The first of our Introductory Cruises kicked off last week with a superb time had by all.
9 motor cruisers 7 of which had never been to sea before plus photographer Denise and Stewart and cruising club regulars Pete and Debbie Harrison. ( Pete is our Diver If needed ).
We met at the Berney Arms for introductions and skippers briefing at 1000hrs on Friday morning. Our plans had included Southwold on Saturday but with the wind speeds forecast to increase on Sunday, we abandoned this leg.
Having talked them through the protocol and answered questions we departed the moorings bound for an 1130 hrs Haven Bridge lift. Out to sea conditions were pleasant with about 10 knots of wind South westerly and a gentle swell. We ran the 7 miles to Lowestoft at a gentle 8 – 9 knots. The faster boats were able to have a play and open up and down the coast whilst not overtaking the lead boat.
It is NYA Cruising Club policy that we stay together as a group with our lead boat up front and our sweeper boat at the back. This way nobody gets left on their own and the sweeper boat is able to pass information to the lead boat if anyone appears to be struggling. Our 6.5 meter RIB is also amongst the group. The most important job the RIB has to do Is to collect Speedo from the lead boat and take him to any of the fleet who experience mechanical problems.
We were all safely tied up in the RNSYC by 1300 hrs for a relaxing afternoon and re grouped in the bar at 1800hrs for drinks and for crews to meet and exchange experiences. Dinner was then served to the RNSYC s` usual high standard then back to the bar for much hilarity and a great evening in good company.
We awoke bleary eyed on Saturday morning to a beautiful still sunny day. With wind forecast to pick up later we took the decision to leave at 0830hrs so the crews could experience one of those all too rare flat calm seas and sunshine.
We then headed north at 8 knots and the boats opened up for pictures taken by Denise Bradley on Kind of Magic. By the time we arrived at Gt Yarmouth conditions were still perfect and with a low tide we decided to take the fleet over to Scroby Sands for a spot of seal spotting – we were not disappointed, there were hundreds of them sunbathing on the sand bank
Then into Yarmouth for a 1030 Haven Bridge lift and onto Reedham Ferry for a leisurely lunch. We regrouped later at the excellent Waterside Inn at Bramerton for Drinks, Dinner and farewells.
