BIBOA East Coast Rivers 2003

[Alan]

Since Brian is shamelessly plugging his SW cruise (which is great fun btw) I thought'd I'd put up some details of the East Coast Rivers cruise.

Its on the first Bank Holiday weekend in May so the weekend before RIB.NET gathering in Plymouth. And yes it does clash with the Scottish race/cruise and the RIBEX St Vaast trip but thats the joy of a crowded calendar!

Basically its 3 days of informal and relaxed cruising from Levington nr Felixstowe up and down the Suffolk & Essex coast. We generally try to go to Southwold one day, West Mersea or Maldon another and spend the third day exploring the Orwell/Deben & Stour. Lunchtime and evening pub stops to savour the local produce, especially the Adnams variety form an important part of the plan.

This is a beautiful and relatively uncrowded part of the world (compared to down South!). The cruising is leisurely and suitable for all sizes of boat and levels of experience. We have a strong contingent from the East Coast who come every year, occasionally augumented by some of our Belgian friends but it would be nice to see some new faces this year!

For further info post here or email alan.winnett@virgin.net

Cheers,
Alan

[Remco]

Alan,

I am new to RIBs and cruising, but keen to get involved. I have very little experience to date, but bought my first (small) RIB last year and need to get it wet !

Given my RIB is only 3.65m, would it be suitable for your cruise (with many much larger boats) ?

I am not too sure about the format of these meets and if you can give me some more info re. times, costs, etc. that would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Remco

[Alan]

Hi Remco,

We try to accomodate all sizes of RIBs and certainly would make you welcome. At least one day is spent exploring the rivers so no problems with a small RIB.

For the longer trips (60m roundtrip to Southwold for example) a lot of it depends on the weather - there are going to be conditions at times where 6-7m RIBS are fine but a 3.65 would struggle. The thing to do in this case is to jump onboard one of the larger RIBS (there is always room and folks willing to take on crew) and enjoy the day!

Costs for this cruise are purely launching (a tenner), overnight mooring for a couple of nights and your accomodation, food and drink. No fee's to enter although for insurance purposes you must be a member of BIBOA (British Inflatable Boat Owners Association).

Format is usually to meet around 9.30 each morning decide on destination depending on weather and tides and head off with the aim of getting somewhere for lunch. Afternoons we head back to Levington and usually arrange to all meet up in the evening for a meal and refreshments. (The eating and drinking bit is highly important! )

Hope this helps, If you want to know more drop me an email or PM.

Cheers,
Alan

[Remco]

Alan,

Thanks for the response. First step then is to become a BIBOA member (just received the info last week), so I'll get that off and then I'll have to get cruising !

I'm very much okay with the eating and drinking thing and would never underestimate its importance !!

Thanks,
Remco

[Alan]

who keeps his cruises at the top of the page by posting various pictures in a shameless plug!!!

Heres a pic of Thames Barges alongside the quay at Maldon, one of the places you could visit if you join East Coast Rivers 2003!

[Phil]

this is better

[Alan]

Thanks Phil ... not!

We are often unlucky with the weather but so far have not been that unlucky!

Are you going to join us this year?

Alan

[Phil]

yes I hope to join you; If people are interested and the weather permits a BBQ at Hihgam could be on the cards - about 20 minutes from Levington

[Alan]

That would be very hospitable of you. I'm sure that we would take you up on the offer and fingers crossed for the weather.

So far we have 6 RIBS confirmed and thats not bad going considering its still Feb!

Alan

[JCW]

Alan,
Please add me to the list if you have not already done so.

Keeping my fingers crossed the weather is reasonable this year. Sure it will be a great weekend regardless!!