Queenborough

We got up at 5am to catch the tide from Brightlingsea ( though Toby arranged to stay in bed). We managed to keep a fair tide all day which was just as well as there wasnt very much wind. At just about low water we were crossing the sands of the Wallet Spitway - no problem: Bonita had around 1m under the keel, and Pretty Penny had around 40cm. Luckily there wasnt much swell.The pictures show Pretty Penny and Bonita under way in light airs.

We are now on the Isle of Sheppy at Queenbough, named after Edward III s wife, Queen Philippa. I havnt been here for a few years and find they are building a fine new causeway over the mud to improve access to the water. Years ago Queenborough was blighted by the smell from a glue factory, and you had to pay a small boy a few pence to look after your dinghy or risk some kind of unpredictable mishap. The glue factory is long gone and Queenborough is now greatly improved and a pleasant little town. We thought the best bit was probably the fine 14th century church.

Tired after a long day ( except Toby) we had supper cooked by D on Bonita.

Despite much of the river being crowded with yacht moorings, there is some - relatively- large shipping emerging from the Swale.