Windy old weather at the Old Gaffers

Windy old weather at the Old Gaffers

The Colne was looking less than tranquil as Maria turned out for The East Coast Old Gaffers’ race on July 7. A stiff breeze, combined with wind over tide, created a nasty short chop in the estuary – enough to make sure that many of the gaff-rigged yachts –...
A long race for Maria on the longest day

A long race for Maria on the longest day

This slideshow requires JavaScript. The longest day of the year saw Maria leave her Pyefleet mooring at 6.30am to head for foreign parts – well Osea Island in the River Blackwater for the Blackwater Match. As always seems to be the case with the Blackwater...
Photo finish at Rowhedge Regatta

Photo finish at Rowhedge Regatta

Finishes don’t come much closer than this! The finish of the regatta race from Brightlingsea to Rowhedge was a nailbiting affair, with Maria and My Alice running neck and neck for the last 200 yards or so. Steve Heppell’s My Alice had led from the start at...
First race, first win

First race, first win

Maria’s 2014 season couldn’t have got off to a better start – a win on the long race at Rowhedge regatta. After crossing the start line first, Maria gradually pulled away on the dead run to Colne Bar, despite sailing a into few holes that allowed...