The forecast was less than favourable for the Commodore’s cruise this year, but that didn’t stop a hardy few from casting off and heading out into the Blackwater Estuary last Sunday. 

After some deliberation over our destination, (and spurred on with news that Zoë had made brownies and lemon drizzle cake), six boats left for breakfast at Osea Pier. I was crewing on Adagio with the Commodore and after a gentle run in the sunshine to our first stop we rafted up with Akela. Sheena got the bacon on the grill, Julian regaled Akela’s new owner, Ollie Scammell, with stories of passages past, and I contemplated my next house purchase. (With any Tom, Dick or Cruiser able to moor outside my bedroom window, I decided to pass on putting an offer on Osea). 

Steve Moore from Harmattan consulted the weather app, updated the flotilla with a plan over the radio and it wasn’t long before we were off again, headed for an anchorage in the vicinity of Thirslet Spit. As we passed the boats moored at Marconi, the ominous black clouds that had been hanging over Maldon, gathered pace (and precipitation) and it wasn’t long before a 28 knot wind, peppered with hailstones and rain, was washing through the fleet.  With a strong wind and the tide underneath us, we were storming towards Bradwell. Members of the cruise peeled off one by one, with Zoë and Ian doing an amazing job at corralling the cruisers back to the calmer waters.  

The weather eased as quickly as it had escalated but soon enough we had all returned to the peace of Osea Pier, where the wind had eased; and, the afternoon was an ever-changing seascape of sunshine and showers. 

 

Although it was a shame everyone didn’t make it ashore together for beach games and Pimms, Julian, the Berney grandchildren, the dog and I did make it onto Osea for a much-needed run around and a quick river swim. We only lost one beach ball and the dog for five minutes!

At around four o’clock Adagio put out an urgent call on the radio for tea bags and cake, to which the stewards responded with professionalism and speed. And with the sky promising a short reprieve, there was an opportunistic excursion to look for seals at Lawling Creek. As we approached with caution, there they were, sunbathing on their bellies, with babies in tow - a magical afternoon treat!

 

After a bit more cake, it wasn’t long before the cruise made for home. As we beat back to the club, criss-crossing each other’s bows, a full rainbow framed the flotilla, rewarding those who had been robust enough to venture out. 

Whilst it wasn’t your conventional commodore’s cruise, if the squeals of delight from the four-year-old I sat next to on deck during the hail storm are anything to go by, it was a joy nonetheless! 

Alicia Mellish

Photos: Zoë Nelson