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Kraken

From: Dublin Bay

Registered: 2011-02-24

Posts: 338

Limehouse Rally 2010

For the first time in the history of our association both Shadow Motor-cruisers and Victoria Yachts were able to attend the same rally and meet together. Such a rally had been discussed many times before but it had always been considered too difficult to arrange. This year it actually happened and was a great success. Four Shadows and Five Victoria Yachts all gathered together at Limehouse Basin in the East End of London.

The idea for a rally to the tidal River Thames in London came from John and Gillian Walker, owners of the Shadow 26, 'Heavenly Daze'. They had ventured down onto the tidal River Thames the year before and knew it was possible. If the Shadows could to it, then so could the Victoria Yachts and Anne Grubb, our East Coast Organiser, joined forces with John to sort out the details.

'Heavenly Daze' enters Limehouse Lock from the River Thames

Shadows, from up river, needed to enter the tidal River Thames at Teddington near high water, whereas the Victoria Yachts needed to come upstream on the flood tide. The Shadows had already decided to come one day early so they wouldn't be late for the dinner. Peter and Jenny Cosker, in their Frances 26, 'Jenter', decided to go one better and get there in time to take photographs of the Shadows arriving. Here are some of the landmarks they passed on the final leg from a mooring at Erith Yacht Club.

From left to right: Woolwich Ferry, River Thames Barrier, The Dome, Royal Naval College at Greenwich, 'Jenter' at Limehouse

Gillian secures the bow of 'Heavenly Daze'

Four Shadow Motor-cruisers safely in the lock

Three more Shadows approach the lock

The Shadow Motor-cruisers had made good time down from Teddington and went under the centre span of Tower Bridge in line abreast. It is rumoured that photographs were taken and one will be added to this web page when it becomes available.

The last part of the ride down to Limehouse was particularly rough due both to the constant stream of pleasure and commuter boats and the very large spring tides. Care was needed when entering the lock because of the ebb tide sweeping across the entrance.

With 'Heavenly Daze', 'Jolly Olly', 'Rebwelly', 'White Rose of York' and 'Jenter' all safely in harbour, we dined that evening at the Tai Pan chinese restaurant. This was Jenny's suggestion. It is the restaurant we use for the London Boat Show Dinner and was only a short walk from the boats.

The staff at the Tai Pan were pleasantly surprised to see the ten of us and looked after us very well. It was John Walker's birthday; we don't know which one! When the staff discovered this they provided ice cream for all of us and presented John with a carefully wrapped gift, which he was required to open before the evening was over. It was a beautiful porcelain tea container with lid.

The photograph was taken the following afternoon, on the day of the rally. You can see the masts of two of our yachts on the left of the picture as well.

From left to right: 'Rebwelly', 'Jolly Olly', 'White Rose of York' and 'Heavenly Daze'

Two Victoria 800's were moored the same side of the main pontoon as the Shadows.

'Volante' is moored at Benfleet Yacht Club, between Canvey Island and Southend. Although handy for the River Thames, it is only possible to leave Benfleet Creek at or near High Water and that is quite the wrong time to take the flood tide up to London.

John and Peter Allen aboard 'Volante'

'Thalia of Hamble' is moored in the River Thames at Gravesend but the crew would not be able to launch their tender to reach her right at the bottom of the tide.

Leon Ferguson and Anthony aboard 'Thalia of Hamble'

'Redwing', like 'Jenter', sailed from Burnham-on-Crouch and would probably have stopped enroute to sit out a foul tide.

We were very pleased that Glenys was able to drive to Limehouse to join 'Redwing'.

Martin aboard 'Redwing'

'Maria Frances' sailed from Brightlingsea and like 'Jenter' made an overnight stop at the Erith Yacht Club moorings.

Anne Grubb, East Coast Organiser and Chairman, sailed aboard 'Maria Frances'.

John and Wann aboard 'Maria Frances'

Cruising Association HQ and two Frances 26 yachts

Wann, John, Peter, John and Tanya

Leon, Brian, Dawn and David

Gillian, John, Kate, Peter, Patsy and Paul

David Probert and Angela hosted the customary pre-dinner drinks party aboard 'White Rose of York' and we thank them for their hospitality. However, the photographer was too busy drinking to record the event!

Anne Grubb, as a long standing member of the Cruising Association, organised the catering and we had a very fine meal at a sensible price that I am sure we all enjoyed. Thank you Anne.

We were delighted that both Brian and Dawn Smith and Mark and Sheesh Bloomfield were able to join us for the dinner.

Jolly Olly departs

Heavenly Daze departs

Anne Grubb