The day was perfect for a sailing trip down the River Orwell: sunny with a few clouds and a gentle breeze. We set off from Sudbury with our picnics and arrived in Ipswich in time for a coffee and a short stroll along Ipswich’s attractive modern Waterfront with its shops, restaurants and galleries.
Our boat, the sailing barge Victor, was moored opposite the nineteenth century Old Custom House. The boat Victor was built in Ipswich in 1895 and according to the website National Historic Ships UK, until World War II Victor took linseed and rape seed from farms along the east coast, or later cotton seed or groundnuts from the London docks, to the mills; and carried the finished oil in wooden barrels from the mills to London, for example to Blackfriars where it was used in varnish making.
We boarded the boat and took our seats on deck. There were good facilities on board – drinks and snacks were available on the lower deck – there was quite a demand for hot chocolate when the wind got chillier. We left the busy harbour and went through the Prince Philip Lock. We sailed under the spectacular Orwell bridge and could see pretty countryside and many birds including cormorants and Canada geese. The captain gave a short commentary on points of local interest but it was difficult to hear him.
We motored down the river and midway the crew efficiently unravelled the red sails and we sailed back to harbour. Our Chairman Joan looked after our group and made sure we were all enjoying ourselves – a Grand Day Out !
Clare Mortimer