The weather in the days leading up to our St Katharine Dock cruise was very settled in terms of wind and the forecast for the days ahead was also very favourable albeit with a little rain for the first day.
The 11 boat fleet gathered at the Berney Arms on Saturday 6th July before setting off across Breydon for an 1130hrs Haven Bridge Lift. The rain came as forecast but the sea state was lovely as we made the short passage to Lowestoft and the RN&SYC.
We had a crew of 30 people in total across the 11 boats and we all met for briefing & drinks in the clubhouse before sitting down for dinner.
We left for London the following morning at 0900hrs in warm sunshine, making around 19 knots with the tide. The fleet performed faultlessly for the 130 mile passage leaving our support RIB and resident engineer to enjoy the sunshine and the sights. By 1300hrs we were well into the River Thames and made our way up through the Thames Barrier finally locking into St Katharine Docks at around 1630hrs.
It was then full on relaxing, socialising & sight seeing for the next 4 days as crews went their separate ways to museums, exhibits, theatres and restaurants. There were group trips too for those that wanted including a Comedy Store night at Leicester Square, Pie & Mash lunch, Boris Biking to Grenwich and on the last evening the whole group met at Gaucho’s restaurant on the South Bank for dinner.
On Friday morning we started locking the fleet out onto the river at 0845hrs. We just managed to fit all the boats into two locks and made our way down river. Once again we were blessed with warm sunshine. By the time we reached the sunk inner the North Westerly F3-F4 breeze was picking up a short chop but nothing to bother our competent fleet.
We arrived at Lowestoft late afternoon for a night before travelling the last 7 miles to Great Yarmouth and the Haven Bridge on Saturday morning.
There is always something very special about arriving in London on your own boat and this was certainly the feeling of our crews who enjoyed a very pleasant week.
Absolutely brilliant week, fab group of people to know and be with.
Thank you to James, Speedo, Rib Rob, Chris and Lou
Thank you for your comments Gary – pleased you had a good week.
Thanks so much for making it possible.. James Mark, Rob, Chris and Lou..fantastic support and great cruising company! Our favourite cruise to date!
A fantastic week away. St Kats is a brilliant place to be based. As always James, Mark. Rob and Chris offered fantastic support.
Thank you NYA for making it possible we really appreciate it.
Thank you both – so pleased you had a great time.
Thank you James for a really enjoyable week and a big thank you to Speedo, Rob & Chris from All on Mack 1
Thanks James, Mark, Rob, Chris and Louise for a great week all your help and lovely to meet and make New friends and to catch up with old friends. Thanks Tom and Sheila for sweeping so well and June on Norfolk Spirit – Lesley and I thought you were amazing with your fender when the wind was blowing you every where.
FABULOUS, what a week, never to be forgotten, so many memories thanks to everyone but especially James, Speedo, Rob and Chris, each one instrumental in not only the trip but actually meaning we could make it. The “every growing” Astralis crew would like to thank you all and yes James we did grow from 2 to 8 POB!!!
Pictures will be emailed out over the next week.
Cheers from Simon, Sarah and Mark with the addition of Penny and Wal and then Oscar, Beth and Dylan.
Thank you James Mark Rob and Chris and all our fellow boaters. Had a great week and look forward to the next trip to Woodbridge. Simon and Jenny – Blue Diamond
James what a great week we’ve had thank you to you, Speedo, Rob, Chris and all your team at Brundall who have made it happen. Simon, Wendy, Graham and Caroline
Thank you James, Mark, Rob, Chris and Lou for making a fabulous week happen, wonderful memories.
Look forward to meeting up with all our lovely fellow boaters on the next trip.
Safe journey home to you all
Sheila & Tom ?⚓???
Thank you James, Mark, Rob, Chris and Lou and everyone on the cruise. Another fantastic experience and loved every minute. See some of you in a couple of weeks in Woodbridge. Once again big thanks to everyone ?⚓??
Thank you James, Speedo, Rob, Chris and Lou for another amazing NYA Cruising Club adventure. We love it. And thank you Lady Jen for sharing your boat with us……again!
Sponge 1 and 2 x