Easter was early, and the weather had not been conducive to achieving an early fit-out, so it was great to see such a good turnout for our first cruise of the season. A total of thirteen boats made the trip up the London River to St Katharine's by the Tower. Skybird, Northern Gipsy, Moonwisp, Persuasion, Tommy Thumb, Moondancer, Ma Pin Wa and Galadriel all decided to go up a day early to avoid the crowds. Patanda, Osprey and Lady Olivia were accompanied by single handers Jamie Cameron and Mike Jenkins on Denebola and Bonny Girl for the run up on Good Friday.
Locking in seemed a little less stressful this year and everyone got in without incident except poor old Patanda who received minor damage when side swiped by a motorboat whose owner was a little over zealous with the horsepower. He was keen to point out that it had been all my fault as I had manoeuvred on his blind side. I must buy a new book of the collision regs as my current copy seems to have a page missing. Once inside we helped 20 or so other members in their attempt to sink Paul and Jackie's Osprey.
On Saturday afternoon half of us took a guided walking tour of the East End to see if we could unravel the mystery of the identity of Jack the Ripper. We couldn't, but did enjoy an entertaining couple of hours. Others joined new member John Wood's family and friends to celebrate partner Leslie's special birthday at a surprise party aboard their splendid yacht Persuasion. The Champagne punch was extremely effective.
In the evening all attended an excellent Club meal at the Gallows restaurant at Wapping where it is said that infamous pirate Captain Kidd was hanged for his crimes. The evening had a wonderful setting overlooking the river and Len Wenham's former work place. Paul Ledsham provided the risqué after dinner jokes.
A 'quick nightcap' aboard one vessel quickly degenerated in to an all night party. Revellers were obviously big fans of a well known American TV chat show host. Tip - If you want a good night's sleep, don't moor near Ma Pin Wa.
First light saw one party end and another begin as Paul and Jackie held a champagne breakfast to celebrate crew Diane's birthday.
Sunday's excursions were widely varied with Jean, Alan, Len and Anita satisfying their botanic interests at Kew Gardens, John, Carol, Paul, Jackie, Murray and Christine taking in the atmosphere of the streets and entertainers of Soho and Covent Garden, whilst others satisfied their thirsts in the nearest pub. J-P and Margaret hosted drinks aboard Lady Olivia for the crews of Persuasion and Moonwisp to honour their very first Club cruise.
For most, Monday presented the sad task of returning to Upnor. Denebola and Galadriel left at some unreasonable hour to make the most of the tide. The rest left on delayed locking and were not released until 0915 which meant punching some foul tide in the Nore Swatch. The wind was again very fickle with only the die-hard traditionalists enjoying ghosting along on the flood back to the moorings.
An excellent weekend and good to see some new faces on a Club cruise.
Jerry Dennis Cruise Captain
The River Thames to London and beyond
Feedback - your comments about this website
© Upnor Sailing Club