Ely SC - Hunter's Yard 2024
Published 22:25 on 29 Jun 2024
Fair winds and sunshine was the order of the day for the Ely Sailing Club trip to Hunter's Yard for a cruise along the broads in beautiful 1950s sailing boats.
After a morning muster at Ludham and some consideration of the tides, Lucky Rebel, Valiant Rebel and Rebel Reveler were rigged and ready for their adventures. Well, after a fair few 'pull the white rope' (they're all white!) moments and some clarification of what exactly lots of the words mean (topping lift - what's that? Is this a gaff or a lugg? What's a gaff? What's a lugg?)... and the deployment of a very snazzy hook on a pole to reclaim a halyard that had higher ambitions than our arms could accomodate.
All 3 boats made a dignified exit from the yard and on to the Thurne, beating up the initial stretch of broads (or was it a reach...? Or a run...? Maybe a bit of all 3?!). With good conversation and laughter a plenty, we made our way up to Acle Bridge, after a brief encounter with some reeds... The broads were a hub of activity in the warm sunshine with plenty of sailing and motor cruisers about and wildlife a plenty to admire.
After some challenging boat parking (or 'mooring' as they supposedly call it) a leisurely stop for lunch and a drink in the beer garden was in order. And of course a top up of suncream!
Full of good food, we re rigged the boats. With a slight hiatus to reclaim a very important wire, we excelled at dropping the mast and were (relatively) swiftly back on the way.
Then we set off for the sail back with the wind holding well with ideal conditions for fun without the fear. A few negotiations with reeds and powerboats, but all 3 made it to the Yard junction swiftly, so we ventured our way a little further to St Bennett's Abbey. One boat even reported passing an afloat ice cream boat...
A little spicy sail back to Hunter's Yard as we were against the tide for the stretch back from the Abbey, and 3 Rebels were safely tucked up for the night... and all 14 happy sailors were accounted for (despite some efforts to tie some covers on with crew still inside!)
Unable to resist the temptation on a sunny day, a few sailors finished the day with ice cream before all heading back for a good night's sleep!
A drastic and much appreciated change in conditions from the cadets' trip a couple of weeks ago but smiles and memories at both. Thanks to all who came. Hopefully the club will run a similar day out next season.
A few photos from the day can be found on the website gallery: https://www.elysailingclub.org/gallery/243047
Last updated 10:33 on 18 August 2024