After a hearty breakfast ashore the four musketeers slipped their berth at Maldon 30 minutes after White Satin floated free of the glorious Essex mud ... And 3 minutes before the heavens opened and gave us a thorough soaking.

Soon we were checking out the lock at Heybridge before shaking out the sails and reaching past the Marconi Sailing Club so that Ian could get some more photos. The rain kept us on our toes - or rather, in and out of our oilies!

The wind was just right for once, and we flew along. Yahoo!

After rounding the mark at Bradwell Power Station we then sailed on up to Brightlingsea. The forces of nature then gave us an exciting surf ride past Brightlingsea Spit and into the harbour, whereupon the Harbour Master directed us to a particularly awkward berth that should make life fun getting out in the morning.

A great two days on the Blackwater - great food at Maldon and two cracking sails. Thank you Essex!