Should've stayed at home!

[DanTribe]

Due to the rubbish weather on Saturday we decided just to go for a day sail on Sunday.
What could possibly go wrong?
We had a very pleasant sail up to Fambridge until we tried to sneak inside the big iron buoy just above the moorings and ran aground. Never mind, nearly low water, we'll have a cup of tea and wait. Within seconds a jet ski arrives and offers a tow. We decline but he seems a nice bloke and is keen to help so we let him try, just to prove what a silly idea it is. Man, those things are powerful! It dragged us of the mud like we were a dinghy, not 3 tonnes.
Think what you like about jet-skis, this bloke was very welcome and refused to accept even a bottle of plonk. Many thanks to him and to the Fambridge launch driver who also came to help.
Back to Burnham and the launch driver has gone home. No problem, collect the dinghy and motor back onto the mooring. On the way we spot friends still aboard, so think we'll see if they want a lift ashore. As we approach they start shouting at us and waving. Then I spot their fishing line, so hard astern, manage to free the line from our keel and CLUNK, forgot the dinghy painter, now round the prop.
Sailed back to mooring with the dinghy pinned nearly at the water line. Climbed in and managed to cut the painter from the dinghy, leaving it round the prop for next weekend. On climbing back aboard, managed to impale finger to 1/2" on backstay split pin.
And by the time we got ashore , the pub had stopped doing food.
Next weekend will be better, please!

 

[Laurin]

Oh no! Saw you anchored and gave you a wave. We had a lovely sail with the kids childminder on board with her family. Such a nice sunny day for a change.

 

[Koeketiene]

Back to Burnham and the launch driver has gone home. No problem, collect the dinghy and motor back onto the mooring. On the way we spot friends still aboard, so think we'll see if they want a lift ashore. As we approach they start shouting at us and waving. Then I spot their fishing line, so hard astern, manage to free the line from our keel and CLUNK, forgot the dinghy painter, now round the prop.

Something similar very nearly happened to us a few years ago.
Lesson learned: when not in use, the dinghy lives on deck.

PS: only use polyprop for a painter.

 

[DanTribe]

Something similar very nearly happened to us a few years ago.
Lesson learned: when not in use, the dinghy lives on deck.

PS: only use polyprop for a painter.

Wise counsel, but we were only going 200m from the pontoon to our mooring and the dinghy is a 12ft heavy yard boat.
Many a slip 'twixt cup and lip.

 

[moonshine]

Iron bouy location ?

Dan,

Which bouy are you referring to, and what draft ?

The bouys I know of are to the East & West of the lines of moorings are in the middle of the fairway ?!!

A

 

[DanTribe]

Dan,

Which bouy are you referring to, and what draft ?

The bouys I know of are to the East & West of the lines of moorings are in the middle of the fairway ?!!

A

Not so much a bouy, more like an iron raft, made out of old oil drums. It's on the North shore near Portway Cottage.
We thought there was enough water to tack inside it but were wrong. We backed the jib and could have blown off into deeper water but were too close to the rusty iron thingy to be sure of missing it.
We draw 1.8m and, being East coasters, are used to a bit of mud scraping, however, in this instance we were grateful for the PWCs help.

 

[ChattingLil]

well, I'm sorry to hear you had a rubbish experience but a) at least you were out and b) your story made me laugh and cheered me right up! (sorry!)

Fingers crossed for next weekend as I hope to finally get out on the water too. I've sailed all winter for the past few years, but this rain has put me off. I don't mind the cold, snow and hail even, but the constant rain is seriously depressing.

 

[Burnham Bob]

Sorry to hear all that Dan, but it's somehow comforting to know that that sort of thing happens to other people.

I once backed over the dinghy in Bradwell Marina. It's even worse with a huge audience.

 

[Koeketiene]

I don't mind the cold, snow and hail even, but the constant rain is seriously depressing.

+1

 

[LONG_KEELER]

. I've sailed all winter for the past few years, but this rain has put me off. I don't mind the cold, snow and hail even, but the constant rain is seriously depressing.

I know what you mean.

When you look out the window though nature does not do wet and uncomfortable, but we do.

I know we lost the hair but we gained Gortex .

Am trying to address the problem but please don't call me nature boy just yet.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Ah, the joys of a wheelhouse! Nevertheless on Saturday had oilies on all day for the first time ever en route to Woodbridge. Still a wonderful time though, enforced relaxation is quite beneficial at times.