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A Nice Colne Write Up

30th October 2012 By matt_care

Don Ramsay from Sea Change comes on to tip me off about “an article about the Colne Match on the website that might interest you, together with some photos”. It’s on http://www.seachangesailingtrust.org.uk/?p=2605 and you must click on the link.

Brightlingsea
The crew of Cambria relax in Brightlingsea after the Colne 2012 Match. Photo from the Sea Change website, with permission.

Nothing belongs in the Estuary as much as a Thames Barge – and nothing looks quite as exotic.  We lugged our sail bags along Maldon town quay, past the moored yachts and cars and pedestrians.  Suddenly beyond all the masts, there was the instantly recognisable rigging of the Thames Barges, they were gathered at the end of the quay next to the other yachts like a number of praying mantis, temporarily forced to share digs with a crowd of small white beetles.

Then we were walking up the gangplank to the Cambria – for the first time, up close and personal with a Thames Barge. Everything is … big.  Enormous blocks and tackles.  Massive cast iron two-person winches.  Huge coiled ropes, set in spiralling patterns to cover the vast roof of the hold, the great cargo belly of a Thames barge.

The skipper and mate had the unassuming good humour and self-possession of people who know their jobs inside out and are aware that they don’t need to sell to anybody the charismatic, iconic  vessel  they have in their charge.  We all had a cup of tea on the deck. They were relaxed in their jeans and ordinary shoes, and we eager south coast sailors, with our neoprene and three-layer system kit, felt not quite as cool – but that didn’t matter because we were spending the weekend sailing on a Thames Barge, and that was supremely exciting.

The Cambria has no engine but with a quick tow off the quayside, we set off downstream in the early evening sun for our first sail to Brightlingsea.  We hoisted sails two to a rope, and as they filled felt the massive weight of the hull stir beneath our feet……” and so it goes on for a couple of lovely, well written, entertaining pages.

Thanks for the tip off, Don and thank you for the article, Debbie Leach.

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Brightlingsea, Colne Match 2012, Debbie Leach, Don Ramsay, no engine

Harwich

21st July 2012 By matt_care

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
Cambria in Harwich; Picture by Don Ramsay of Sea Change

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Brian Pain, Don Ramsay, Harwich, Nautical Festival, SB Lady of the Lea, TS Hazard

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Cambria Trust

2 weeks ago

Cambria Trust

Cambria Trust added 3 new photos.

The baggywinkle has been fitted to the barge to stop the mains'l rubbing on the wire when brailed up
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The baggywinkle has been fitted to the barge to stop the mainsl rubbing on the wire when brailed up
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hah never found out that thats what it was called!

2 weeks ago
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Can I have a bit for the receding hairline!!

2 weeks ago

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took a few hours to make it

2 weeks ago
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Cambria Trust

3 weeks ago

Cambria Trust

Cambria Trust added 3 new photos.

On the way into maldon, lowered down and Steve (Stitch) North Sea Sails repairing the mains'l
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On the way into maldon,  lowered down and Steve (Stitch) North Sea Sails repairing the mainsl
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Can’t wait to sail her soon

3 weeks ago
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well done stev thanks

3 weeks ago
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