hadAt last! Fabulous weather for an August Bank Holiday and 19 Club boats (20 if you include Mehellah) attending over the long weekend.

Wednesday 24th August:

We cruised down to Oulton Broad from Beccles in hot sunshine followed by Dave and Dawn and found the Regatta in full swing, yachts everywhere! The Yacht Station was quite busy but Paul and team seemed to have had it all in hand and we got moored OK.

Sandras' grandaughter Elsie was staying with us for the week, her first time staying on the boat and her first trip out on the river. It didn't take her long to make new friends with some of the other 'boat kids'.

Thursday 25th August:

We took advantage of the warm sunny day and went with Dave and Dawn on the Water Taxi into Lowestoft for a walk along the prom and lunch, Sandra and Elsie even had a paddle in the sea. We went on board the old fishing boat moored at the end of the RN&SYC marina for a look round and Dave drooled at the engine! We got the Water Taxi back and Elsie went round with the menu to get the orders for the traditional Friday evening meal at The Waveney. We sat outside in the evening and watched watched sun go down.

Friday 26th August:

Another lovely hot day and more boats arriving.

28 of us sat down to an excellent meal and an enjoyable evening at The Waveney Inn. Thanks to the staff for their friendly and prompt service, a vast improvement on last year.  

Afterwards, a few of us walked up to The Flying Dutchmen for a pint or two and to listen to the rockabilly band 'Fat and Furious' - they were both!

Saturday 27th August:

Overcast and windy for much of the day but not cold.

There was a Karaoke and Disco at The Boulevard in the evening and several of our members attended.

Sunday 28th August:

After heavy rain in the night we had a cloudy/sunny day.

Harbour Master Paul, with Rays help, arranged the usual charity raffle. This was drawn early afternoon and quite a few club members were lucky winners.

We had the usual Sunday BBQ on the quay in the afternoon and watched the ominous clouds forming, but it stayed dry until we got cleared away. Then the heavens opened just in time for the walk over to The Boulevard for Kaths' Musical Evening.

Despite the rain, there was a good turn out in the pub to listen and dance to Kath who was joined by me for couple of sets and guest singers young Carolyn, the 'doo wap boys' and The Big 'O' himself! The music carried on until about 11.45 and it was about 12.45 by the time we left after a most enjoyable evening, thank you Kath. (and it had stopped raining)

Monday 29th August:

We awoke to lovely warm sunshine and everyone breathed a sigh of relief after the awful weather we experienced the last two years.

The Gala Day, which was well attended, got underway with a fun fair, craft stalls and entertainment in the park.

The Maiden in Distress raft race took place in the afternoon and I didn't see any of them sink! This was followed by the Power Boat Racing which drew a large crowd. Grahams model power boat also had a run out but didn't take part in the racing!

We had lovely mild evening for the firework display which started about 9pm. We ended the day watching the band 'Breeze' finish their set in the park.

Tuesday 30th August:

It was such nice warm weather again that quite a few of us decided to stay another night.

We spent the day sitting in the sunshine chatting over a glass or several.

To finish off the weekend nineteen of us went back to The Waveney Inn for dinner in the evening and once again enjoyed good meals. Praise again to the staff for fitting us in as Tuesdays is their quiz night and people were packed in like sardines!.

Wednesday 31st August:

Goodbyes were said and all but Colin and Pip (Swan Song) and Peter (Askari) left for home. Tim and Dee on 'Bari' had to be rafted back to Beccles by 'Stornaway' as the engine overheating problem had not been sorted.

Thank you to all for making it a great Bank Holiday weekend and to Paul and his Team for their hospitality.

Cheers,

John