Submitted by anne malcolm on Thu, 26/11/2009 - 18:49

Kazbek - Celebrating the baton's return

In 2006 we had the privilage of doing two of the final legs of the baton relay.  We sailed from Harwich to London (Gallions point, Docklands) via Burnham on Crouch and Gravesend.  Life was complicated by engine failure off Southend.  We tried to start the engine, but nothing happened!

We worked the tides up to Docklands, but did not fancy the Woolwich ferry and Thames barrier with no engine so called up the Galleons point Marina, much to the relief of London VTS.  We quickly learnt the skills the Thames barge skippers kept at the tips of their fingers.

Once safely in Gallions Point marina we were met by Ron Gardner, the co-ordinator of the baton relay; he came with a bottle of sparkly! but we were already on the Scotch so continued  in that vein.   Everyone was relieved that the baton was back in time for the celebration aboard HMS Belfast for  the 75th anniversary of the club.

Since then I have made Ian, my son, co-owner of 'Kazbek' and we have sailed many thousands of miles. All the way to Falmouth in 2008 and to the Channel Islands and Holland this summer. 

Kazbek is a Contessa 26 so is not a modern production yacht.  We enjoy sailing with one other friend which includes new members and folks from the Club's Training programme.  Just contact us and we will try to fit everyone in.