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Category Archives: Sailing

Burnham Week 2013

31 Saturday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, Cornwall, England, Sailing

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Burnham Race Week

The end of Burnham Week, and the end of summer…August 31st is the last race of the week, and for My Beloved Brit, probably the year.

The sea wall at Burnham-on-Crouch. Photo by me.

The sea wall at Burnham-on-Crouch. Photo by me.

The town is quieter this week than in past years, but still lovely. Especially this summer, one of the warmest England has seen in years.

The view from our window yesterday at The White Harte. Photo by me

The view from our window yesterday at The White Harte. Photo by me

The shops are busy and there are not many empty storefronts. The lines for ice cream on the river front are long.

Burnham's High Street. Photo by me

Burnham’s High Street. Photo by me

But, there are fewer boats these days racing.

Day one of racing, Burnham Race Week 2013. Photo by me.

Day one of racing, Burnham Race Week 2013. Photo by me.

Many say it is the economy. Some say people can’t afford to take the time off.

The "RBs". The boat MBB was on is 80 years old, and pink. Lovely. Photo by me.

The “RBs”. The boat MBB was on is 80 years old, and pink. That’s it second from the right. Lovely. Photo by me.

Dock talk (the general banter on the sea wall about this and that) says that the young sailors are not coming along to replace the sailors retiring from the racing circuit.

The Crouch Yacht Club on the river. Photo by me

The Crouch Yacht Club on the river. Photo by me

The new sailors are here, but many less than in the past.

My Beloved Brit sails out through the fog on a small boat called an "RB". Photo by me

My Beloved Brit sails out through the fog on a small boat called an “RB”. I love that it is pink and the crew wears pink shirts under their jackets. Photo by me

When I first started visiting Burnham-on-Crouch for Burnham Week with my Beloved Brit over 16 years ago, the crowds were massive. Now it seems so much calmer with less crowds on the seawall, and fewer boats competing.

The seawall in front of our hotel, The White Harte. Photo by me

The seawall in front of our hotel, The White Harte. Photo by me

The streets are more peaceful, although bands of revellers still walk the sea wall at night going from yacht club to yacht club seeing who has the better band and the best sailing banter to relive the day.

A lone figure watches the start of the race. Photo by me.

A lone figure watches the start of the race. Photo by me.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds.

The "RBs" starting their race. Photo by me

The “RBs” and “Squibs” lining up to start to race. Photo by me

Will it come back to its former glory when the economy finally recovers?

And they're off! Photo by me.

And they’re off! Photo by me.

Or is the golden age of racing a thing to tell stories about at the local pub?

Coastal Walk Ramsgate to Broadstairs

21 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in England, Sailing, sketching, Travel, Uncategorized

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Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Viking Coastal Trail

Early one morning this summer in southeast England, when the sailors had gone out to race during Ramsgate week…

IMG_8659I decided to take my sketchbook and head up the Viking Coastal Trail which hugs the English Coast.  France is only 30 miles away across the sea, but the coastline here is pure English…chalk cliffs, seagulls and beautiful horizons.

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Appropriately, the walk begins in Ramsgate above a popular fish and chips shop near the beach.

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I headed up the cliff to get on the upper walkway along the coast.  I was heading to Broadstairs, sketchbook and camera in hand.

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I was well above the marina and the seawall of Ramsgate.

IMG_8767I headed north.  It was overcast but lovely…maybe 65 degrees with a soft breeze. I headed along some of the Victorian era crescents to my left…

IMG_8769 the sea and vistas back towards Ramsgate behind me…

IMG_8771and the sea and the beaches to my right.

IMG_8774As I walked out of Ramsgate proper, it became all about the sea.

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IMG_8781The path finally cut a bit away from the sea, into a wooded park, with a small food stop and dogs everywhere playing with balls and kids and each other.

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As the park ended, the path went through mounds of berry bushes…

IMG_8782and finally ended up here…on the Boradstairs side of the park.

IMG_8784The sea reappeared in all its glory.

IMG_8791And after a long sit on a strategically placed bench, I decided to head back towards Ramsgate.

IMG_8787This time when I came to the other end of the park, I decided to take the lower beach walk. I took a long time getting down these steps taking in the views.

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I headed home along the beach, watching the sea and the people and the birds.

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Back to town and the sailors…

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Lola’s

18 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Sailing

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coffee cafe, Lola's, Ramsgate

On the trek down the seawall in Ramsgate, on your way to the marina where the sailors  take off for the race of the day, is a sweet little coffee cafe called “Lola’s”.

Photo by me.

Photo by me.

I stopped for a coffee myself yesterday morning on my way down to watch the send off.  She also has homemade bread pudding, brownies, sausage rolls and egg sandwiches as well as other treats in case you didn’t have enough time to grab breakfast at the club before a hard day on the open water.

A stop for a hot drink on your way down the sea wall. Photo by me.

A stop for a hot drink on your way down the sea wall. Photo by me.

And of course, you can always find a bit of conversation…most often related to the days sailing activities.

Hot chocolate and "dock talk" at Lolas. Photo by me

Hot chocolate and “dock talk” at Lola’s. Photo by me

And they’re off…

Another day racing at Ramsgate. Photo by me

Another day racing at Ramsgate. Photo by me

 

 

 

Ramsgate. Oh, we are sailing.

16 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in England, Sailing

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Ramsgate, Royal Temple Yacht Club

It has been a lovely week.  Beautiful clouds floating in the sky, but so far no rain at all. That is predicted to change today. Each morning My Beloved Brit packs up his sailing gear, and heads over to the Royal Temple Yacht Club to join his mates for a big breakfast before they set out for the day to race on the English Channel.

Looking back towards the yacht club from the marina, Ramsgate. Photo by me

Looking back towards the yacht club from the marina, Ramsgate. Photo by me

A few mornings I have walked down to the sea wall to see them off, and I must say it is great fun.

The marina is still full. Photo by me.

The marina is still full. Photo by me.

There is a lot of bustling about on the boats, and you can hear the laughter coming across the marine…often following what sounds like MBB’s voice.

Heading for the boat. Photo by me

Heading for the boat. Photo by me

There’s lots of activity getting the boat ready.

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It’s very exciting as they start pulling away from their berths and head out to the open sea for a day of racing.

Photo by me.

Photo by me.

My Beloved Brit heads out on Assasin. photo by me.

My Beloved Brit heads out on Assassin. photo by me.

Almost like a parade.

Photo by me.

Photo by me.

It never gets old for him…or for me. I head out with a friend to walk through the gardens of Kent.  Win, win.

An artichoke blooming in a Kent Garden. Photo by me.

An artichoke blooming in a Kent Garden with a small bee looking for pollen. Photo by me.

Ramsgate Race Week

13 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Sailing

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race week, Ramsgate, Royal Temple Yacht Club

We got to Ramsgate in the Southeast of England late Sunday, with time to prep for Race Week.

Boats at the ready for Ramsgate Week. Photo by me.

Boats at the ready for Ramsgate Week. Photo by me.

Ramsgate Week is the Royal Temple Yacht Club’s annual regatta and bills itself as “the friendly regatta”.

The Royal Temple Yacht Club on the front looks over the huge marina at Ramsgate. Photo by me.

The Royal Temple Yacht Club on the front looks over the huge marina at Ramsgate. Photo by me.

It is a full week of sailing, competition and partying, and this year proves to be no exception.

Waiting for the week to begin, My Beloved Brit looks out to sea. Photo by me.

Waiting for the week to begin, My Beloved Brit looks out to sea. Photo by me.

I spent my first evening walking around the port on the English Channel, taking in the gorgeous skies and mellow seas.

The sailboats ready for the next morning. Photo by me.

The sailboats ready for the next morning. Photo by me.

It promises to be a beautiful week with temps in the high 60s to low 70s, cool on the water but perfect for touring.

The way out of the protected port to where they will race. Photo by me.

The way out of the protected port to where they will race. Photo by me.

I am heading down to the marina now to see the boats take off for their races. Wish him luck!

Thames Sailing Barges

09 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by pat in England, History, Sailing, United Kingdom

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Maldon, Thames Sailing Barges

Last summer, we spent a lovely afternoon in Maldon looking at the Thames sailing barges moored there in regal splendor.  They are sculptural and historic, and were used to transport supplies up and down the coast. Now you can charter them for the day, but some still work.

The Thames sailing barges line the seawall of Maldon in Essex. Photo by me.

Each had its own style, colors and beautiful woodwork.  The patterns of the masts against the sky were graphic and strong.

Masts. Photo by me

I love that England is an island, and so much of the country centers on boats and especially sailing.  The great naval power and all that. I grew up on Long Island in New York, so maybe I just feel at home surrounded by water.

Photo by me

But what is so interesting in Great Britain, is that each section of the country seems to have its own design of boat and navigational style.  Being married to My Beloved Brit, an avid sailor, I have my own personal tour guide when we visit these ports. And he is always willing to spend the time walking along the docks and explaining the idiosyncrasies of each boat to me.

photo by me

The Barge Trust has lovingly labelled all these historic barges with details of their history.  MBB could have spent hours here just looking.

Photo by me.

But my favorite sign had to be this one…

photo by me

You have been warned.

A New Year 2013

31 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by pat in Art, London, Sailing, Uncategorized

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Bath, Creative workshop

It’s always inspiring to start off a new year.  Such wonderful expectations of what it might hold.  And this year, we are hoping to spend more time in England during the summer months.  My Beloved Brit has his heart set on doing some sailing with his mates, and I am planning my first creative workshop in Bath for September (see the new heading above for workshops).  More information will come in mid-January on that.

So today we are just hanging out, waiting for the New Year to arrive.  Anticipation is lovely. Especially when it is served with a cup of tea.

At St. James Palace, London. Photo by me

At St. James Palace, London. Photo by me

Happy New Year to all!

A special spot, Heybridge Basin, Essex

01 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by pat in England, Sailing, Travel, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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canals, Essex, Heybridge Basin, lock

On our last day in England this past spring before we headed for Heathrow Airport, we met My Beloved Brit’s friends at, what else, a classic British Pub.  Some of his oldest friends had gathered from Australia and England, and of course America, and met around a table for fish’n’chips, a pint and talk and laughter.  It reminded him, I think, that as much as he loved America, he missed his old mates.

A special pub for a reunion lunch. Photo by me

We had arrived in the village of Heybridge Basin a bit early and decided to take a walk around.  From the moment we strolled up the bank from the parking area, I knew we were someplace special.

There are many boats moored on the small canal that empties in to the basin. Construction of the canal commenced in 1793 to facilitate unloading inside the sea locks. Photo by me.

We walked down to the River Blackwater.  There was lots to see.

The boats on Blackwater. Photo by me

We headed out along the seawall as clouds gathered.

We walked out along the seawall. You can see the lock on the left hand side which opens onto the canal. Photo by me.

Sailing barges going up the Blackwater Estuary as they have for centuries, where the Blackwater and Chelmer Rivers come together at the basin. MBB tells me the topsail was used to maneuver the boats at low tides to catch the wind above the river banks. Photo by me

It was just perfect to watch the boats coming and going as we walked up the seawall.

The clouds build as we work our way down the seawall. Photo by me.

We hurriedly worked back along the river to meet up for lunch at the pub before the rain clouds came overhead.

Time to head inside for a nice lunch. Photo by me.

Nothing like lunch in a nice cozy pub when the rain clouds gather.

I am back in the UK next week to research locations for a destination’s workshop I want to offer in the autumn of 2013. It is tentatively titled “A Creative Journey: How to find Inspiration in Travel”.  I am looking at Bath, one of my favorite cities and a huge art center in the UK, for the venue.  Will keep you posted as it evolves.

 

End of Summer

01 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, England, Sailing, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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Summer

Seems like summer has flown by, and now it’s coming to an end.  Burnham Week is ending in England, Labor Day is Monday, the kids have gone back to school, I am back in the studio working and hurricane news floods the forecasts.

The park near the marina in Burnham-on-Crouch on a sunny summer day. Photo by me.

We are already talking about next summer in England, but in a few months, the boats will have to be put up for the winter, and the sailors will have to be content to sit at the pub and tell tales of last summer’s races. I think that has already begun.

Boats in Burnham. Photo by me.

Ye Olde White Harte Inn

27 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, England, Sailing, Travel, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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White Harte Inn

When you are traveling, it is always lovely to come back to a place that you have stayed before, and find welcoming each and every time.  When we are in Burnham-on-Crouch, My Beloved Brit’s favorite sailing spot for decades, we stay on the seafront at The White Harte. In honor of Burnham Week this week, I thought it was the perfect time to re-visit an old favorite.

The White Harte on the seawall side of Burnham-on-Crouch. Photo by me.

The White Harte is located on the “seawall” facing the River Crouch, with easy access to the yacht clubs, restaurants and old friends who live in town.

The front door of The White Harte, “G. J.Lewis, licensed to sell Beer, Wines, Spirits & Tobacco. Licensed in pursuance of Act of Parliament for Music & Dancing.” Photo by me

On our trip this year we were able to reserve our favorite room, #6, and were pleased to find that it had been newly refreshed with classic floral drapes, and new carpet.  The room is on the back of the inn facing towards the high street rather than the seafront, but it is roomy and can accommodate our massive amount of luggage–and it is only one flight of steps up from the parking area, so easier to haul the luggage to the room.

Almost all the comforts of home, room #6 at The White Harte. Photo by me

One of the best parts of our stay is the full English breakfast in the dining room that looks out on the seafront walk.

Outside the front door of the old inn–the seawall is the perfect place to gather if the sun comes out. Photo by me.

So as we eat our breakfast, we can watch the dog walkers and the odd boats sail out for an early morning move up the river.

My Beloved Brit managed to get a full English breakfast with sausage and bacon, almost every morning. I loved watching early morning walkers along the sea wall. Photo by me.

There is an active pub downstairs from our room…

A corner of the White Harte’s pub, a favorite gathering place in town. Photo by me.

…where most evenings you can find a friendly face to share a pint with and catch up on the latest “dock talk”, the grapevine of information that constantly runs through Burnham.

The pub downstairs from our room. It’s quiet in the morning, but by lunch it comes alive. Photo by me.

Of course, as the saying goes, what starts at one end of the seawall changes considerably by the time it gets to the other end, but it still keeps the lines of communications open.

The seawall stretches from one end of town to the other and is a great place to run in to friends and find out the last news…”dock talk”. Photo by me.

MBB has known John Lewis, the inn’s proprietor, for many years, and his father before him. I love Burnham.  It is like coming home for me, and with the sailing involved and the old familiar faces, it’s even a better stop for MBB.

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