Autumn weather can be delightful and we were treated to a few nice days for our last Southwold run of the season.
The 14 strong fleet gathered at Reedham Ferry on the evening of Thursday 21st September. After dinner James briefed the crews on the plans for the following day. We left Reedham the next morning at 0800hrs and headed downstream for a 1000hrs Haven Bridge. The weather was bang on forecast with a light westerly breeze, sun and almost flat calm sea state.
This was a slow speed cruise enabling some displacement boats to join us but once south of Lowestoft and clear of the sand banks, the faster boats were able to stretch their legs and have a play.
We entered Southwold Harbour bang on high water at 1230hrs and had the moorings to ourselves. Having rafted our fleet together, we opened the bar on Evita for a very sociable drinks party.
With Sundays forecast of strengthening winds, we took the decision to head back up the coast on Saturday and into the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk at Lowestoft.
This gave us the option of Mutford Lock back into the Broads for any boats who thought that Sundays sea conditions were more than they wanted to try.
We were again treated to very pleasant and fair weather conditions.
The RN&SYC had a function on that evening so were not able to cater for us. Most of the fleet enjoyed an excellent Indian in the Raj Mahal, Lowestoft before retiring to various boats for a night cap (or two).
As forecast, the following day dawned with a fresh south westerly breeze. Not enough to put any of our Cruising Club off the sea trip to Great Yarmouth as all decided not to take the lock option back onto the Broads.
We had a leisurely start leaving just before 1230 and heading up the coast in a gentle swell for a 1400hrs Haven Bridge lift.
A very pleasant last cruise of the season – now to planning next years adventures!
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