Submitted by rick.jones on
Original forum:
- On the water:Association events
At the AGM it was decided that the committee would organise just one event this year, but aim to make it a big one. We would like to see lots of members join in, especially those who haven't attended any of our events in the past.
We have fixed the dates as 25th July to 1st August, and are finalising our thoughts as to the venue. We shortlisted three: the Broads, the Blackwater, and Chichester Harbour. The favourite among those at the meeting was the Blackwater, and we are looking at the logistics to make sure it is viable, and will offer a range of sailing for all preferences.
The dates are Wednesday-to-Wednesday, and we will cater for anyone who only has the weekend free to join us in the middle.
Watch this space for more announcements.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
148 Comments
Hello everyone'
Submitted by cathy.lockwood on
Hello everyone
We were hoping to be able to make this - if only for the gala dinner (and to catch up with old friends of course) but unfortunately Adrian wil be (again) travelling so we cant make it.
Have a wonderful time!
Kate and Adrian Lockwood
SORRY WE WONT BE ABLE TO MEET
Submitted by roly.simpson on
Sorry we won't be able to meet up Graham. hopefully another time.
Great to read that John Pompei can make it and now John Richardson who has managed to enable Quentin and "the cabiin boy" for a while ..hope to see you too Jon and that Stumpers stumps up. ...also pleased if you can join us for any of the event Andy....you can show us how the other half of trailer sailing is....nice tip about the Colne...we should look at it.
The exact itinery is flexible depending on who is committed and what group ideally want to do.
Simon I have updated spreadsheet.
Now off to France for cycling....havent yet got out on Aranah but hopefully end of the month.
Roly
I clearly need to retire Roly
Submitted by graham.kill on
I clearly need to retire Roly!
Hi,
Submitted by chris.hawksworth on
Hi,
New member, Just acquired a Mac 26D and looking to come along to the Big Mac event for first sail and to meet people, though can only make it from Friday till Tuesday if not too late to tag along.
Regards
Chris
'89 Macgregor 26D: Getaway
Hi, Chris.
Submitted by simon.armitage on
Hi, Chris.
Welcome.
There is a bit of chopping and changing going on which is not a problem for us just yet so no firm picture of who is doing what and when.
Some of the Macs will be visiting the River Crouch on the Thursday 26th, returning Friday 27th. Others might enjoy exploring the river Blackwell.
Do you plan to launch and retrieve at Bradwell?
One of the things we do is to have a look over each others boats (by invitation) to check up on mods and wizard wheezes.
Are you attending the Gala Dinner at Tollesbury on the Saturday and will you require a berth there and how many for dinner. Menus will be available shortly.
Monday, 30th, some of the fleet will disappear to the Walton Backwaters or the River Orwell and Suffolk Marina or Shotley returning to Bradwell on the Wednesday. Some may stay in the Blackwater and not go on that adventure but at the moment nothing is carved in stone.
No cancellation fees in Bradwell if weather makes us cancel some/all of the rally.
Do let me know what you will be doing and keep an eye on the website to see what others are doing.
Thanks
Simon
Hi Simon
Submitted by rick.jones on
Hi Simon
Will we be booked into Bradwell for the night of Wed 2nd as well? If we're returning from the Orwell on the Wednesday I probably won't want to pull out until the Thursday morning before heading home.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
No, problem, Rick, People
Submitted by simon.armitage on
No, problem, Rick, People are arriving and leaving at different times so Just tell he Marina staff when you book in on arrival.
Simon
Hi, We'd most likely look at
Submitted by chris.hawksworth on
Hi, We'd most likely look at launching /get out at Bradwell. I'll have a word with the crew as to plans on the Saturday night but most likely yes to dinner and berth. Plans are a bit sketchy at the moment as I've got a fair amount to do beforehand to get her ready with not many free days. Hopefully I'll know a bit more in a week.
will keep you posted
Ta
Chris
'89 Macgregor 26D: Getaway
Hi Rick, Roly, Quentin and
Submitted by robin.gwynn on
Hi Rick, Roly, Quentin and other Mac'ers.
Please accept our apologies but Pam and myself will not be able to attend the Big Mac event, we were looking forward to meeting everyone again but we are in the throes of trying to sell both a house and a business and its all likely to 'kick off' around the time of the event and can't afford to be away.
Have a brilliant time
I look forward to seeing the photos on the forum.
Regards
Robin
Apologies accepted. When both
Submitted by quentin.sands on
Apologies accepted. When both sold will it be all about the boat and the campervan?
Quentin Sands, past owner
1991 26C Mrs MacGregor
1993 Mac19, Margarita
Hi Quentin,
Submitted by robin.gwynn on
Hi Quentin,
Absolutely, but will be squeezing in a fair bit of travel as well.
We are off to New Zealand and Aus for 3 months in November, will look forward to getting the 'ship' afloat and sailing next season.
Robin
Tony McKenna, a fairly new
Submitted by simon.armitage on
Tony McKenna, a fairly new member of the MOA acquired a C last year. He is committed to crewing in the Solent on 28th/29th but would like to take the opportunity to meet up with other Mac owners at this rally and learn as much as possible about mast raising/lowering, launching and recovering and general Mac handling. His trailer needs serious repairs so he can't tow his Mac to Bradwell.
We talked about him arriving on 24th and staying over to 25th and he is looking for a BnB. He would like to offer his services in helping rig and launch Macs and would appreciate a chance to crew on a shake-down sail.
Any offers?
Maybe someone with room could offer him a bunk for the overnight to save on the BnB.
Thanks in advance, on behalf of Tony and while I am on-line any are there any updates and is any one else still thinking of attending the rally. The summer menu for the gala dinner will be out soon, so I will circulate that in due course
Simon Armitage
Sowenna 26M
Hello Simon,
Submitted by john.richardson on
Hello Simon,
I'm meeting Quentin, and I think Gavin, on Tues 24th July probably around 15.00. I plan to launch that day and would be pleased to give Tony a chance to participate in the prep and launch of a Mac.
I regret I cannot offer a bunk or day sail as we will be already quite full.
Kind regards, John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M
Hi, John,
Submitted by simon.armitage on
Hi, John,
Tony is fixed up with Rick but I am sure he will be around to help and learn with prepping and launching.
Simon
Hello
Submitted by stuart.mcwilliam on
Hello
I hope to be able to spend a day at the Big Mac event, but without my Mac, on 1st August. From 09:00 to 18:00 (ish).
Does anyone have need of crew on the 1st? Not vastly experienced, but enthusiastic......
Please get in touch if you are --- stuartmcwilliam@btinternet.com --- will find me.
All the best, and thanks in advance
Stu
Hi Stu
Submitted by rick.jones on
Hi Stu
You are welcome to crew on my 19 for the day, as I am otherwise single-handing. I can't offer an overnight bunk, the 19's just a bit small!
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
According to the current plan
Submitted by simon.armitage on
According to the current plan the fleet is returning from Suffolk to Bradwell on 1st August.
Simon Armitage
Sowenna 26M
Once I join the fray I will
Submitted by david.claassen on
Once I join the fray I will most likely be single-handing so should have room for crew if needed
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Hi,y'all,
Submitted by simon.armitage on
Hi,y'all,
Bradwell Waterside Marina is located at Bradwell Waterside, not Bradwell on Sea.
Well July is finally here and just over 3 weeks to go before ths years annual adventure.
You may have read about David Claassen's woes with his steering gear. Does anyone need a crew as David would like to be more involved than just turning up for the dinner.
I have booked some moorings at Bradwell. Any Updates? Just a reminder that the slip closes at 17.00h prompt and depending on your launching vehicle you can launch and retrieve 1 1/2 - 2 hours either side of high water. There is a hoist if anyone needs it but it needs to be booked. Plenty of parking for vehicles and trailers on-site. Also petrol, bar, restaurant, showers and toilets. There is also a pub in Bradwell Waterside village, about 5 mins walk and another one in Bradwell on Sea, about 10 minutes drive.
I have lso booked some overnight moorings at Tollesbury and have been informed that there is no problem launching there and leaving vehicles and trailers. Any one else need a mooring.
I have also booked overnight moorings at Burnham Yacht Marina. I was there last week, quite impressive. Any updates?
And again have advised Titchmarsh Marina of our impending arrival. Any updates?
I haven't done anything yet about events after the Walton Backwaters and wil have to leave that bit to Roly to firm up.
So are there any last minute changes/additions.
Summer menu for the Gala Dinner is out shortly and will be circulated at which time we will need to firm up with more accurate numbers.
We have about 25 - 30 or so for the dinner at the moment.
Long range weather forecast looks okay. Some gentle winds, some sun, some clouds and a bit of rain.
Please don't dilly dally, post your replies/comments on the BIGMAC page asap.
Good Sailing and looking forward to meeting up and looking over each others craft for ideas.
Simon Armitage
Sowenna (26M)
We stayed overnight in
Submitted by mike.clarke on
We stayed overnight in Bradwell last week – I’ve attached a couple of photos of the slipway at mid tide and low tide if it helps anyone. As Simon has mentioned there are good amenities and good food and drink close at hand – the cost was £18-50 per night for a Mac 26M. Tollesbury has similar amenities although petrol is a garage on the way into the village about a mile from the marina. Bradwell can be accessed by a Mac at just about any state of tide but Tollesbury is about two hours each side of HW as it has a sill at the entrance to maintain water in the marina and the Woodrofe creek beyond dries out.
Mike Clarke - TARKA 26M
IMG_6030
IMG_6034
IMG_6077-2
Thanks, Mike.
Submitted by simon.armitage on
Thanks, Mike.
Slipway doesn't look very inviting at low water, does it?
Hello Simon and Roly,
Submitted by john.richardson on
Hello Simon and Roly,
Is it too soon to confirm whether all boats coming have got a confirmed mooring at each place that we are visiting? My apologies if I'm jumping the gun, or if I've missed something. Also, is electricity available on any or all of the moorings?(Can't let the beer go cold or the butter melt!).
Kind regards,
John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M
Hi, John,
Submitted by simon.armitage on
Hi, John,
Just putting the final bits and bobs in place but moorings at Bradwell, Burnham, Tollesbury and Titchmarsh are okay. Not formally booked but Marina staff know who is coming and are okay with the numbers.
Simon
Same question from Hera
Submitted by mike.mcnerney on
Same question from Hera
Our plan is to arrive at Bradwell Tuesday 24 July pm. Rig and be ready to launch around HW on Wednesday morning
We would then stay with the main group going wherever, but hopefully marinas with showers and electricity (beer, butter and also tonics and hairdrying!). The occasional nights of "wild mooring" would be good too.
I guess we need to be back at Bradwell on Wednesday 1st August mid afternoon to pull out around HW then stay on the hard overnight ready for a departure after breakfast Thursday 2nd August
Mike
As I mentioned to John,
Submitted by simon.armitage on
As I mentioned to John, Bradwell, Burnham, Tollesbury and Titchmarsh know we are coming and there is room for us all.
I haven't done anything about further trips to Shotley or Suffolk Yacht Harbour as I won't be around for tht part of the rally and I don't really know what the plan is. I will be discussing with Roly and post some info very soon. Also not sure, yet, about the numbers.
Not sure if the men's shower blocks have hairdryers and haven't been into the ladies to find out. Butter you can get in Bradwell on Sea, not to be confused with Bradwell Waterside. It is a small village a few miles to the west and signposted.
Not sure about 'wild mooring'.
Just let the Marina Office know when you plan to leave.
Simon
Thanks Simon - I'm sure the
Submitted by mike.mcnerney on
Thanks Simon - I'm sure the details of the daily itinerary will be worked out at the time, based on preferences, weather, etc.
Actually, the hairdryer is onboard Hera along with vast amounts of other electrical equipment used for sustenance, cleaning, warmth, beautification and almost every aspect of modern day survival - just need the electric hook up!
Wild mooring is a bit like wild camping with the added excitement that you might just float away in the night (or worse?!)
Cheers
Mike
Mike,
Submitted by david.claassen on
Mike,
Titchmarsh has hair dryers in the shower block that are coin operated.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Tide Times at Bradwell
Submitted by simon.armitage on
Tide Times at Bradwell adjusted for BST
24th July HW 10.48 LW 04.39 HW 23.10
25th July HW 11.41 LW 05.41
26th July HW 00.00 LW 06.27 HW 12.27
27th July HW 000.43 LW 07.05 HW 13.06
28th July HW 01.22 LW 07.37 HW 13.42
29th July HW 01.58 LW 08.05 HW 14.17
30th July HW 02.33 LW 08.31 HW 14.50
1st Aug. HW 03.40 LW 09.23 HW 15.55
2nd Aug HW 04.12 LW 09.52 HW 16.26
Hope this helps. Will check out Titchmarsh, Shotley amd Suffolk Yacht Harbour and get back to you ASAP.
Simon Armitage
Sowenna 26 M
(PS Lovely day at Bradwell today, 2 boats out sailing, bar full.
Thanks Simon. Are you able
Submitted by roly.simpson on
Thanks Simon. Are you able to tell us the tidal window for launching at Bradwell ?
Roly
The slip (see Michael Moore's
Submitted by simon.armitage on
The slip (see Michael Moore's recent post with pictures) closes at 5.00pm after which it is locked as staff go home, opens
Depending on rig, launching and retrieval is between 1/2 - 2 hours either side of HW.
Michael's post also refers to the lip at Tollesbury Marina which retains water but limits access and exit to certain times around HW.
Simon
The slip (see Michael Moore's
Submitted by rick.jones on
So looks like those arriving on Tuesday will not be launching until Wednesday morning, around 10am onwards.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
An opportunity for extra
Submitted by rick.jones on
An opportunity for extra-curricular activity will be the lunar eclipse on Friday 27th. It will be the longest total lunar eclipse so far this century, and should be visible for about 20 minutes from 8:50 pm. That's when the Moon rises, at which point it will already by in the Earth's full shadow. From 9:10 onwards you should be able to see the Moon slowly emerge from the shadow.
By chance, Mars will also be brighter than usual, being at its closest point to the Earth, so there should be two things to spot together in the night sky.
If we have clear skies it should all be an interesting sight.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
If the slip is closed when
Submitted by simon.armitage on
If the slip is closed when you arrive you can still access the car/trailer park, rig your boat, sleep on board and be ready to launch the next morning on a suitable tide, then enjoy the facilities of the Marina, take a stroll along the estuary, or pop into the Green Man Pub in the nearby village.
There is a small local shop in Bradwell on Sea and a pub, not to be confused with Bradwell Waterside, and Maldon is about 30 minutes drive away. There are also local shops in Mayland and Steeple.
Launching should have read 1 1/2 - 2 hours either side of HW. Sorry for the typo.
Simon
Dear Simon & Roly,
Submitted by john.richardson on
Dear Simon & Roly,
Just to let you know that my brother, Peter, will be joining Quentin and me on 'Sonny'. Peter will stay on until the Sunday, so it's 1 more for the Gala Dinner.
Kind regards,
John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M
The Harbour View at
Submitted by rick.jones on
The Harbour View at Tollesbury would like menu choices in advance. I've created a separate thread for your responses to save this thread getting muddled. See here to view the menu and respond.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Dinner is booked for 8 o
Submitted by simon.armitage on
Dinner is booked for 8 o'clock (20.00h) with a pre dinner drink, Pimms or Prosecco from 7.30 onwards courtesy of the M.O.A.
See you there
Simon
I do not know if “Logan’s Run
Submitted by david.claassen on
I do not know if “Logan’s Run” will be repaired in time for the event. Does anyone still need crew?
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
No problem David I have
Submitted by roly.simpson on
No problem David I have arranged that you can stay with David Robbens who is coming with one other male crew. He has Humbug , an Odin but Im happy for you to crew on my M in daytime when you wish.
Roly
Thanks Roly! I will confirm
Submitted by david.claassen on
Thanks Roly! I will confirm once I get home.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Roly and David,
Submitted by david.claassen on
Roly and David,
I will most probably not come in until Friday evening. My boat will not be done in time. I do not want to impose, but would be happy to crew and possibly berth onboard with someone, If not, I will just berth up on mine in the marina.
David
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
I've just realised that on
Submitted by john.richardson on
I've just realised that on Sunday 29th, we will be in a different place to car & trailer, and I want to pull out then. Could I ask of anyone with local knowledge a) How long to sail/motor back to Bradwell and b) are there facilities to launch at Tollesbury on Tuesday/Weds and leave the car and trailer there ready for a timely get away on Sunday?
Regards? John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M
John,
Submitted by simon.armitage on
John,
Plenty of room to launch and leave your rig at Tollesbury. I had spoken to the Marina office about that some time ago but I don't think anyone is now launching there.
Suggest you call Phin, Marina 01621 869202 / 01621 868471, mention the Mac event and ask him best times to launch and retrieve. I have never used this launching slip.
Tollesbury is just across the river from Bradwell and about 22 miles by road. Tollesbury has a slip to retain water so can really only access/exit marina about 90 minutes either side of HW. Bradwell is 24/7.
See you there.
Simon.
Hi, John,
Submitted by simon.armitage on
Hi, John,
Have you decided on Bradwell or Tollesbury yet?
Thanks
Simon
Attached is a photo of the
Submitted by mike.clarke on
Attached is a photo of the outer marina sill at Tollesbury at low water. The sill is concrete so don't hit it. You need at least 5 ft showing or you need to raise your dagger board and possibly rudders to get over the sill. Once over its fine to use full dagger board to aid manoeuvrability as its quit tight inside the marina. I normally raise the dagger board a bit and have the rudder downhaul lines loose and aim for about 5 ft on the sill. I got it wrong last week and hit a rock bottom with full dagger board down and 5 ft showing on the sill but I was too far over (beyond the seagull in the photo) and hit a rock - you can see what happened to my dagger board.....
Sill at Tollesbury low water
damage to dagger board
If anyone fancies visiting
Submitted by simon.armitage on
If anyone fancies visiting Mersea Island for lunch in either the Company Shed or The West Mersea Oyster Bar telephone the West Mersea Yacht Club before 1.30 (13.30h) to see if any visitors moorings are available, then book the launch. Sometimes the club will do that for you. Probably best to phone earlier, early bird....etc.
Tel: 01206 382947
Launch Service: 07752 309435, UHF-Channel 37 (M1)
Take care, narrow and shallow channels when the tide is out
https://www.wmyc.org.uk/
Enjoy
Simon Armitage
Sowenna (26M)
Tel: 01206 382947
Launch Service: 07752 309435, UHF-Channel 37 (M1)
Previously messaged Roly
Submitted by colin.bryant on
Previously messaged Roly indicating my intention to take part - arriving Tuesday and leaving Thursday (9 nights) and sticking with the main flotilla. Now confirming that - will have a friend with me until Saturday morning but could use a 'crew' Saturday to Wednesday if anyone willing and able? I think I've seen a post about dinner and menu choice so I'll see if I can find that and respond.
Colin Bryant
Henriette 26m
Hi Colin, thanks for the info
Submitted by roly.simpson on
Hi Colin, thanks for the info, we had you booked in . I believe crew situation can be sorted. PLESAE LOOK AT RICK JONES BIG MAC MEAL forum tthread to advise what meals are required . (click on it to make it readable ) .
Roly
Waiting for the Tide.
Submitted by simon.armitage on
Waiting for the Tide.
I was asked about things to do ashore so herewith a few suggestions.
Drive to Maldon (about 1/2 hour) Enjoy the Thames Barges and this quaint river side town. Lots of pubs and restaurants.
You can walk from Bradwell either up river or down river and around the headland.
You will come to a beach, tide willing, adjacent to the mothballed power station. Ideal for swimming, BBQing etc with the right tide and weather. (I'm afraid Osea Island is private)
Visit the Chapel of St Peter on the wall, one of Britain's Oldest Churches. Be careful if driving and leaving your car in the car park. I visited last year to find 3 cars had been broken into. It seems that the Dengie Crims hide and wait, knowing that their victims will be away for at least an hour.
Visit the Stow Maries WW1 Airforce museum (http://www.stowmaries.org.uk/)
Fish.
Enjoy
Simon Armitage
Sowenna 26M
I am deeply disappointed to
Submitted by peter.bertorelli on
I am deeply disappointed to have to cancel joining everyone on the forthcoming Essex/Bradwell rally. I have been so looking forward to it but despite having prepared, checked and provisioned the boat an unfortunate combination of business, domestic, etc. commitments now makes it impossible for me to to get away.
If the plan still includes Thursday 26th at Burnham Yacht Harbour I could join you there for that one day/night as I'm based at North Fambridge further up the River Crouch. Is booking in there a group arrangement or do we book in individually? I shall drive to join the Tollesbury dinner on Saturday 28th.
Peter Bertorelli.
I commiserate with you, Peter
Submitted by simon.armitage on
I commiserate with you, Peter. I too have had to cancel my attendance at many of the events after setting up Sowenna for the trip, but will be driving to the dinner.
I will cancel arrangements for berthing at Tollesbury and Titchmarsh Marinas.
There is a block booking at Burnham Marina for the group so no problem there. If you are arriving separately from the group then please let the Marina Office know when you are nearby.
Tel: 01621 782150
Simon Armitage
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