Barge Trip down the Orwell to Felixstowe and back! I'm putting together a trip on Ipswich-based Sailing Barge Victor for a trip down the Orwell from Ipswich, passing Cliff Quay, to the Port of Felixstowe, a cruise along the quaysides there, and a look up the Stour at Harwich and at Harwich international. It's specifically for people interested in ships, but I thought some members here might fancy it too! During the trip and depending on weather, we should be under sail for part of the time, and you'll also learn a lot about commercial barges and shipping on the Orwell. If we're lucky we may have Mervyn Stafford aboard as mate, and he first went to sea in barges back in 1946!
Skipper Wes Westwood will be happy to fill in all the background on Victor and her history, and I hope to be able to arrange one or two little treats which I think participants will enjoy! Given reasonable weather, I think the crew will be willing to let us all take a few minutes trick at the wheel . . Ideal dates would be either Friday 15th May or Saturday 16 May, leaving Ipswich Old Custom House at around 8 or 8.30am and arriving back for about 5pm. The trip will include a sausage/bacon roll breakfast, and tea and coffee are freely available during the day. A bar is possible. All-day parking is within 5 or 10 minutes stroll along the dockside for about £3.50. Although the trip was my idea and I'm glad to organise it, I cannot take financial responsibility for it, nor do I wish to profit from it, so we do need a firm commitment if you want to come. We need a minimum of 30 people on either day, at £30 each on the Friday or £35 each on the Saturday.
The barge is able to carry up to 40 people, and if more than 30 wish to come, then I'd plan to refund whatever amount in cash on the day to equalise the costs. Payment by cheque will be due as soon as the day is confirmed, and I am not willing to refund under any but the most extreme circumstances unless the barge does not sail. Rain or bad weather apart from gales will not stop this trip! If you suffer from seasickness, etc., do be aware that you'll be afloat for around 8 hours, with nowhere to get ashore. Please let me know if you'd like to come, and on what day. I plan to confirm the date with the skipper when I have the right number, although if we get enough for both days, we'll do both! I plan to advertise this in some non-shipspotting local places, so it'll be first come, first served. Message me please.
http://www.shippingtv.co.uk
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