Motor Neurone Disease fundraising sail
Goldhanger-Harwich-Goldhanger in a day

Reports by Graham Richmond & Jenny Brown-Lee
29th July 2009

THE DAY OF THE LONG SAIL

It was some time back in either March or April that I attended a monthly Motor Neurone Disease Association meeting in Chelmsford with my wife Joan who is a sufferer. The speaker was from the Association and talked about the need to obtain money to keep the supply of all types of apparatus for the needs of people with this terrible disease. His job with the Association was as a fund raiser. This prompted me to think of some way that I could help. At this time Joan was losing the ability to speak and the Association supplied her with a Toby Churchill machine which she was able to input her speech which would then, at a press of a button utter her speech for her. This machine cost in the region of £4000.

As a keen dinghy sailor I came up with the idea of a sponsored sail. Where to sail and how long, was a source of much thought. It had to be of sufficient length and have at least a certain degree of difficulty to it. My birth place was Harwich and I was fairly well up on the dangers, and the tides along the coast between Maldon and Harwich, having sailed it on several occasions in a cruiser. I knew that it would not be an easy sail in a 16 foot open dinghy, particularly across the mouth of the River Colne where converging currents combined with an undulating seabed could cause some big wave patterns more so if the wind was anything like strong. I decided that this was a worthwhile challenge and was possible if the weather was fair

I spoke to my friends, Rod and Jenny Brown-Lee about it and immediately Rod said he would like to do it with me. (He likes this long distance type of challenge.) Jenny thought at that time it was going to be in a cruiser, she soon learned differently. I had no crew at this time but our daughter Deb decided she would like to do it with me, she had not sailed for several years. I thought that providing the weather was set fair that I would sail with her.

We made preparations, checking tides and favourable dates to fit in with them, not many days stood out as we needed to start at our sailing club, Goldhanger, either just before high water or at high water in order to catch the north going ebb tide which flows out of all the rivers in the Thames Estuary, flowing north up the coast off Clacton and Walton at a rate of about 1.2 knots. Also early enough in the morning to give us plenty of time if the wind fell light. We also needed to be back at Goldhanger at around high water or at least an hour after to be able to get ashore, because as the tide ebbs it would be impossible to get our boats out of the mud. I estimated that the trip would take approximately 5 hours, in a favourable breeze, and about the same for the return trip, the distance was 30 nautical miles not taking into account the possibility that it may be necessary to tack. The total distance being about 60 nautical miles. A date was arranged which was Saturday 18th of July 2009. In the meantime I had spoken personally to the Thames Coastguard Station at Walton and told them of our trip, I assured them that we would not be doing anything irresponsible, we would be taking radios, flares and mobile phones and would keep in contact with them. They promised to give us a weather forecast over the phone before we left that morning. High tide on that day was at 06.30 hrs. so we planned to leave at 06.00 hrs.

We also decided that to get more publicity as it was a sponsored sail, that we would tell BBC Essex, they decided that we would go onto what is called the Helpline which is run by Angela Lodge, in conjunction with Dave Monk. A few days before the sail Rod and I were invited into the studios and we both talked, me about the MND Association and its good work. I also demonstrated Joan's Talking aid, with a short sentence, which said, "This is the machine that enables people with this disease to talk". Rod then spoke about the trip we would be taking. In all we were probably on air for about ten minutes. Since then several people have contacted us and donated to the cause.

A day or so before the departure date we checked our Kestrel dinghies making sure that all the rigging and fittings were secure, the sails in order and the hulls were seaworthy, the day before the sails were made ready to ensure that no time was wasted that early in the morning and that a quick getaway could be made. Everything had been planned, but no account could be made for the weather. Deb came over from her home in Sudbury and she was fitted out with sailing clothes ready for the following day, I think she was nervous but excited. I went to sleep that night and awoke several times, I could hear the wind blowing outside. The alarm woke me at about 5 o'clock and I immediately checked outside, the trees across the field were thrashing about in the fierce gusts. I could see that our plans for that day were in jeopardy. I phoned the Coastguards and asked for their promised forecast. I was told that the wind was at that time between a force 5 and 6 and expected to increase to gale force 7 later. The officer said. "Looking out the window at the sea you would not want to be out there". I telephoned Rod, who could not believe it, he said that in his garden all was quiet. However he conceded that we should be guided by the Coastguards. The sail that day was abandoned. Later Rod phoned and said that both he and Jenny had gone onto the seawall and she had almost been blown off it. We let things settle for a day or so as the tides were now against us and would not be favourable for about a fortnight.

After a few days I looked for a favourable tide and it was decided between us that a good date would be either Tuesday the 28th or Wednesday 29th July. About a week before I had a phone call from Deb, who said that she was in bed with flu like symptoms, it was apparent that she would not be able to sail on either of the planned dates as she gradually got worse, (eventually spending six days in bed with what we suspect was Pig Flu, or is that Swine Flu.). I was then without a crew and racked my brains to think who would be up for such an endurance test. After speaking to Rod I decided to ask Duncan, He had raced the Kestrel with me at the Goldhanger Kestrel Open meeting a few weeks before, we had got on well together and he was an excellent crew, resulting in a good result, an equal third out of twenty boats, (actually fifth when the count back had been applied to separate us) nevertheless a good result. The phone call was made and he agreed after some consultation with his lovely wife Janet. The date was going to be Wednesday 29th. July. The boats were once again prepared for the trip. As the days were counted down we began to look at the weather forecast, at times it seemed to be favourable, at others I had my doubts. Two days before I again informed the Coastguards and they made a note of our plans, we again assured them that we were not going to do anything irresponsible. The day before the trip their weather forecast was for winds between a Force 3 to 4, increasing later to a 6. We decided that later would probably mean that we would be back before the front came through, (How mistaken we were.)

Duncan was not able to use his own car to get to us so I travelled to St. Albans to pick him up the evening before the sail, he spent the night with us. We set our alarms for 5 am., (or in my case 5pm. so mine did not go off) however I did wake at 5.02am. I telephoned the Coastguards. The forecast was a reasonable Force 3 to 4 wind increasing to 5 to 6 later. The forecast is from 6 am. To 6 am. the following day, and later usually means after a twelve hour period. We decided to go, breakfast was eaten, we got into our sailing clothes and drove to the club. The wind was a gentle Force 2 but was increasing slightly. A fellow sailor and club member, Howard Knott had kindly decided to come a short distance with us in his Gull. We set sail at 6.45am. The wind was from a southerly direction which enabled us to launch our spinnakers, at times it was a little to close on the wind for them and we had to drop them. They were up and down three or four times before the wind settled a little further aft, when we were able to fly them all the time. As we cleared St Peters Point at Bradwell the wind had settled , it was Force 3 with an occasional 4. Making for quite easy and pleasant sailing down wind. About 8 o'clock we were crossing the mouth of the River Colne where it converges with the River Blackwater, this area is noted for its confused seas, it lived up to it reputation as we sailed over a stretch of water about three hundred yards wide where the sea was disturbed and the waves short and steep, however we could see the end to it and before long we were in smoother water, the two boats being close enough for us to talk to one another. Rods GPS. was telling us that we were making a good 7 knots over the ground.

About 9 am. we were just off Clacton pier, I thought as it was so calm that a call into BBC Essex was a good idea, I phoned Angela Lodge. She said, "How are you"? She was more than surprised to hear that we were off Clacton pier. She promised to ring at 12.20pm. When I anticipated we would be at Harwich. An hour later we had passed Walton pier, as we were in view of the Coastguard Station I radioed my hourly check in to them which they acknowledged. Both boats were still flying our spinnakers and we were making great progress, passing the occasional Cruiser most of whom seemed to be motor sailing. As we passed Walton's Naze point Rod took a course rather more inshore than Duncan and I, although a long way off shore across Pennyhole Bay, (Dovercourt Bay),as the wind was good and the seas smooth we decided to stay out in the northerly tide flow, we did however keep a good eye out to make sure Rod and Jenny were not in any trouble. We gybed at a favourable point on a course which took us just inside the Harwich breakwater (Stone Pier). A mile or so later we stepped ashore on the mud outside Harwich Sailing Club The mud was so slimy that our boats just slid gently away from the water, where we left them while we ate a Picnic, prepared by Joan on Harwich Green, my cousin Muriel who is 82 years old also gave her a hand and kept her company. A telephone call from Angela at BBC Essex was received at 12.10pm. and a short message sent out on air.

About twenty minutes later we hoisted the sails after checking the boats over and re-launched into Harwich Harbour. The wind was still a Force 3 to 4 and the sea smooth as we both made our way out past the Stone Pier, we were hard on the wind, the sails pinned in, after passing the Stone Pier we tacked onto port and sailed across the bay towards the Walton Backwaters. A few tacks later we set a course just clearing the Stone Banks buoy, the tide was lifting us up towards The Naze, once clear of the rocks on that point we again tacked staying close inshore past the Walton Coastguard Station., A radio check in to them was made and an acknowledgement received. As we both tacked onto starboard to get past the end of Walton pier I realised that the wind had increased slightly, a mile later we both tacked onto starboard leaving the end of the pier plenty of room to avoid the fishing tackle. The going was quite hard work at this stage as we sailed about 200 yards or so off the beach past Frinton, on to Holland on Sea, we were able to stay on one tack until we reached Clacton pier but Rod and Jenny had to put a couple of hitches in to gain some offing.. Once again we tacked out to clear the end of Clacton pier, not quite as far as Walton pier, probably about half a mile before tacking back onto port. By this time the wind had gradually crept up in strength and because the wind was against the tide it was kicking up a short sea, however we made good progress about 200 to 300 yards off shore, Rod and Jenny occasionally having to put in a short hitch to gain some offing. The wind was by now a strong South Westerly and as we progressed along the coast which gradually curves North ,we expected our course to free off making life a little easier. Not so, the wind seemed to follow us. After what seemed an age fighting rising seas we cleared Colne Point and set a course, still hard on the wind for the far end of Mersea Island. As expected across the Colne, with the wind now gusting to a Force 6 and in a short steep sea progress was tough, my bottom by this time had taken quite a hammering and was sore. I tried to ease it by making sure it was well over the sides of the gunwales, eventually I was forced to ignore it.

While still making good progress I was unable to check in with the Coastguards because in the seas it would have been impossible to get the radio out of its waterproof container, Afterwards we found they had phoned on my mobile but we were not able to answer, (I had, after we had finished to apologise for the lack of communication.). It was at this stage in the mouth of the River Colne that the boat seemed to fall off a wave and heeled violently to windward, the wave caught me and before I could react I was in the water. I managed to hold onto the tiller and pulled myself, with the help of Duncan over the transom and into the boat. I felt no sense of danger, but it gave Jenny, who saw it happen a bit of a moment. The wind was still strong but eased off on occasions, the sea also seemed to abate, giving us a little respite, and we needed it. We gradually closed in on to Mersea Quarters where the moored cruisers are and tacked across towards Bradwell Marina, our thoughts were that at least the water would be calmer under the lee of the land. It was, and we both made the last tack for home, the wave pattern became less and the wind freed off as we crossed the River Blackwater towards the North shore, The centre plate was lifted and the sails and kicker eased, the boats planed towards Goldhanger Creek and home. The club rescue boat came out to receive us but it was no match for our speed. We pulled up on the ramp after just over 5 hours sailing to windward. A small group of Club members were on the sea wall to meet us which was much appreciated. They pulled our boats up the ramp and generally tidied up for us. We then retired to the Club for a much needed cup of tea. Mike Webster produced a bottle of Rum and we celebrated with a glass before returning home. Personally I would say that this is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but the sense of achievement afterwards has lasted several days and I am sure I will not forget it ever. I know that Rod and Jenny have felt the same, although Jenny said, "never again. We all know that it was for a good cause and will be much appreciated.

Duncan and I returned home and showered, had dinner, after which I drove him home to St.Albans and then returned home, arriving just after midnight. A long day and a Long Sail.

Distance sailed in total approximately 65 nautical miles, the equivalent to approximately 75 miles by road.

Total time taken approximately nine and a half hours.

A considerable amount of money has been donated so far, in excess of £1600 and this I am sure will increase. It will go partly to the National MND Association and partly to the Local MND Association. A proportion will go to aid research into this terrible disease. The aim of the association is, A world free of MND.

Our thank go to all who have given to this cause, and those who have helped in making the sail possible. My personal thanks must go firstly to Duncan who so willingly volunteered and endured a long and tough sail, without complaint. Also to Rod and Jenny, without whom I could not have succeeded in completing this challenge.

Joan and Graham RICHMOND, Duncan Wilson

Jenny and Rod Brown-Lee.

Donations can be made either personally to us, or via the website, www.justgiving.com/kestrels.

Graham Richmond.

A DAY TRIP TO HARWICH

Here I am on a very sunny Friday sailing on our Sonata. We are in the middle of the Blackwater and I am sitting on my blue and white stripy cushion (colour co-ordinated to match the boat!) supping a cool drink from my blue and white stripy glass, looking at the Bradwell power station in the distance. I am thoughtful and wondering what on earth possessed me to think that sailing to Harwich in a Kestrel would be a good idea. Then I remembered it was actually Debs who had the idea. And where was Debs when it came to the big day? - in bed with Flu.

Debs and Graham thought of an exciting, challenging way to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. This organization has helped and supported my good friend Joan since it was discovered that she was suffering from this debilitating illness. Husband Graham and Daughter Debs thought of the sailing idea. “Let’s sail to Harwich in the boat”. Debs and I thought the cruisers would be a grand idea. Pimms on the foredeck. Graham thought the Kestrel would be more of a challenge. I thought it madness for one boat to go alone and suggested that Rod and I went along too. Why can’t I ever keep quiet?

So the day was set, the Coastguard informed and the flares put in the boat. The weather was appalling. The Coastguard said “No” and a relieved Jen and Debs spent the day elsewhere and a new day was set. Time and tides were beginning to run out and Debs had Flu. Could we find another willing sailor? Our good friend Duncan agreed to stand in and a new day was agreed with the Coastguard.

What excitement. 6.45 am. A beautiful sunny day and light breezes and we were off accompanied by a friend Howard in his Gull for a short way. What a wonderful sail. The two boats were in close company and we were able to shout across to each other, as with spinnakers set, we made good time to Harwich. The view as we sailed was wonderful. We saw the piers and the wind farm up close. Joan met us on the beach with an enormous picnic and a cup of tea and it was time to set off home. The breeze was freshening but it was still sunny and we were on our way. I thought we were halfway. How wrong could I be? Although halfway in distance there was still a challenging time ahead of us.

The wind continued to get stronger and the waves got higher and I got more and more tired. My arms were aching and I was beginning to think we were completely mad. We were a long way from the shore and although the Coastguard knew where we were, I felt very vulnerable. Whilst watching Graham and Duncan in front of us, we suddenly saw a large wave knock Graham out of the boat and into the water. Fortunately Duncan is a competent helm himself and was able to get Graham back in the boat, but now I had a new worry. What would I do if Rod fell out? I knew he would be able to get me should I disappear but was I seaman enough to be able to get him?

I have had sailing lessons and I am perfectly able to collect a buoy from the water when practising in very light winds! These were somewhat different conditions. Rod assures me that it was only the top end of a force 4. Those who know Rod will know that in his estimation, even the Hurricane of October 1980 only reached the top end of a F4!) In actual fact it was now F5 gusting F6. To cut a long sail short we eventually arrived (18.03) at the very welcome sight of Goldhanger Sailing Club, to be greeted by the rescue boat and villagers along the seawall all cheering in welcome. I felt like a hero!

We were helped with our boats and had a very welcome celebratory Brandy and Ginger (Nelsons tipple) and a cup of tea. Then it was home for a hot soak in the bath and a very happy, proud, warm glow of achievement and satisfaction at having completed our aim and raised our £2000. I have only to say “Never again” and “Thanks Debs.” - Donations can still be made at 41, Fish Street or at www.justgiving.com/kestrels

Jenny Brown-Lee.