Autum scrub

Hello once again ,Iam still awaiting some imput from anyone who reads the blog (if anyone does)!!!
Chalky was lifted out for a quick power wash to the hull and dropped back again in september.It was suprising the amount of groth that had attached itself around the prop area considering I do a fair amount of motoring .
Weather has been fairly good through the summer so I have been pottering around the Blackwater quite frequently .I have a mate who has a Steadfast 24 motor sailor and we go about together ,meeting up in the evening for meals and a possible drink or two, then putting the world to right!
Last week we spent a night in Tollesbury marina for comfort as the weather seems to be cooling down now.Next day waiting for the afternoon tide as there is bar at the mouth of the marina we took a stroll up to the village and visited the beautiful church of St.Mary`s dating back 1090ad. and viewing some of the fine houses that are tucked away.
The tide is high, so we are off back to our home port and prepare for our next trip.
Bye for now,
Chalky.

Apoligies

Hi everybody, Sorry for the long delay in input on the blog .Due to all sorts of problems the summer seems to be passing by very quickly.
Regarding the sailing scene `Chalky`has cruised the river Blackwater quite exstensively visiting places such as Maldon quay,Bradwell, Brightlingsea and our favourite of all Heybridge Basin,where you can lock in with the help of Martin the lock keeper and a few helpers to a very quiet and peaceful stay.Once in the basin and safely moored there is the complement of good facilities such as toilets,showers and a nice picnic and barbecue area,not forgetting two decent pubs and good walks along the canal.
Being retired as I am the best cruising time is in the week when having the whole of the river and estuary almost to ourselves.Only a couple weeks ago myself and a mate sailed and motored the river Colne on the tide to the low bridge at colchester passing the pretty places of Wivehoe and Rowhedge. Making a quick return on the tide staying at Rowhedge for the night.
Rising next morning at o400hrs and travelling down river in the dark was quite interesting,Then having breakfast of hot bacon rolls and coffee was just what we needed as we reached Brightlingsea.
That`s it for the time being,Iwill not leave it so long next time,Cheers!!

Chalky is now READY for her summer season......
I am Jean, spouse to Lou. I am not at all jealous of his 'other woman' i.e. CHALKY even though he spends lots and lots of time with her and spends lots of cash on her as she is a fantastic boat and a perfect bolt hole for Lou at any time of the year. I come on the scene about this time of the year as we are getting her ready for a fabulous summer season (we hope the weather permits). We have just completed replenishing the gally with food, putting up nice clean curtains and generally spring cleaning. She looks beautiful at this moment in time. However, once she gets to sea who knows what sort of condition she will be in what with ropes, sea charts, and all the usual seagoing clutter. But.... she cruises along really happily under the guidance of Lou and they get on famously even when times get rough!I do hope you all have a really good summer season and it would be really nice to hear a few stories from you. Some funny, some not so funny but hey, that is yachting isn't it.
Take care and god bless.

Dreaming

Hi There,

Thought about exchanging `Chalky`for an upgrade.What do you think? (photo included) I would not be able to explore the creeks so easy and would I be able to get a decent crew? Second thoughts I will stick with Chalky.This week the weather has been fabulous,I had the help of my two mates Mark and Syd with the problem at the top of the mast.In the winter gales the wind directional and speed indicator were damaged,all now is fixed after running the new cable under the floor and through lockers almost the length of the boat.

Syd was very relieved to come down from the masted after swinging about for quite some time.

All ended well with a beer and a meal in the Coast Road Inn.

Cheers Lou

What a way to start the weekend !

Started the usual way, chatting over a pint on Friday evening. Lou mentioned Chalky was on the hard, having had a new coat of anti-fouling. I asked if I could join him in the morning when he took her back to her mooring in Strood Channel...

By 08:00, under an already visible and rising sun, we were waiting for the last hour of the tide to float Chalky. She was looking very smart and I couldn't resist the chance to take some pictures of her in that bright and clear morning light.


Lou dropped the dinghy into the water off the end of the pontoon and we were soon aboard Chalky. A few quick checks, engine started and Lou suggested motoring up to Salcott. Would have been a shame to miss this, the last of the rising tide, a morning that was warming up nicely, and plenty of fresh air.

We'd soon made it round the turn into Salcott Channel, finding ourselves pretty much on our own with only the oystercatchers, seagulls and the occasional small boat to keep us company. At the head of the channel we turned off the engine, and in the silence Chalky drifted as the tide turned, and we started to make our way back to Mersea. Tried putting the foresail up, but we were heading straight into the wind, so reverted back to the engine.


It was somewhat busier on the water as we approached the hard and secured Chalky to her mooring.


To round of the morning we paid our respects to Pearl as we hadn't yet had our breakfast.


Peace and quiet can be found, if we look around us.






To close with, we all wish Colin a speedy recovery from his accident.
Graeme

Hello from Mersea island,15.03.10

Temperature today has risen slightly it topped 10degs,Barometric pressure now 1017 and also the sun came out.(is spring here at lastI wonder) Took a walk down the boatyard today which has come alive with boat owners starting get ready cleaning,polishing & antifouling.

`Chalky` has been on her swinging mooring all through the winter.I usually go out sailing in her about once a week.The river Blackwater can be very comforting when there are no other boats on the water,a complete contrast to the summer months.

I usually sail in the winter with a couple of mates.The usual trip is to make our way to Bradwell

marina and after short walk there is very good watering hole that not only has good beer but good food as well.This makes it very difficult on a cold to make our way back to our home mooring.

Iam still awaiting any comments you may have.

Cheers for now `Chalky`

Welcome to the new Halmatic 880 blog

Having had a good long think about this, I have decided to go for a fresh approach. I'm inviting all members of the old Halmatic 880 website to contribute their photos and stories on this blog.

Have a great season this year !

I look forward to hearing your tales and any comments you have about this blog.

Cheers

'Chalky'