. As far as I know, fibreglass had not yet been 

invented, so it was in wood, which in 1947 was still rationed – 

you could only buy £1 worth per month. 

The bottom consisted of 1” 

thick by 6” tongue and groove 

planking, while the sides were 

3/8” by 6” clinker construction. 

And the total cost was £7 14s 

3d (7 pounds, 14 shillings and three pence), 

including the pair of oars at £1-12-6. I named 

the flatie “Tym” after my pet cat who 

had recently died. 

Elaine and Maurice 

„Alma‟ under construction 

Flatie „Tym‟ 

As a typical yachtsman, I soon 

wanted something bigger, so in 

1949 I decided to build a small motor sailing cruiser. My next-door 

neighbour, Don Collett, also a Benfleet Yacht Club member, designed 

the cruiser. He was looking forward to seeing it finished but 

unfortunately he emigrated to New Zealand before the boat was 

launched. Don has now died, but I did show the pictures of the boat to 

his daughters when Elaine and I visited New Zealand a few years ago. 

I built the boat in the front garden of my home in Thundersley Park 

Road. And recorded everything, date, price, use etc., in a book which I 

still have. I named the boat “Alma” which was a combination of my 

mother‟s name ALice and my father‟s name MAurice 

Lifting „Alma‟ out of front garden, 

almost scraping the electric cables 

The bottom was 1” x 6” 

tongue and groove and 

the sides were 9” x 5/8” 

planks hard chine construction. I used a variety of 

woods – frames were oak, floors oak, planking pine, 

deck mahogany, stem elm, sternboard oak, and keel 

oak. The wood all came to the princely sum of £47-11 

-5 (47 pounds, 11 shillings and 5 pence). The boats 

dimensions were LOA 21‟, LWL 17‟, beam 6‟6”, 

draught 2‟6” 

Launching „Alma‟ 

Additional items for the boat included an anchor for 9 

shillings 11 pence, boat hook for 2 shillings 11 pence, 

the propeller and shaft was 13 pounds 14 shillings 

and nine pence and the engine was a 6 horsepower, 

two stroke, twin cylinder horizontal Royal Enfield exgovernment 

engine costing £20. 

8

“Pump it and dump it” toilets were just coming in and were very 

expensive, so I had to start out with “Bucket and chuck it”! 

I could only work on the construction on weekends and 

holidays and I did all the work myself, but the boat slowly took 

shape and was starting to look quite good. Unfortunately I was 

then called up for National Service and I spent 2 years in Royal 

Signals in cipher and 

decoding. 

„Alma‟ near old Benfleet Bridge 

Waiting for the tide 

During my training at Caterrick, Yorkshire, my father contacted 

my commanding officer and explained I had a boat which had 

to be launched and I was very kindly given compassionate 

leave to come back for a long weekend in July 1951. 

My father had arranged the crane and 

low level vehicle to transport the boat 

to Benfleet Creek. But the vehicle was 

delayed enroute and when “Alma” 

arrived at Benfleet Creek there was no 

water! We then had to wait until 9 PM 

before I could launch her near the old 

bridge and then on to a Benfleet Yacht 

Club mooring. The crane and vehicle 

hire cost 5 pounds 10 shillings. 

„Alma‟ under 

maximum 

power in the 

River Swale 

„Alma‟ and my 

parents in 

Tonbridge 

And the total cost „Alma‟ was £138-3-6 ( 138 

pounds, 3 shillings and six pence), or £138.17 in 

new money! 

I later changed the engine for a Ford 4 cylinder motor car petrol engine, 

in order to give me more speed and sailed “Alma” happily for the next 8 

years, exploring the Rivers Roach, Crouch, Swale, and Medway as far as 

Tunbridge. 

I only parted with her in order to buy by my first Sea King. That‟s another 

story! 

The photograph on the 

right is part of the 1st & 

2nd South Benfleet Scout 

group. 

Top row from right; Alan 

Bearman, unknown, 

Maurice Cooper, Ken 

Evans, Roger Gilbert, Stan 

Fisher Scout Master and 

Commodore of BYC, 

Malcolm Moxon. 

9

Communications. 

Terry Pond 

On the ebb, for a quiet autumn afternoon a few years ago, we slipped 

our Two Tree mooring, headed down river and fetched up, anchored off 

Bung Island. No wind, smooth sea, a trace of mist. 

Sitting in the cockpit, I switched VHF to Port Control to listen to ship 

movements. After some activity, a Shell tanker 

(Very Large Crude Carrier), „Meenar‟, came up. 

“London VTS. VLCC „Meenar‟. Sea Reach 1 

inbound. Pilot speaking. There is a small launch 

made fast to Sea Reach 1. Can you call him and tell 

him to move It makes life difficult for us, dangerous 

for him in that position, especially if we have to pass 

close to.” 

“‟Meenar‟. London VTS. Roger pilot, do you have 

the boats name” 

“London VTS, „Meenar‟. Negative” 

“Vessel made fast to Sea Reach 1. This is London VTS (repeated 

several times), Over.” No reply - obviously without radio … or she did 

not want to respond. Then couple of minutes on, from out of the ensuing 

silence. . . . 

“London VTS. Fishing vessel „Jo Jo‟. Ref VLCC; Sea Reach 1. I can 

see that cowboy angler just to the south of me.” 

“‟Jo Jo‟. London VTS. Roger. Can you read her name” 

“London VTS. „Jo Jo‟. Negative” 

“‟Jo Jo‟. London VTS. Skipper, could you shout across and tell him to 

move off the buoy” 

“London VTS. If I could shout that f***ing far I would be on the bleeding 

stage . . . not out here trying to scratch a living! „Jo Jo‟ out!!” 

So ended that dialogue. It was then time to have a glass of wine and 

something to eat. Names have been changed for reasons of anonymity. 

A quiet weekend training in the 1970s. 

After World War II the government, formed the RN Auxiliary Service (RNXS) for the benefit of 

NATO. It was a uniformed service of men and women, trained by the Royal Navy to crew, man 

harbour launches, boarders, pilot vessels, naval control of shipping. The navy were short of 

manpower. Training was evening, weekends, ashore and afloat. One weekend I found myself 

aboard a motor minesweeper, out of Gillingham, bound for Ostend. 

As we approached the twin pier heads we had to do a fast 360 degree turn and pause to make way 

for a Royal Belgian Navy launch leaving at speed, with clearance divers rushing off to deal with a 

mine in the Scheldt. We berthed, at the Royal Belgian Naval quay and sent a man up to their office 

to report as ordered, to confirm our arrival. 

Gangway watch was posted, orders taken for duty free. Away we went to the North Sea YC, the 

skipper not having had the delight to visit Ostend before. Returned aboard, cleaned up for the 

evening ashore, meal, and trip to Ronnie‟s Bar. Our watchkeeper reported there had been a big flap, 

which, because of language he did not understand; skipper was to report to their office pronto on his 

return. 

“Well”, he said to me, “you have a good smattering of French. You go up and see what all the fuss is 

about.” Quickly donning uniform (to make a good impression) I went to the R B N office. 

10 

Joan and Terry Pond on „Chaya‟

Big problems, NATO, US Navy, RN, Admiralty - all were involved!! After investigation this is what had 

happened. Royal Belgian Navy Base Ostend had sent the arrival confirmation of our ship to Naval 

Officer I/C Midway! 

Some poor American naval radio operator on the U S island naval base of Midway, in the Pacific had 

received this message, and to say the least was, somewhat non-plussed. Apparently after deep 

consultation the text was re-relayed by Morse, going via US Navy Pacific HQ, Washington, USN 

London, Admiralty thence to Chatham, Medway were it should have gone in the first place. 

I explained the slight problem to their officer. „Mais alors!‟ “A glass of red wine” “Thank you sir.” 

„Entente cordial.‟ „Vive Les Belguiquers!‟ We had a good but somewhat rough passage home, duty 

free”s for all, only easing up at Garrison Point for the customs cutter, cleared and back to Gillingham. 

„Do Not Enter.‟ 

On a coastal class minesweeper, fortnights training in 

the 1950‟s with the RNVR we sailed from Harwich, 

round Finistere to Benodet, South Brittany. 

HMS Thames 

Original destination was to be Lisbon & Oporto and 

return, however the Home Fleet Spring Cruise had 

seen to it that the Royal Navy were not welcome in 

Lisbon, so these were cancelled. It was Brittany 

instead. Now coastal minesweepers usually have a Lieutenant as skipper plus maybe one other, then 

some senior rates. Because of the expected delights of the original destinations nearly every officer had 

put his name down. Most of them knew each other in the City at their real work! Thus EVERY officer 

was a Lieutenant Commander; viz: Skipper, First Lieutenant, Supply Officer, electrical, doctor, 

navigator, engineer, communications plus a couple or so lieutenants. There was more gold braid 

aboard than Fort Knox! 

We were so over-crewed that some ratings were sleeping on camp beds 

on the mess deck floor. I eventually went to the extreme lower deck hull, 

where I found a bale of white sweaters from which I made myself a 

comfortable bed; water rushing past the hull and movement was a bit 

disconcerting at first. 

Had a successful training cruise „en France‟. On the way home off 

Guernsey we became short of fresh water, so much so that we had none, 

with four days to go. After a lot of discussion the powers that be said try 

Guernsey, but Guernsey said no! “I‟m not having that.” said the captain, 

so we set course for St Peter Port. One of my duties on this trip was 

navigator‟s yeoman, on the bridge, with a pen and pad to record helm/ 

engine orders given as we entered or left harbour. 

The skipper determined to get water, “Bridge party close up. Hands to 

stations to enter harbour.” We lined up going for the entrance when there 

was flashing Morse at the harbour office. 

The signalman called to the captain, “They are calling us sir”, and read the letters slowly “ D” “O” 

“N” “O” “T” “E” “N” “T” “E” “R” . “Message DO NOT ENTER”, sang out the signalman. 

“Hard a starboard coxswain.”, shouted the skipper. I wrote furiously. We swung round. 

At that moment a ferry came steaming out at full tilt, much too close for comfort. We eventually 

berthed, took on water, spent a few hours ashore then off back to Harwich. All life enhancing stuff. 

11

Guide to the Solent. Harvey Albert 

Hi there BYC members and old friends of many 

years. I sail from Port Solent (Portsmouth) under 

the BYC burgee, which imparts the false cachet 

that I have just made the challenging passage 

around the South Coast. My excuse is BYC 

membership for 44 years and it is such a cool 

design…….. 

Here are a few insider comments on what is of 

interest around the Solent, but you should also use 

a pilot guide. 

Chichester. Arriving at the Eastern End of the 

Solent, after a generally trying passage from Essex, I would rather enter Chichester 

Sunny & Harvey 

Harbour than Bembridge, which has a horribly convoluted entrance. Provided you enter Chichester 

avoiding strong onshore wind against tide and prudently not within say two hours of low water, it is 

not often as scary as the Pilots convey. It is a huge & lovely harbour, with many places of interest to 

visit. The Anchorage at East Head, near the entrance, is a lovely quiet spot. 

Otherwise when arriving at the Solent, particularly with a westerly, I recommend anchoring or 

mooring off Seaview IOW. This does put another hour or so on the passage, but the hour perhaps 

spent entering Chichester compensates. There is a hospitable yacht club at Seaview which often 

can provide a water-taxi rib service off the twin row of mooring buoys at about 4m.MLWS. The YC 

hosts open-meetings so the water-taxi is sometimes available midweek as well as weekends. The 

YC runs a superb Buffet & Bar which is good value. Seaview is a picturesque 18 th century village 

with several other restaurants & Hotels. The beaches east of Seaview are a good anchoring spot 

and the beaches are superb. 

Portsmouth. The next hop into the Solent, and possibly the point of arrival if the tides suited, would 

be Portsmouth. It is a world-class sight, with something for everyone on a visit. Arriving along with 

the teeming ferries, hovercraft, & high speed cats, will however be a nightmare for the visitor. Just 

remember somehow nearly everyone survives! If your crew is missing retail therapy and night-life, 

then staying at Gunwharf Quay is excellent. You must request permission of the Queen‟s Harbour 

Master to cross to Gunwharf Quay from the small vessel channel. The pontoons are quieter than 

one might imagine and the fee is not more expensive than elsewhere, which is a surprise 

considering the central location. There is so much to see at Portsmouth a week would pass quickly 

without repetition. 

Port Solent. As it happens Sunny and I live at the northern section 

of Portsmouth Harbour - Port Solent Marina - which has a distinctive 

waterside lifestyle of it‟s own near the huge, originally Roman, then 

Norman castle . A visit would not disappoint and I would be pleased 

to see another BYC Burgee. We have a townhouse with our 

Beneteau Oceanis 36cc „Juniper’ at the bottom of the garden. Yes, 

an ideal old yachtsman‟s arrangement! 

Wooten Creek. Looking a little West, still in the East Solent, I would 

recommend a visit to Wooten Creek IOW. Unless you can dry-out, 

you can probably only stay two hours either side of HW at springs, 

but the Yacht Club (founded by Queen Victoria) is hospitable. You 

do share the creek with ferries, but there is good clearance. A walk 

to the Monastery at the top of a nearby hill, which has a lovely farm, 

garden and tea-shop, is well worthwhile. 

12 

Port Solent

Osborne Bay. Further West there is a reliable anchorage at Osborne Bay. This is useful as a stopping 

-point before the Cowes headland (which often has strange changes of wind strength & wind direction). 

Cowes is of course interesting; & everyone wants to visit at least once, but it does suffer from visitor 

numbers & noise (ferry wash & rowdy yachtsmen). I recommend the East Cowes Marina as quieter & 

cheaper. It has good facilities & restaurant, but assuming as a BYC member you want to visit the West 

Cowes High Street to be rowdy, the chain ferry is nearby & inexpensive. 

Beaulieu. Moving on to the West Solent, Beaulieu, on the mainland, is charming. The river mouth has 

a bar to avoid - say two hours either side of low water - but not particularly difficult to conn. 

I recommend picking up a buoy at the West end of the first stretch of water, which is more sheltered 

than one might imagine, at Needs Ore Point. You can also anchor there. It is infinitely cheaper than 

further up river; there is however a 2 mile slog in the dinghy to Bucklers Hard or Beaulieu (however you 

are unlikely to burn £25.00 of fuel to do it) and it is a picturesque journey. 

Newtown Creek. Another hour west on the IOW coast is Newtown Creek. 

This is saltings owned by the RSPB, & quite lovely, though rather Eastcoasty. 

There are no mooring fees because the place was purchased by 

yachtsmen, but there is a voluntary donation scheme. Since my vessel 

draws 1.5m I tend to avoid entering at low water at springs, but there 

remains enough depth at LW neapish. I would favour mooring in the east 

leg of the T of navigable water (not far from Fishhouse Point) as there is 

greater depth of water than in the west leg. I also recommend entering for 

the first time on a rising tide as the channel is difficult where it divides, just 

after the initial entrance. There is also the excellent option of mooring 

offshore just to the west of the creek entrance, but before Hamstead Ledge, 

if the wind is suited. All of this district is Benfleet Creek mud, so good 

holding ground, but needs half an hours cleaning after raising the anchor. 

Apart from the world-class wildlife, there is a world class hostelry (The New 

Inn) at the end of an enjoyable half mile walk from the stone Quay in 

Newtown River. The class act here is the exceptional seafood. 

Juniper 

At the Western end of the Solent one has the difficult choice between Lymington & Yarmouth. 

Availability may decide, as Yarmouth is often full. You must radio-in to pre-book. The reason is that 

Yarmouth is ideally located to be the stepping-off point for a passage further west. They are both lovely 

villages. I recommend the Yacht Club at Yarmouth which has a most handsome bar and friendly 

service. Lymington has an exceptional traditional shopping street and several good restaurants. The 

outermost marina is cheaper than the inner, but the walk into town is longer. 

The entrance passage to both Yarmouth & Lymington is shared with frequent ferries, but not too 

dramatic. You should have got used to them by now in the Solent! 

Lastly at the Western end of the Solent, two useful 

anchorages in amenable weather: 

The Needles 

1. Alum Bay on the IOW, just before the Needles. 

Picturesque and clean water for swimming. More than 

uncomfortable in a westerly. 

2. Just off the “Hurst Beach” shingle bank at Hurst Castle 

on the inshore Mineway route to Bournmouth & Poole. 

Useful if you are awaiting a tide either way & the weather is 

perfect. 

Here‟s hoping for a better season than the last two years! 

13

„Billows‟ leaves the club for foreign parts. 

Keith Webster 

Many of you will remember „Billows‟. Built in 1938 by HJ Phillips & 

Sons of Rye as a sailing tripper boat she was unlike the tubby fishing 

luggers being relatively narrow and fine-lined. She arrived at BYC 

around 1950 when she was acquired by Buck Taylor, who later 

became club Bosun. 

Buck was a quiet man who worked as an engraver at the royal mint. 

His wife did not like sailing but he sailed „Billows‟ regularly for many 

years, walking from his house in Leigh to Benfleet and back every 

day. He built a cabin on her and sailed her until his death in 1979 after 

which she went to the Norfolk Broads . 

We bought her in 1991 

after finding her almost 

by accident. A major 

refit took 18 months and 

she was re-launched as an open boat in 1993. Rigged 

as a gaff sloop she proved to be a lovely boat to sail 

though she could be rather a handful at times if it was 

windy! We learnt the hard way that it was a good idea 

to reef early when running down wind as we nearly 

capsized her by the Medway buoy one Nore race. Of 

course with 600 pounds of ballast she would have 

gone down like a brick! The following year she did 

very well in light airs with a large asymmetric kite and 

won an armful of trophies. 

We had a lot of fun with her but became „over-boated‟ 

so she was brought ashore for a refit. She had been 

laid up for over three years when we met Eric and 

Yvonne Perks at Conyer. By a strange fluke they were 

looking for a big open boat and Billows promptly sold 

herself. I did three years of maintenance in the next 

three weeks and she was launched ready for the trip 

to Conyer. By a strange coincidence the grandson of 

the builder Harry Phillips phoned Eric as she was 

being launched! 

Saturday we left Benfleet and enjoyed a superb sail to 

Queenborough. As she had only been in the water a 

week she leaked a bit but the weather was perfect 

with a light southerly breeze. After a convivial evening 

and excellent meal in the „Old House at Home‟ we 

spent the night under the tent. 

Next morning - thick fog! We crept round to Kingsferry 

bridge only to find the bridge does not open when its foggy! With a gathering crowd of yachts we 

lowered her mast and went through under engine. Once round the corner to Elmley Ferry the fog 

cleared and we sailed up to Conyer in a faint breeze. I was a little sad to hand her over but with a 

boat like her you are merely a custodian and it was time for someone else to have a go! 

14

A sailboat race in the Thames Estuary 

held annually since the 1920‟s 

Start and finish from Southend Pier 

New for 2009: just one course, see below 

Open to all classes of sailing dinghies 

and cruisers—multihull and monohull. 

(Sailboards excluded) 

Usual entry numbers around 170 boats 

Split start: Dinghies and Cruisers 

Entry fee: £12 for all classes. 

Entrants will receive a Nore Race pennant and free 

entry to the prizegiving for all entrants and crews, 

with friends and family. 

Nore Race Celebration and Prizegiving Evening: 

Friday 24th July at Benfleet Yacht Club. 

Two bars open. Music by band „208‟ 

Barbecue and other good food by 

„Purple Chilli Catering‟ 

High Water Southend: 

09:12 and 21:36 BST Height 4.9 metres 

Race start times: 

Dinghy Classes: 12:40 BST 

Cruiser Classes: 12:50 BST 

Southend 

Maplin Sands 

Leigh 

Pier 

Distance 

Mark 

West 

Shoebury 

South 

Shoebury 

Nore 

Swatch 

Wreck 

Medway 

NORE RACE 

Yantlet Dredged Channel 

Medway Approach Channel 

Sailing boats must give way to 

shipping in the main channels. 

Grain 

Not to be used for navigation 

15 

Sheerness

Groups, Classes, Code Flags, Signals and Start Times: 

Code Flag Warning Prep One Start 

Minute 

Group 1 MULTIHULL DINGHIES D 12:35 12:36 12:39 12:40 

Class 1 Multihull Dinghies (non asymmetric) 

Class 2 Multihull Dinghies (with asymmetric) 

Group 2 MONOHULL DINGHIES E 12:35 12:36 12:39 12:40 

Class 3 Handicap Class with PY less than 945 

Class 4 Handicap Class with PY between 946 & 1100 

Class 5 Handicap Class with PY 1101 & above 

Group 3 MONOHULL CRUISERS F 12:45 12:46 12:49 12:50 

Class 6 Monohull Cruisers with Spinnaker 

or Cruising Chute, with PY less than 1045 

Class 7 Monohull Cruisers with Spinnaker 

or Cruising Chute, with PY 1045 & above 

Class 8 Monohull Cruisers without Spinnaker 

or Cruising Chute (White Sails Class) 

Group 4 MULTIHULL CRUISERS F 12:45 12:46 12:49 12:50 

Class 9 All Multihull Cruiser Classes 

PY = RYA 'Portsmouth Yardstick' handicap scheme number. Please note that entry is not open to 

Sailboards, Windsurfers or Kite boards etc. Additional prizes will be awarded to any „classes‟ with five or 

more starters. 

Race course: 

New for 2009, just one course. Starts at Southend Pier Head, west to east 

Start: Southend Pier 

South Shoebury buoy to starboard 

Medway buoy to starboard 

Nore Swatch buoy to starboard 

West Shoebury buoy to port 

Finish: Pier Head, east to west (Approx 16 miles) 

For full sailing instructions download the entry form at www.benfleetyachtclub.org 

Send the completed entry form and fee of £12 (all classes) to 

Nore Race Secretary 

Benfleet Yacht Club 

Canvey Road, Canvey Island 

Essex SS8 0QT 

Entries should arrive by post not later than Wed 15th July. 

No entries accepted after 15:00 Friday 17th July. 

16

This is a feature promoting BYC. Show it to friends who might be interested in joining the club. 

Benfleet Yacht Club was first 

established in 1922 on the bank of 

the Benfleet Creek by the railway 

line. The present site position and 

clubhouse building dates from the 

late 1970‟s. The club is wholly 

owned by the members with just 

one full time employee, the club 

steward. The club administers 

bankside and trot moorings in the 

creek. On the surrounding land is 

lay-up area for several hundred 

boats, both cruisers and dinghies. 

There is a strong social dimension to all club activities but the focus is always on the sailing. We 

are a recognised RYA dinghy centre. Members have many dinghies on site and enjoy „small boat‟ 

sailing throughout the year, but especially in the winter period when the „big boats‟ are out of the 

water, and there is a thriving club race series. Yachts of all types and sizes are stored on pads and 

hard standing in the boat park which has distributed water, electricity and lighting. There is a 

waiting list for bankside moorings but trot moorings are generally available. 

Benfleet boats join in the local „Combined Cruiser 

Series‟ races with other local clubs, with some 

success, and there is an active social, cruising sailing 

program of events. Several members sail far and wide 

in Europe and beyond. Outside the sailing season 

there is a full diary of dinners, suppers, dancing and 

fun. The club bar is open every lunchtime and 

evening. Lunches are provided by Gary of „Purple 

Chilli Catering‟ and the food is excellent. 

Organisation. 

It is important to realise that this is a self-help club and not a commercial organisation. Charges* 

are kept low and members volunteer to perform various jobs. There are many formal and informal 

roles. Time and effort is freely given and attracts the gratitude and respect of other members. Of 

special note are the launch and haul-out 

teams and we are particularly grateful for 

their skill and hard work. The two weekend 

work parties per year are an opportunity for 

all members to help with general 

maintenance projects. 

Officers of the club - (Commodore, Vice 

Commodore, Rear Commodores (House and 

Sailing), Treasurer, Secretary, etc) with the 

Bosun and general committee members are 

elected each year at the AGM in December. 

This management team works with many 

active sub committees to achieve smooth 

running of the club. 

(* A complete list of charges is published annually) 

17

Highlights of the year. 

Nore Race. Held annually in the Thames Estuary since the 1920‟s. Organised by Benfleet YC. This is 

open to all sailing boats and draws entries widely from local clubs. Our neighbour Dauntless Boatyard 

provides welcome sponsorship. All entrants, crews, family and friends can attend the Prizegiving evening 

the Friday following the race. 

„Cadet week‟ - actually five full days held at the beginning of the school summer holidays. Forty 

youngsters aged 7 to 17 are assisted by a similar number of adults, parents and family mostly, with a 

dozen members trained as RYA instructors. Cadet members enjoy the combination of fun and structured 

training celebrated at a regatta with prizegiving and barbeque evening on the last day. 

Calais Rally. We join many others from clubs 

around the coast in Calais marina over the late 

May holiday with a reception by the 

representative of the Mayor of Calais. For many 

newer club members this is their first taste of 

sailing „abroad‟ travelling in loose groups, maybe 

via Ramsgate, brings it‟s own challenges and 

satisfaction of the achievement. 

Cruising. The sailing year is full of interest, from 

the „Ray Day‟ barbecue, cruises to Chatham 

marina, London and the Blackwater, and many 

opportunities for meals and drinks in Stangate creek and other Medway destinations. Further afield, 

groups of boats tour the east and south coasts and the near continent. The meres of the Netherlands are 

a popular destination. The more adventurous sail to the Baltic or Brittany. 

Membership application is welcome from new or established sailors and families. Many members are 

also members of clubs closer to their home but appreciate the good facilities and social scene at Benfleet. 

Several parents have joined following an interest shown in sailing by their children. There are several 

classes of membership: 

Full membership: Prospective members are proposed and seconded by existing members and attend a 

short interview. If accepted they pay a once-off joining fee of £150 and an annual fee of £95. They are 

then free to use club facilities but should consult the Bosun before bringing boats on site. 

Temporary membership. This is generally for those who don‟t know existing members who could 

propose them but want to experience membership. Once a few friends are made Full membership may 

follow. 

Associate membership. This is most suitable for partners of Full members, who are keen to support but 

may not share quite the same passion for sailing. May fully share in the social life of the club. 

Cadet membership is available for young people between 7 and 18 years old. 

You will appreciate that the honesty and integrity of all members is paramount. Trust is vital where 

members interact with each other and leave property on site. Disciplinary action that may lead to 

exclusion from the club may follow substantial transgression. All members should secure their property 

and have adequate insurance. A sailing programme and rule book is given to each member. 

If you are interested in applying for membership, contact: 

Membership Secretary, Benfleet Yacht Club, Canvey Road, Canvey Island, SS8 0QT. 

18

Internet boat buying and selling. 

Laurie Mason has agreed to be Dinghy Captain 

for yet another year and his hard work is greatly 

appreciated. 

But next year he 

will let go of 

another job, that of 

RYA Dinghy Fleet 

Manager. If there is 

anyone in the club 

who would like to 

be considered for 

this role they 

should talk to 

Laurie or Paul 

Field. 

Dave Chamberlain 

Buying and selling boats and equipment has changed radically from the days of relying on magazines to 

the availability of free or cheap advertising on the Internet. I personally have had fairly good success with 

selling my own and other people‟s boats and equipment. 

There are five web sites I generally use: 

boatsandoutboards.co.uk 

apolloduck.co.uk 

boatshop24.com 

boatshop24.co.uk 

dinghyshop.co.uk 

Memo: It rains in Holland. 

In addition, two sites have good links to dinghy class associations 

which have lists of secondhand boats and technical information. 

Some cruisers also have class associations. 

Given the current exchange rate against the euro advertising cruisers on 

„boatshop24.com‟ is a worthwhile exercise, boats in the UK are looking very 

reasonable to people in Europe. „boatshop24.com‟ is free, allows you to 

upload 4 photos and has a tick sheet for your boats inventory. The site has 

good European coverage and is my favorite place to view different types of 

boats both inside & out from the availability of photos attached to the ads. 

In the UK „boatsandoutboards.co.uk‟ is probably the best site although it is 

now charging £10 for boats advertised with a value over £10,000. it also charges £10 if you want to upload 

more than one picture. (Keep your picture file size minimal). 

If you are selling using the Internet, fraud can be a problem. The 

„boatsandoutboards‟ web site gives a lot of advice on fraud and is 

worth reading. My own rule is that you have not got a potential buyer 

until they have turned up to view your boat and you have not sold 

until the money is in your account. 

 

 

yachtsandyachting.com 

ukdinghyracing.com 

THE 

DINGHY 

SHOP 

Don‟t forget your gear and equipment, inflatables, spinnakers and 

cruising chutes all sell well and many club members have bought 

and sold boats at home and abroad so there is plenty of advice to be 

found around the club. 

Dehler 36 owner should have specified reversing sensors! 

Seen at JH De Compagnieshaven - Enkhuizen 

19 

Calais 2008

Ron Salmon (1969/71 & 1981/82) 

Doug Wilson (1963/65) 

Tony Coleman (1994/96 & 2005/06) 

Wendy Webster (2002/04) 

Paula Bootle (2007/08) 

Mike de Boltz (1973/75) 

Dave Holt (1976/77 & 1987/89 ) 

John Hancock (1999/2001) 

A Curmudgeon of Commodores! Wendy Webster ( 2002/04 ) 

The day I was elected as Commodore was one of 

my proudest moments. Having been involved with 

the Club all my life it was a fantastic feeling to 

follow in so many of my family‟s footsteps and carry 

on a fine tradition of serving the Club. I am sure my 

Grandfather, Stan Fisher, would have been 

delighted to see me receive my broad pennant! 

Some think he may very well have done so! 

Can you name these commodores 

and put them in order of service 

My role as Commodore was a rollercoaster of 

events, lots of highs, some deep lows, but never 

boring! I think the most enjoyable times were 

representing the Club at outside venues – everyone 

was always positive about Benfleet Yacht Club, the 

facilities, hospitality and members. 

Two such events stand out. The first was one Calais Rally when, 

having sailed across with Gareth and Hilary in Tooronga, (and 

shown Hilary the stern of a ferry from very close quarters) I 

accepted the Coup de Ville on behalf of the Club from M le 

President of the Yacht Club du Nord at Calais. After much 

coaching from Hilary (I suspect she was getting her own back for 

the ferry incident) I was able to speak in French – and the natives 

laughed in the right places so it can‟t have been that bad! I still 

have the piece of Calais lace I was given – I felt that was a 

personal gift and not quite nautical enough for the Club House wall! 

The second occasion was when Keith and I were invited as guests 

to the Queenborough Yacht Club Annual Dinner. This splendid 

event took place in the Royal Hotel, Sheerness, where they did us 

proud! As guest speaker I had to sing for my supper and I started by telling of the boys who used to 

“mind yer dinghy mister” for sixpence when I first visited Queenborough as a child. Then I mentioned 

sitting on the lid of the piano in one of the (7) pubs! I later met a lady who told me they had been 

sceptical when told that the speaker was the lady commodore from Benfleet, but that by the time I sat 

down there were tears and laughter at the memories! Her son (now 6‟4‟‟ and also present at the 

dinner) had been one of the dinghy boys, and she got quite choked up being reminded of it! What a 

compliment! 

Ron Salmon (1969 - 1972 & 1981-82) 

A request from Wendy for a few lines on a couple of events during my terms as Commodore seemed 

reasonable enough until I thought…. which ones The truth is, events don‟t happen as isolated items, 

they overlap in a continuous tapestry. I was elected at the AGM of 1969, a freezing cold night. The Club 

ship had been moved the previous year so the meeting was held in the local sea scouts hut to the 

accompaniment of much noise and paraffin fumes from an antiquated space heater. So began my first 

year; when our relatively small membership prepared the new site and fitted out the Club ship for our 

use. Not much sailing was done that season, such was the unselfish spirit of the members. 

Some ten years or so later the Club ship was not able to accommodate many of our events and much 

debate was going on about expanding; ship or shore headquarters having roughly equal support. 

Finally, after a few false starts, it was my privilege to make the proposition to build the Club House we 

have today, again a worthy tribute to the loyalty of the members. 

20

A J (Tony) Coleman (1994 - 1996 & 2005 – 2006) 

When Wendy asked me to jot down a couple of funny or interesting things that happened during my 

watches I thought it would be easy until I started to think and realised there were so many it was going 

to be difficult to decide, but here goes…. 

Directly after the A.G.M. where I was elected Commodore and given my broad pennant someone, and I 

cannot for the life of me remember who, sidled up to me and gave me a pair of thick rubber elbow 

length gloves and assured me they were an important part of the commodores sea chest and I should 

keep them by me at all times when on station. I found out the reason and the use of the said gloves the 

very next Saturday lunchtime when a blushing young lady came up to me and said the words I learned 

to hate “The ladies toilets are blocked and gurgling”. I spent that afternoon and many subsequent 

afternoons rodding out the drains. Thus, now highly motivated, I worked rapidly on the project to 

introduce the Bio Plant; another story far too long to tell here! 

Secondly, in 1995, John Cheeseman with his partner Brenda set off to undertake a circumnavigation of 

the world in his yacht „Saullitaire of Wight‟, the first amateur BYC member to do so. Sir Robin Knox 

Johnson, also a BYC member, had done so previously but he was of course a professionally trained 

merchant deck officer. I can‟t tell you of his successful return, where he ran aground on the crossover, 

as this happened on someone else‟s watch! 

Dave Holt ( 1976/77 & 1987/89 ) 

What memorable events do you remember from your time in the “Hot Seat” asked Wendy. Whizzing 

back just over 40 years (is it really that long ago) we were still on the old Club ship, the site was still a 

work in progress, boats were being hauled out on the old slip by the hand winch(2 or 3 members 

winding and hoping the pawl didn‟t slip!) and then laid up on the road which at that time ran from the 

gate to the Club ship and no further. A joke at that time was that to keep members busy at working 

parties we moved the dinghy park every year!…actually we were only moving down the site as the filled 

and reclaimed areas allowed. The membership at that time was also very much smaller so can you 

imagine the weekend of the Upnor Race ( No CCS at that time so only BYC boats) Planned as a 

cruise as well as a race so many boats took part that over 100 BYC members sat down to dinner at the 

Medway YC. So many in fact, that they could only accommodate us in two sittings. I know it gave me 

and I am sure all our members a wonderful feeling of pride and togetherness to be taking part in such a 

Club event. Perhaps the weather was better in those days. The boats were certainly smaller but what a 

challenge for our present Sailing Committee to match. 

Having had two bites of the cherry so to speak let me fast forward 10 years. The Old Club ship has 

gone and we are established in our new shore HQ. The Bosun's road is still only a hard track, the fill has 

barely reached the rill, the lifting bridge does not yet exist and the only way to boats moored on the 

bankside beyond the rill is by dinghy. The Anglian Water Authority is in process of building the new 

barrier to complete the sea defences around Canvey. The design of the barrier meant restricting the 

area of tidal flow over the creek by about 25%, something the AWA insisted would not affect the creek 

“either by way of siltation or erosion”…an argument that we strongly resisted. Many meetings took place 

and we stuck to our view that the new barrier and its construction would inevitably change the creek. 

However the AWA were so confident in their argument that they agreed that in the “unlikely” event of 

erosion or siltation taking place then they would “make good”. On completion of the barrier and after a 

suitable time the AWA were forced to admit that the “unlikely” event had indeed happened. How were 

we now to be compensated. Siltation was not a huge problem to us, the trot moorings most affected 

were not in demand, but making good the bank that had been eroded away posed much greater 

problems. Finally after many more meetings, the AWA and the PLA agreed that the best answer was to 

use fill to raise the bank and stabilise it in its present position and considerable financial help was 

granted to enable us to take on this work. Bernie Rice started filling and levelling, and under the 

guidance of a dedicated team of members who ensured that for the most part only proper hard core was 

used, our present bank access road took shape. Today when we just drive to our boats on the bankside 

on the best moorings in the area, remember the events of that time and the efforts of our members 

which led to this facility, something which I believe has had a major impact on the Club we see today. 

21

John Hancock. (1999/2001) 

Having been elected as commodore of Benfleet Yacht Club I settled down to the every day workings 

and very occasional problems that test every commodore from time to time. But two events, spring to 

mind when ever I am asked “What do you remember most about your term of office” 

The first occasion, I found my self being interrogated by the paparazzi. Not the most usual part of life as 

a commodore. It was a Friday evening; I was drinking my first orange juice of the night, and 

contemplating if it should be the first of many. Then I remembered the drinking and driving laws. My 

thoughts being interrupted by a female voice asking for the location of the commodore! as she needed 

to converse with him on an urgent matter. I walked towards her and introduced myself as commodore, 

“Commodore! I was looking for someone wearing a peaked cap, and adorned with gold braid” 

she exclaimed. I said I was all that was on offer, and how could I help. 

She explained she was a reporter with the News of the World and was following up on a story, of the 

making of a pornographic video, by members of a certain club on the north side of the creek. She 

wanted to know what our reaction was and could I provide a statement she could quote in a 

forthcoming issue of the paper. I replied, that on behalf of the members, should we had known that this 

social function was occurring, then we would have gone over to ensure that the proceeding were being 

carried out to long standing traditions. She said this was not the reaction she wanted and left. 

Two weeks later the article giving details of the events that allegedly had taken place on the opposite 

bank appeared on the front page of the News of the World. Along with the following: “The Commodore 

of Benfleet Yacht Club when having been told of the goings on, in the other club, fell off his stool, 

spilling his gin and tonic and expressed his disgust, stating “I can not believe such things happen. 

We do not have anything to do with those on the other side; they are the escort drivers of the 

river” Perhaps a motto in Latin should appear on the burgee “Gentlemen‟s evenings, no reporters” 

Thank you BYC. Ken and Heather Haynes 

We would like to give a big thank you to BYC for the 

hospitality and assistance given over the period January 

to April 2008 during which we were preparing the Sadler 

29, D‟Clara for the season after purchasing her from 

Ron McCarthy. 

We were members of the club back in the 60‟s and left 

in 1971 after moving to Camberley in Surrey. Up until 

then I had been a quantity surveyor with W&C French 

who coincidentally, I believe built the new clubhouse. 

Meeting members again after 36 years has brought 

back many happy memories. In those days we were 

active members of the dinghy fleet and sailed two National 12s and a Lark. 

Since then we have been members of Frensham Pond, Queen Mary, Datchet and RAFYC having 

owned something in the region of 20 dinghies and a Contessa 32. I‟ve travelled extensively to 

championships and open meetings and have to say that BYC is still one of the friendliest clubs I 

have come across. Apart from giving exceptional value for money, it‟s members have a wealth of 

talents and experience for which the club should be proud. Several have given me advice and 

assistance and in particular I must thank our old friend Martyn Garnsey for his incredible versatile 

knowledge and help. 

22

Back in the 60‟s of course we were based above the bridge on the club ship which, together with 

the boat shed, car park and dinghy park was located on a narrow strip of land opposite the station. 

In the photograph you will see me with my first National “Nothing Special” in the dinghy park 

looking west (circa 1966) with the boat shed in the background and the entrance gate and 

boundary fence to the right. The club ship was beyond the shed. I remember the permanent bridge 

keeper and to get through we simply had to shout “Bridge” and low and behold, the traffic came to 

a standstill and the bridge opened. Can you imagine the effect that would have today 

My memories of the club ship were of walking down from my nearby home any evening of the week 

to find Joe the steward always there, the distinctive smell of the log fired stove and senior members 

propping the bar and reminiscing over past sailing experiences. Some things never change! 

Thursday night was Cadet Night and in those 

days Cadets seemed to be up to 25 years of age. 

Most weekends, if there was no function on at 

the club, we would travel in a convoy of sports 

cars and my Morris Minor to other clubs along 

the foreshore to be entertained by such groups 

as the Mustangs who were outstanding at 

interpreting the latest Beach Boys and Beetles 

numbers. If there was nothing on at the other 

clubs, it was out to a pub somewhere like 

Paglesham or Fambridge for beer and rounds of 

beef sandwiches. 

In the 60‟s, Seakings and the new Contessa 26 

were considered “big boats” at the club and fibreglass yachts were in a minority. Racing dinghies 

that I recall racing against included Enterprises (Harvey Albert, Sue Shenton etc.), GP 14s (Tim 

South and others), International 14s (Clive and Robin Shenton), Mirrors (George Baker and 

others), Pacers, a Flying Junior and a Mini-sail. I also remember sailing Flying 15 No.34 which I 

think was then owned by Roy Hart (A bit different to the one I subsequently owned – No. 3374). 

Robert Underwood sailed a Swift cat whilst up to five of us occasionally took out a whaler, owned 

by Andy, whenever it blew above force six. 

Back to the present day and just to let you know 

that D‟Clara was transported by road by Ray 

Loveland on Wednesday 23 rd April and launched 

the following day at Deacons yard at Bursledon 

on the Hamble. The re-rigged mast was stepped 

and tuned successfully and after two days of 

further fitting out, on the Saturday we finally 

motored down to her new permanent mooring on 

a river pontoon opposite Port Hamble marina and 

my club (RAFYC). 

Should any BYC member be visiting the Hamble, 

you are more than welcome to look us up (Martyn 

Garnsey has our contact numbers). We would be 

pleased to offer our local knowledge and advice if required and reciprocate for the hospitality 

received during our stay at Benfleet. 

23

Antifouling test, the final chapter. 

Phil Bostock 

My boat 'White Cloud' is a tough challenge for any antifouling. As a lift keel boat, the ballast soleplate 

sits directly on the creek bed and soft antifouling can erode quite quickly, so this year's test 

on various treatments was punishing, but the results most interesting. Nine commercial antifouling 

paints and seven potentially environmentally friendly ideas were tried. 

What worked best to resist barnacles What didn't work at all Rated out of ten points: 

1st. Rated 10/10, Blakes Tiger Extra, dark blue. £67 per 2.5L. Sample 

supplied by John Perry. No barnacles, just a layer of slime & mud that 

came off easily with a jet wash. 

Tiger Extra 

2nd. Rated 6/10, XM PX4000 Hard, dark blue. £47 per 2.5L. My standard 

2007 antifouling. Quite a few barnacles near the keel but nothing much 

higher up. 

3rd. Rated 3/10, Mariner Speed Clean, Hard, one sample blue, one black. £23.75 per 2.5L. Thanks 

to Rob Petters. The best of the cheaper paints. Loads of barnacles here but might be good enough 

on a fin keel on a bankside mooring. 

4th. Rated 1/10. All the other soft paints at £25 per 2.5L and 'Alusafe' at £12.50 for 0.75L. 

Nearly all covered in barnacles. Some colour remained but the active ingredients were probably 

eroded off. Lard was almost as good. The idea was that the barnacles would avoid the greasy 

surface. I imagine the crabs ate the lard so not much different to erosion! 

Last. All the novel ideas except one rated 0/10 and some should have got minus points with 

several layers of barnacles. But it was still worth trying a few daft ideas. Who knows, one day one 

of them might work. (Unfortunately there are an increasing number of regulations against using non 

-standard materials as antifouling.) 

Starboard 21 Apr 2008 

22 

July 

2008 

29 Sept 2008 

24

Port, 20 Apr 2008 

16 June 2008 

29 Sept 2008 

The exception was silicon rubber, normally used as a sealer in bathrooms, which is hard to rate. 

In one region a flap of it fell off; probably applied to a damp surface. Many barnacles here. 0/10 

In other regions it remained attached and resisted barnacles quite well, say 5/10. 

Finally it pulled off almost in one piece and left a perfectly clean surface underneath. 10/10. 

So while it is not really a practical idea, and has no benefit over standard antifouling, it might be a basis 

for a future development. 

The main antifouling agent in paint is usually copper oxide, 10% in basic paint, up to 40% in premium. 

This is almost black or dark blue in colour so paint of these colours is easier to produce. Brighter coloured 

antifouling paints, safe on aluminium, use copper thiocyanate at 20% which is a less potent biocide. You 

have to use a power stirrer to get the solid material up into suspension with all antifouling paints. 

I tried self-adhesive copper tape on the boat speed/log paddle wheel. It looked great when new and 

worked without cleaning for about seven weeks, which is good, but the barnacles finally grew on the 

antifouling right up close to the copper and stopped the paddle wheel turning. I cleaned it by hand and it 

lasted through the season, but patches of copper had dissolved away. Maybe worth another try next year. 

A quick scrub down in June or July seems the easiest 

way to keep the hull clean. Several members noted 

the green weed growth on their hulls this year 

especially nearer the water line. No real problem as it 

came off easily with a jet wash. A long handled 

scraper is very useful. 

20 Apr 2008 

22 July 2008 29 Sept 2008 

25

Essex Girls Guide to Nautical Terms. 

Ian Kemp 

Way Points 

Bathroom Scales 

Wet Weather Gear Waterproof Mascara 

Mooring Buoy 

Nice man who offers to take the ropes. 

Kicker 

Trendy Trainers 

Genoa 

Lovely Fruit Cake 

Topping Lift 

Your best bra 

Winch 

To help get into those tight ski pants 

Knots 

Bad hair day 

List 

For your shopping 

Heeled over 

Problem with stilettos 

Sheets 

What you get between 

Cockpit 

Captain's Y Fronts 

Grab Bag Louis Vuitton hand bag for : 

Emergency essentials Repair kit for broken nails, bottle Champers, hand mirror, 

spare knickers, sleep mask, lipstick, few bits of bling 

- that sort of thing. 

Clew outhaul 

Think its something to do with Pub Quiz. 

Hull 

Strawberries for the Champers. 

Bowline 

Think she was married to Henry Vlll. 

Now he knew a thing or two about ships. 

Slapping up the rear Don't think we'll go there 

Wind over Tide Bad beer (so I'me told) 

Charts 

Top of the Pops 

Boom 

Basil's catch phrase 

Ebb and Tide 

Best TV Duo since Ant and Dec 

Leeward 

Didn't he get the part of Joseph 

Foul Bottom 

Could it be the curry 

Draught 

Real Ale 

Neaps 

Scottish taters 

Beam 

Nice big smile 

Romford Navy 

Me mates on motor boats 

Pontoon 

What you play when its raining 

Well Reefed 

Extra short mini skirt 

What's an Essex Girl's 

favourite wine on board 'Ohhhhh when are we going to Lakeside 

"... being in a ship is being in a jail, 

with the chance of being drowned." 

Dr Samuel Boswell 1709 - 1784 

“A sure cure for seasickness 

is to sit under a tree.” 

“I won‟t lie. There have been other pussycats.” 

26 

Spike Milligan.

Ne Paniquez Pas! 

Phil Blatchford 

I believe it was Des Sleightholme who described a 

wicked ploy of the racing fraternity: „Wait for a closequarters 

situation and have one of your crew toss a 

shackle- pin into your opponent‟s boat. They hear it 

fall, see it, and look aloft in consternation wondering 

where it came from!‟ Well he may have invented the 

idea but I can testify to the accuracy of the effect 

produced. 

The last outward leg of our summer cruise was from 

Villefranche to Menton, close to the France/Italy 

border. We had waited for the forecast wind-shift to 

the South but it only got to South-east and the earlier 

brisk North-easterly left us with a lumpy fetch so we motor-sailed, resulting in a rather lively motion. 

Fortunately we were fairly close to Menton when I looked down and saw this retaining clip on the 

engine-top. 

The only place that it could have come from was the 

rigging……! 

Looking up through binoculars, as luck would have it, I 

could see straight through the hole in the clevis-pin which 

held the inner-forestay. This was a relief, giving us a better 

chance of keeping the mast than if it had come from the 

mast-head fitting. 

With Genoa rolled and fingers crossed we motored the 

two miles to an anchorage off Menton, thankfully stowed 

the main and dived inside to escape a torrential downpour. 

The next day dawned bright and calm so mast-climbing 

kit, assorted split-pins, bucket and tools were assembled, together with a bulb for the deck floodlight 

which had been out of action for months. We have a system by which Elaine, who is not the beefiest 

of crews, can, given time, get my well padded frame up the mast. We were both relieved that this time 

it was only to the cross-trees. That done, she retired to the cabin in case I dropped anything. 

Finding the best split-pin did not take long but 

spreading and taping it was more difficult as the 

slight swell swung the mast about. The deck flood 

replacement was more problematic as the morning 

breeze turned La Châtelaine beam-on to the swell. 

Hanging on with one hand and with fatigue 

increasing it proved impossible to securely fix a bulb 

in a socket! (Quartz-halogen bulbs are expensive 

and I wasn‟t going to risk dropping it.) At one point I 

was swung clear of the mast and banged back 

against it, much to Elaine‟s consternation since I 

didn‟t hear her ask if all was O.K. and consequently 

didn‟t answer. An hour after going up Elaine lowered 

me down. Breakfast was good. 

My respect for Ellen MacArthur and anyone else who 

climbs a mast while under-way (under-weigh if you 

prefer) increased greatly. My task had only been 

twenty feet up. 

27

To the Baltic With „Spindrift‟ 

Keron Riley 

Keron 

Retirement is wonderful. I can now get on 

with things I want to do, especially as more 

friends are retiring and we can sail 

together. Before I left work I was asked to 

choose a leaving present. £30, they said; 

such are the financial rewards of teaching. 

Wandering round the chandlers, looking for 

ideas, I came across the „Baltic Pilot‟. I had 

wanted to sail there since I had crewed to 

the Lymfijord for Benfleet Y. C. member 

Jim John 20 years ago. It was also well 

within range of my yacht, a Rival 32 

Spindrift. An internet search showed 

Ryanair could provide transport to Lübeck 

and Gdansk. I was surprised how many 

friends showed interest and soon the plan 

for 4 stages was agreed. We were to go to 

Lübeck then Gdansk, back to Lübeck and 

finally home. It had to be planned well in 

advance to get cheap air tickets. 

Steve Shaw told BYC club member David Jardine he could gain sailing experience by sailing with 

me and was keen. Recently retired colleague Paul Wiseman has been sailing with me for years. 

They both were available in the two middle weeks of May so we decided to depart on Wednesday 

7th. I was somewhat apprehensive that it would be very cold so early in the summer. 

My apprehensions seemed justified the week before as wind and rain hampered preparations but by 

the weekend warm easterlies were blowing. By the Wednesday the easterly wind had held so we 

were to have a long motor to leave the Thames estuary. We cast off at 1430h and motored out in 

bright sunshine. About 1600h all seemed lost as the engine started overheating and we had to turn 

back to, oh no! Queenborough. As soon as we moored up the quarterberth was emptied and the 

heat exchanger stripped down 

and reassembled. If this did not 

work the whole trip was in 

jeopardy. So it was before 3 in 

the morning on Thursday, 8th that 

we motored out of Queenborough 

and headed across Sea Reach 

for Black Deep. I am not sure 

what I did but it worked as I never 

did have any more trouble with 

the heat exchanger through the 

trip. 

It was another day of hot sun and 

easterly wind. We were out at the 

Inner Gabbard by 1630 and the 

engine was turned off as we 

started to beat towards Den 

Helder. 

First leg: Benfleet to the Baltic 

28

The Windpilot windvane steering system worked well. It is ideal for long passages under sail as it 

does not use battery power. I was on my own in the cockpit through the graveyard watch letting 

the boat steer herself. With only the masthead trilight shining beneath the stars we crossed the 

North Sea. Even blacker than the waves I saw dolphins swimming alongside. 

It was 2100 BST on Friday when we put into Den Helder for food, showers and fuel. You can rely 

on a filling meal in the Yacht Club and the showers are a short walk away. Next morning David 

and Paul had to take the fuel cans on the trolley to a garage some distance away as there was no 

diesel at the Yacht Club. Late next afternoon, Saturday 10 th , we motored out of the marina to take 

the last of the ebb out of the Molengat and the first of the flood along the Frisian islands. The 

strong easterlies of the afternoon died down and we had virtually no wind as we motored through 

the night towards the German border. In fact it was late Sunday morning as we approached the 

Jade estuary that the wind picked up and so after lunch we set sail and sailed across the bay 

awaiting the flood up The Elbe. 

David made SpagBog and we were all washed up 

and ready for darkness as we arrived at the first 

buoy to take us up towards Brunsbuttel. We 

motored just outside the buoys on the starboard 

side of the channel, and were surprised by an unlit 

yacht sailing out of the estuary, but she was no 

danger to us as she was sailing on the wrong side 

of the channel and inside the buoys. As eventually 

the tide started to sweep us up the river in the 

darkness the constant stream of shipping kept us 

alert. As we crossed over the main channel and 

passed Cuxhafen the first glimmer of dawn crept 

over the north-eastern horizon, but it was very 

reluctant. 

Motoring through the Kiel Canal 

In the bright early morning sunlight we were the only vessel in the old lock. We seemed so small 

in there but they locked us through into the canal. There was little space in the marina by the big 

lock so we tied up alongside another yacht. 

We couldn‟t keep going; we wanted sleep and later 

a shower. We were charged 7€ (including 

showers). There was an Aldi supermarket by the 

marina and we planned to provision later that day. 

With Easter early it turned out to be Whit Monday 

on 12 th May and all the shops were closed so we 

had to eat out. David found a restaurant where 

we had an excellent meal. 

Paul and David 

At 0730 on Tuesday 13 th May we were almost 

there. Just the Kiel Canal, or as the Germans call 

it, The Nord-Ostsee Kanal, to go. The land and 

bridges, especially the transporter bridge, were 

really interesting. David works for Lloyds and told 

us all about the ships we were meeting at very 

close quarters. 

29

And so at 1700 hours we were finally locked out 

at Holternau and motored round to the marina by 

the canal. It was like being on a lake. There 

were no tides and we were surrounded by trees 

and housing that seems to come from a 19 th 

century novel. 

Wednesday, 14 th May and we woke up to another 

delightful morning and the sense we were actually 

in the Baltic. Into a strong breeze we motored to 

Laboe to top up with diesel in the marina. We 

cast off but David had left his jersey in the office. 

There were several empty box moorings so what 

better opportunity to investigate this new way of 

mooring And very valuable this turned out to be. 

For those who have not used them, a “box” in a 

Close encounter in the canal 

marina is the space where you moor bows onto the pontoon. There are two posts off the two quarters 

of the boat and you have to have lines ready to put round them to hold the stern as you go in. After 

this we were soon sailing out past the Kiel lighthouse but not for long as the wind died away. We had 

to use some of the recently bought expensive diesel to take us to Heiligenhafen. It was almost dark 

as we arrived but at least we moored up in the box confidently. 

Heilegenhafen has an excellent marina but it is not a shopping centre. We were able to buy bread, 

ham and salami for a good lunch before motoring out to the Buyer bridge to enter the Lübec Bucht. 

As the afternoon became a beautiful evening and after all the motoring we had done we were able to 

sail towards Travemünde under the cruising chute. It was dusk as we entered the river Trave and we 

were amazed by the size and immaculate preservation of the Flying P four master Passat to port as 

we sailed in. The ferries were constantly moving like Calais but yachts were left to get on with it by 

harbour control. Once we had moored up in Böbs Werft we opened a tin of beans to stave off hunger 

until morning. 

Wismar 

David had to go back to work. As Paul and I still had a 

few days in hand we decided to sail round to Wismar. 

The chart shows a well buoyed channel through a 

wide estuary leading to the town. The weather was 

wet and windy but after so much motoring it was a 

pleasure to be sailing again. I also had my first big 

lesson navigating in Baltic waters. There may be no 

green on the chart but look very closely at the blue. In 

the Thames estuary you can sail over the blue bits on 

a rising tide but in the Baltic WYSIWYG - what you 

see is what you get. The 0.5 in the middle of the blue 

bit means there is never enough water there. It was 

almost too late before I found there was a gate we 

had to sail through instead of sailing directly to the 

approach channel. 

So having arrived in Wismar in the wind and the rain and trying two marinas marked on the chart, at 

last we found the new marina. With new pontoons and toilet block there were five other boats in 70 

berths. The harbour master came over to see we were all right first and then took our money. It was 

10€ a night (about £8). He wanted to know where we came from. “I have been to Queeney-borough,” 

he said with delight. He was a long-retired skipper of a coaster sailing into Ridham Dock with timber. 

30

When it stopped raining we walked into town. We crossed the port road and went through an old 

town gate. Another big lesson and, indeed, this was why I had wanted to go to the Baltic. The town 

gate was a time machine because once through it the town was largely unchanged since the 19 th 

century. It had been recently smartened up, but 

Holstein Gate in Lübeck 

the town and its buildings had not had the benefit 

of English town planning; war and Communism 

had stopped any change in the 20 th century. I am 

used to historic building being in stone but here 

the building material was brick. The gates, 

churches, houses were all built of red brick. 

Although it was Saturday evening there were very 

few people about. In the Marktplatz we found a 

good restaurant next to “The Old Swede”, which 

was built in 1380. We had an excellent meal and 

it came to only 25€ altogether. 

On the Sunday morning we went sightseeing. We 

went into the St Nicholas church as the morning 

service was ending. We were made most welcome by the parishoners and the pastor. It was so 

different from what I had expected. The brick Gothic building was resplendent with mediaeval 

decoration and the pastor explained to us how they did things. Then there was a replica of a 13 th 

century cog. This was the kind of ship that traded from Wismar, a very wealthy trading centre and a 

Hanseatic city. And so we found out about the Hanseatic League which had controlled trade over 

northern Europe during the Middle Ages. 

On Monday 19 th May we sailed back to Travemünde and continued up the river Trave to Lübeck. 

Having followed a roro ferry up the river we turned a 

corner round woodland to see Lübeck before us in the 

golden evening sunlight. Here was the Queen of the 

Hansa in rich red brick with green copper spires. It was an 

amazing sight and one which has greeted arriving seamen 

for over half a millennium. And we were there after six 

hundred miles from Benfleet. Well almost. Since out chart 

had been published the previous year a bridge had been 

built across the river just before Lübeck and it took a 

phone call to the marina to find the time the bridge 

opened. 

In the next few days Paul and I had hot sunny weather as 

we visited the architectural gems of this city. It is a 

modern, active university city with its mediaeval remains 

juxtaposed with buildings from each period since. As we 

always look to the Mediterranean for our past we forget 

that Lübeck, as the leader of the Hanseatic League, was 

one of the richest cities in Europe. The sense of wonder 

at my first view of Lübeck was still fresh as each crew 

joined Spindrift, but there were other cities to visit in the 

months to come. 

„Spindrift‟ in Denmark 

(This is just the start. To read Keron‟s full story go to 

benfleetyachtclub.org ) 

31

Days 

BYC Cruising 2009 (Incorporating feedback from the survey) 

Date HW Event Catering Info 

Sat 25 Apr 13:31 2 Shake-down cruise Queenborough YC for drinks and Blow away those winter blues. 

to to Queenborough informal meals. 

Sun 26 Apr 14:10 

Sat 2 May 06:47 3 Bank holiday cruise and Caribean BBQ Sunday midday. Caribbean theme - 

to race to Chatham Marina Club food and drink available What are you wearing 

Mon 4 May 21:47 Caribbean BBQ but bring any extras you like. Help needed with the BBQ. 

Sat 9 May 13:35 2 Race to Queenborough Queenborough YC know we are coming.BYC organised race. 

to 

Eat and drink here or at the pub. 

Sun 5 May 14:08 

Fri 15 May - Calais Rally briefing 8pm Drinks at the bar. How to get there safely 

Thurs 10:42 4 Calais Rally Commodore's reception Saturday pm. Vive la France! 

Sat 23 May 12:21 or Prizegivings Sun 11:00 & 12:00 local time 

Mon 13:51 5 Own arrangements otherwise 

Sat 6 June 12:33 2 Cruise or race to Drinks at sundown. How about a record attempt at 

to Stangate Creek Maybe a shared Italian meal. the biggest Italian meal ever 

Sun 7 June 13:12 Local arrangements on the day. held in Stangate 

Sat 20 June 10:56 2 Cruise or race to Opportunity for a party on rafted boats. Harty Party 

to Sun 11:54 or Harty Ferry Pub meals available locally. Usually good tides for 

or Mon 12:48 3 slow boats 

Sat 4 July 11:21 2 Cruise or race to Upnor A short walk gives a choice of pubs. Against the tide all the way. 

to Sun 12:12 or (Or 'plan B' = optionally (A rafted meal Or visit Halstow pub Consider an extra day. 

or Mon 12:55 3 back to Stangate) by tender.) 

Sat 11 July 15:47 2 Cruise or ladies race to Drinks and snacks rafted up, provided Club race or cruise, and a 

to 'Wine and Cheese Party' by the club. reception on the host boat. 

Sun 12 July 16:20 in Stangate 

Sat 18 July 09:12 1 Nore Race Informal arrangements Entry form at 

& Note: SATURDAY www.benfleetyachtclub.org 

21:36 

Sun 19 July 10:26 1 Pirate Ray Day BBQ on the sand. Pirate 'ship'. Grog. Pirate theme. Help needed 

& and football match with IYC Club food and drink provided. with the BBQ, fun & games 

22:54 (Bring a ball and trainers) and clearing away at the end! 

Wed 22 July 13:30 2 Midweek Feast on Starters, main courses and puds on Great food 

to Queenborough barge different boats. Bring the food you like Fine wines and beer 

Thur 23 July 14:18 to cook and eat. Good fun 

Fri 24 July - Nore Race prize giving. Bars open & BBQ food available. Celebrate you success. 

(or drown your sorrows) 

August Walton Backwaters Very informal arrangements. Tow a small boat and we can 

Make your own way. See you there. explore. 

Monitor VHF for BYC. 

Thur 20 Aug 13:15 4 Conyer Mini Cruise Meal at the Swale Marina clubhouse Explore Conyer and the area. 

to or Friday night provisionally booked. Train to Faversham Maybe 

Sun 23 Aug 15:22 5 take a brewery tour. 

Sat 29 Aug 07:31 3 London River Drinks party and informal arrangements.Great choice of shows, 

to Race and Cruise festivals and museums. 

Mon 31 Aug 23:11 (memo: Dinosaurs at the O2) 

Sat 12 Sep 05:49 2 Blackwater Race Meals available at Tollesbury or Long way for a slow boat. 

to or and Cruise Brightlingsea. To be arranged. Think of adding another day. 

Sun 13 Sep 19:32 3 

Sat 19 Sept 13:36 2 Race or cruise to a Queenborough YC invited to join us Last planned cruiser sailing 

to buffet at Queenborough for a buffet meal at their club. event of the year 

Sun 20 Sept 14:16 

Details will be displayed on the club notice board and website the week before each event. 

32

2009 Making Waves - Benfleet Yacht Club

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?