Mid Summer Madness Cruise

Mid Summer Madness Cruise to 'The Magpie'

This has become a bit of an annual event with a flotilla of sail and power boats leaving Aquarius at 6:30pm. Last year we had a bit of a problem when the chef got totally overwhelmed but this time the pub was forewarned that Aquarius was coming.

Nineteen of us made the trip this year, Nigel, Mike Chipps and myself in Lasers, Rodger and Liz in a Bosun, Keith Poncia in a Skipper, and Richard and Dave in the Manta. We were accompanied by Stuart, Pete and Don's cruisers with everybody else onboard.

Mooring was a bit tight at the pub so Keith’s Skipper, Don's cruiser and Dave's Manta had to moor on the wall upstream of The Magpie and walk back along the road.

The sail up was classic. A run all the way powered by a good consistent breeze, we did it in fifteen minutes!

The Magpie managed much better this year and everybody was served within forty minutes of arrival.

The sail back at gone eight o'clock was just as good, with a stiff breeze which got the Laser's well heeled at times and an empty river to enjoy without having to dodge other traffic. Again we got back in record time, packed up the boats and retired to the bar for coffee and a chat. A great evening!

Mike (Warming to Laser's) Baker

Boats leaving the Magpie

Boats moored at the Magpie