Tag: Harwich

A visit from the RAF

August 24, 2012 / / 0 Comments

RAF chopper performs practice ‘winch down’ landing man on Cambria’s deck off Harwich. Photo by Sea Change.

These eye catching pictures popped up on Sea Change’s newsfeed within ‘Facebook’ so of course I had to find out more from Hilary Halajko, First Mate and writer of “Cambria Watch” pieces for us. Hilary says “we were sailing from Harwich and the air sea rescue helicopter asked if they could do a practice and send the winch man down to our deck. it was great fun and we were very impressed with their amazing accuracy. Then when the winch man removed his helmet he turned out to be very handsome but like policeman these days looked far too young for such responsibilities!!!” Manna from Heaven, Hilary?

Harwich

July 21, 2012 /

I loved this picture which the current crew of Cambria sent of our old girl moored up among all the modernity of Harwich docks. It was taken by Don Ramsay of the Sea Change Sailing Trust.

Just a quick reminder that the Nautical Festival is currently on in Faversham, with Brian Pain’s SB Lady of the Lea and other attractions moored up down by the TS Hazard (Sea Cadet) building .The Faversham Creek Trust tell us ” festivities are in full swing at the Town Quay by the bridge – so many beautiful historic boats – steam and sail – all weekend – beer, music, exhibitions, fun! Bring the family! Well done all the organisers! Terrific show!”

Cambria in Harwich; Picture by Don Ramsay of Sea Change

Niagara’s back….

July 16, 2012 /

On “Cambria Watch” today with Hilary Halajko as ‘Kate Humble’, Hilary reports that Cambria left Brightlingsea bound for Harwich fine, but the pub were not ready for the delivery as they were awaiting a horse and cart. Therefore the crew had to sail Cambria back to the Colne and Pyfleet. This was a cracking sail in which Hilary described the Cambria as “going like a train”. Our Generator room is proving to be a useful drying area after a very wet day. Tomorrow we have a short sail up the Colne to Arlesford to await a tow to Rowhedge on Tuesday for a delivery to the Albion Pub. The Crew are all enjoying a curry this (Sunday) evening”.

I love that a Sailing barge struggles in to make the tide and then gets held up because there are no horse and carts available to unload! As Dave Brooks suggested wryly, “It might be taking authenticity too far”

Dave notes that he “ may have missed all the Cambria fun in Maldon but I did see a first for many a long year. Sails set on the Niagara. Fores’l and Main getting an airing. Niagara will be underway this season”. Dave supplies today’s picture. Tomorrow he will attempt to better his current world record number of barges seen and mentioned in a single blog post as well as attempting at the same time to out-do us all in number of barges in one photograph. Will he make it? A whole readership holds its breath……..`