Nancy Blackett at Lowestoft. Photo: John & Terri Payne.

Skipper Phil Durnford has just returned from a “furthest north” cruise at the helm of Nancy Blackett. He writes:

I joined Nancy Blackett on Monday 18th August in Ipswich Dock, where she had spent the weekend as part of the OGA fleet at Maritime Ipswich. Colin Embrey as mate and Nicola Farr as crew joined me, plus two Japanese visitors who had spent the night on her – Mikako and Minato.

We squeezed out of a narrow gap in the fleet, “locked out” and proceeded down river to give our Japanese guests a day sail. A good north-westerly breeze blew us down to Collimer point for lunch and then onto Halfpenny Pier, Harwich, where Mikako and Minato left. They enjoyed their trip – Mikako’s face when I offered her the helm told the story!

Nancy Blackett at Lowestoft. Photo: John & Terri Payne.

We then took Nancy Blackett around to Ramsholt in the Deben for the night. The following morning we left at the top of tide and had a fast passage to Lowestoft – getting there in six and a half hours, despite it being neaps in a west-north-westerly force 4-5 wind. Early afternoon found us tied up in the marina in Lowestoft Harbour, having been greeted by “thought I recognized the name – you were supposed to be getting here last year!” – a reference to the proposed school trip visit there last year.

A leisurely twenty-four hours followed, taking full advantage of the hospitality of the yacht club. Before leaving we were visited by John and Terri Payne (Nancy Blackett Trust members) who took photos of Nancy leaving Lowestoft. A much calmer passage back in light winds was experienced, but we managed to sail after Orford Ness back to the Deben.

A gentle run back to Woolverstone finishing in the early afternoon on Thursday completed a short but pleasant cruise. Thanks to Nicola and Colin for their support and company.

Nancy Blackett at Lowestoft. Photo: John & Terri Payne.