Despite a delayed season start due to necessary restoration work, and the cancellation of various planned voyages due to early autumn storms, 2025 proved a successful year for Nancy Blackett, writes Mark Taylor…

May and June were mostly dedicated to our annual volunteer crew inductions and training sessions. We were fortunate with the weather, enabling multiple skipper and mate sign-offs in preparation for the remainder of the season.

The Annual General Meeting coincided with the Pin Mill Barge Match, during which Nancy Blackett was fully engaged in taking members out to view the racing. She also participated, as one of eight yachts, in a two-day local cruise with the East Anglia Sailing Trust for visually impaired (Vi) sailors. Ours was an experienced sailor having to adapt to deteriorating eyesight. Despite challenging conditions, the trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Alongside Nancy Blackett at Levington, for the Visually Impaired cruise.

July saw Nancy Blackett exploring the Walton Backwaters, including a tranquil overnight stay on a mooring buoy. The following morning brought heavy rain, shifting winds, and welcome bacon rolls on Ha’penny Pier.

Nancy Blackett at full sail towards Secret Water.

Nancy Blackett hosted Hanford School for two days of engaging activities and also welcomed a home education group for a short sail to Pin Mill and back.

Our Children’s Days are always popular.

A three-day East Coast cruise followed, requested by a father and son, which included a night sail and visits to West Mersea and Brightlingsea. This was succeeded by a four-day voyage to Heybridge Basin, involving complex pilotage and stopovers at Brightlingsea and Shotley.

Nancy Blackett tucked up for the night in Heybridge Basin.

Throughout the season, Nancy Blackett provided many day sails for members, including a lively outing with broadcaster John Sergeant.

John Sergeant meets his crew.

Her longest cruise of the season was to Wells-next-the-Sea, where she was scheduled to take groups of Sea Scouts sailing. The trip spanned fourteen days, running into August, with three days each for delivery and return, marking a significant highlight of the season.

Epic adventure! Nancy Blackett at Wells Next-The-Sea.

After this Nancy Blackett enjoyed five days of sailing during a heatwave, calling at Shotley, Brightlingsea, and West Mersea, and grabbed the opportunity to observe the Mersea Regatta. Two trips to the Walton Backwaters followed in quick succession – one for a longstanding member, and another for a mother and daughter, the latter enjoyed a leisurely swim from the boat while a group of seals looked on.

Nancy Blackett at a sunny West Mersea.

Unfortunately, the weather then turned against us, resulting in the cancellation of two trips: one accompanying Shotley Point Yacht Club to Burnham-on-Crouch, and another to the Queenborough Classic Boat Show. October began in similar fashion, with strong winds forcing the cancellation of a planned three-day East Coast cruise.

The season concluded in mid-October, with Nancy Blackett spending a final night at anchor in the River Stour, under glorious skies, before returning to Woolverstone to bend off her sails in preparation for the winter layup.

A final night with Nancy Blackett at anchor under autumn skies.

Come Sailing on Nancy Blackett!

Step aboard Arthur Ransome’s “favourite little ship” and experience the magic of sailing on the iconic Nancy Blackett. You can choose a memorable day out – or even a longer adventure. Whether you prefer to sit back and relax while our experienced crew handles everything, or get hands-on with the sailing, there’s a place for you onboard when you join the Nancy Blackett Trust.

As a member of the Trust you will also receive the full details of Nancy Blackett’s sailing adventures throughout the year.

Become part of the adventure with Nancy Blackett.