The Victoria Shadow Association

 

On the 18th August 2009, Leon Ferguson sent the following message to our East Coast members,     "... I am planning to try the Havengore route to the Roach and then the Crouch this weekend (22/23), leaving on Friday from Gravesend, overnighting in Holehaven, then setting off on the last of the ebb for the artificial island by the S Shoebury buoy. I plan to anchor there in the gully to the west of the island, then set off over the sands 2 hrs before HW.  I shall be on channel 16, Thalia of Hamble, if anyone else fancies an adventure. I haven't done it before. This is provided there is no F5+ in the forecast.  If all goes well I may overnight at Paglesham,  then head up the Crouch on Sunday probably ending up at North Fambridge.  If I bottle out I shall just head across the estuary to Stangate creek or the Swale."

'Thalia of Hamble' and Leon in Burnham Yacht Harbour Marina

 

Leon was as good as his word. He left his Gravesend mooring and followed his plan to the letter. An hour before high water, he led several other boats across the Broomway with 0.9m to spare. The other boats all drew less than Leon's Victoria 800 cutter and their crews could be fairly certain all would be well if Leon made it successfully!   After stopping overnight at Paglesham, Leon entered the River Crouch and was tempted into the Burnham Yacht Harbour by the crews of 'Shikara' and 'Jenter', who had been monitoring his progress.   Well done Leon. It was good to see you again.

Leon