Heybridge Basin to Maylandsea

September 2019

Raybel was prepared for the journey from Heybridge Basin to Kent during September. Cover removed, hatches battened, hull patched, mast lowered, davits stashed, rigging strapped, fuel filters changed, engine checked, batteries charged, fuel tanks filled, new navigation lights fitted.

In the first stage we made the short hop to Blackwater Marina, Maylandsea, giving the chance to test all would be fine for the longer crossing. Professional skipper Ian Ruffles on the helm with Professional skipper Beccs Polden on support boat Buffer. Barge Manager Rob Sargent doing everything else. Raybel was berthed next to sister ship S B Phoenician and last-minute preparations made for her trip across the Thames To Kent.

For that we needed quieter conditions – three days clear of sub Force 4 winds. As we went into October, the weather patterns shifted, the lows swept in, and we waited.