Mike Stevens' UK Inland Waterways Pages

TRIP REPORTS : SAILING BARGE TRIPS

IWA SOUTH LONDON BRANCH'S SAILING BARGE CHARTER, September 1998

Part 2 – Saturday and Sunday

The scenery Bradwell power station Photo by Mike Stevens

Not a lot going on Photo by Libby Bradshaw

The run ashore Photo by Libby Bradshaw

We noted the buoys as we passed them. Number 2. Number 3. Number 4. The other side of number 4. Back to number 3. Yes, the tide had turned and we were sailing backwards. At least it gave us the chance of a leisurely lunch. Another look at number 4: there must be a touch of wind. The wind did get up sufficiently to give the illusion of progress as we sailed down towards the mouth of the Blackwater and then tacked towards and away from Bradwell Power Station.

A damp landing Photo by Steve Burt

We're only here for the (computerised) beer. Photo by Mike Stevens

Back aboard Photo by Mike Stevens

Tim decided to anchor off Bradwell overnight and give us the chance of a run ashore to the pub. Two boatloads took advantage of the offer and sampled the delights of an Essex mud beach in a small boat. A good job Mike had warned everyone to bring wellies. From our landing point, the pub was a brisk walk along the sea front. Bradwell Creek in the dusk with two barges lying off shore was a lovely sight. We were intrigued to see what looked like an old naval steam pinnace drawn up on the shore, apparently rotting away. We also saw a couple of hares in the field between the sea wall and the nuclear power station. Somebody suggested they were genetically-modified field mice.

Serving up. Photo by Mike Stevens

Dining in the saloon Photo by Mike Stevens

Caption left to the reader's imagination Photo by Mike Stevens

The pub was very welcoming. It had recently changed hands, and offered a range of about 5 real ales, mostly locally brewed. A new experience for all of us was being told by the landlady that we couldn't have one particular beer because the computer hadn't bleeped to tell her it was ready! Eventually the computer did bleep, and between us we sampled and approved the whole range before walking back to the landing-place for Cathy to ferry us back to Pudge. By the time we got back it was dark, and dinner was very nearly ready. After-dinner was spent socialising and drinking, but not for too long as we'd not had much sleep the previous night.

A study in facial expression. Photo by Mike Stevens

s.b. Centaur off Bradwell Photo by Mike Stevens

Weighing the anchor (Still weighs the same) Photo by Mike Stevens

Next morning dawned with a low mist on the water. We didn't need as early a start as the day before, so were able to enjoy another "Mike's Big Breakfast", by which time the wind had risen enough to enable us to do some genuine sailing. Most people tried their hands at some aspect of the job: steering or hauling ropes.

Cathy at the crab-winch Photo by Mike Stevens

I'm in charge! Photo by Mike Stevens

Oh no you're not! Photo by Mike Stevens

The Blackwater was very busy with other barges (some good photos were taken), smacks, dinghies and an unusual number of official boats: police, coastguard and lifeboat. This last, we eventually realised, was because there was an Emergency Services Open Day in Maldon. As the river got narrower and even more congested, the sails were replaced by the engine, and as we turned to moor at the quay (outboard of our sister-barge Centaur) we were treated to the sight of an air-sea rescue operation staged as part of the open day.

Hauling the mainsheet Photo by Mike Stevens

On deck, aft Photo by Mike Stevens

Crossing s.b. Hydrogen Photo by Mike Stevens

Air-Sea Rescue demonstration Photo by Steve Burt

Maldon Hythe Photo by Libby Bradshaw