Rescue in the Walton Channel

Thursday 23rd June - Walton to Harwich, first attempt, failed.

Alistair with his launch - no name just "Tender to Witch"

This portrait was taken on Sunday prior to Alistair's departure with his lovely old gaffer "Witch" (heading in the same direction as we will be going in Victoria, namely to the Brest Maritime Festival, only he's going by sea). As you can see he and his tender were going nowhere fast yet due to the lack of water, but the tide was on its way in.

The reason for showing you Alistair and his little launch is that on Thursday they rescued Howard and towed him in when Victoria's engine failed as he started out for Harwich.

The plan was beautiful in its simplicity: we would drive the car to Walton, Howard would motor Victoria (without her rig) out of the channel, across the bay and in to Harwich Harbour. I would not be needed on the voyage and instead would drive the car home and be on the Pier ready to take his lines on arrival.

The phone call came as I was paying in the butcher's shop: "Engine misbehaving, I'm turning back, might get to Titchmarsh Marina, might try Bedwells, will let you know". So a quick dash home to put the meat in the fridge (hottest day of the year so far), then I set off back to Walton. Next call said "I've anchored and asked Alistair for a tow, still not sure where to" and then finally "we are back in the pond".

Not much more to be said really (apart from a big thank you to Alistair). We are right back to square one but with a clogged up carburettor.

Things not to say in this situation include "we are right back to square one" and "why didn't you take any photos for the Blog?"

Here's Witch sailing in 2010 - she's on her way to Brest now: safe trip!

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