dinghy Remembering, fondly, one of our social events from last year - So while I reminisce "ears 'oping" that we might be able to do the like again soon....

As one of our programmed events in the summer of 2019, we had arranged to spend the weekend, as a club at Penton Hook Marina, to meet and socialise - it would be a Pirate themed weekend.

We had planned a Treasure Hunt, and BBQ, and at the club monthly meeting before the Pirate Weekend our I suggested that we hold a dinghy race, including fights with water pistols, super soakers, etc. It was met with a few laughs, and then nods and then a raft of enthusiasm.

So, on the Friday evening, we congregated for a few drinks and had a great meal at Penton Hook Yacht Club, before retiring to our respective boats in preparation for "tha 'morrow, ooh argh".

The following morning we decorated the BBQ area, which had been kindly reserved for us by MDL, with pirate bunting, etc. Then we all met up at the lake area in our dinghies where the fun would begin.

​Lots of laughter, and cheeky banter ensued. Being a very warm day getting soaked did not matter and a couple of hours passed by very quickly I would like to thank everyone who took part dressing up including decorating their dinghy's with flags.

Afterwards Commodore set teams off to hunt for lost treasure, before we all got together for a BBQ lunch, and some homemade Pirate Punch - that the Commodore made after emptying her drinks cabinet of every bottle that had low quantity within, it tasted wonderful and it certainly had a Punch ... As a few of us can attest from sore heads the following morning!

I would like to thank MDL Penton Hook Marina management for allowing us to host the party there and also giving the visiting boats moorings at a very reduced rate, and to our Albany members who attended who made the weekend a lot of fun.

I had a prize as the winning member of the dinghy race, but as it was so much fun the chocolates were spread around. 

"ears oping we can get aboard again soon for some more frollicking good fun!"

Regards
Vice Commodore

Well  the boredom had set in fully, those lingering jobs and the decorating all complete...., sitting looking out the window wishing I was on my boat,  but having to maintain social distancing of course our marina's are all closed!

So I started thinking about other constructive things to do... No Facebook is not really constructive... I know the outboard needs a service and a quick run, but how...?

I have the outboard & petrol, but what about coolant - can't run it without water...?
No, the wheelie bin gets collected later this week, so that's not an option, no large buckets, I know what about the cool box!

Well I can confirm that it works, with careful control of the throttle - too much and everything, and everyone gets a free shower.... :-)

​Job done!

Well we might not be able to zoom about in our boats, but at least we can all still Zoom together - Other conferencing apps are available!

Since we were not able to gather at our usual location, the Dittons Skiff and Punting Club, we decided to initiate an online virtual meeting. It seems to have become all the rage!

We had around 20 members join us online for the evening, where of course we lamented not being able to get out on the water, shared disappointment over the trips that we were not able to take, etc.

But of course everyone agreed that this short period of ‘social distancing’ is indeed necessary.

Even though we are unable to get out on the water, we still had a brief update and review of some of the information provided by local marinas, EA, ATYC, and River User Groups. It would appear that even if we could get on the water our ability to traverse the Thames would be rather limited due to broken locks, fallen trees and sunken boats...

We reviewed our program of events for the year and made some tentative plans to ensure that once the waters are again available we will make the most of whatever portion of the season remains.

Everyone agreed that we should start with some leisurely non-tidal cruises on the Thames, to check the boats were all in good order, but we also tentatively planned a brief cruise down to Chatham and across to the East coast in August, if indeed we are once more permitted to travel.

We continue to socialise albeit through our weekly ‘virtual dinners’, these are at 6 o’clock every Friday, members are welcome if they wish to join us.