2008 was a very busy year for 3^rd Sudbury Sea Scouts.  We saw the successful completion of our fundraising project for the new Safety boat. Our other big celebration was that it was 60 years ago that the first Sea Scouts launched their boats in Sudbury.

60 Years of Sea Scouting in Sudbury

In 1948 2^nd Sudbury Sea Scouts launched boats for the first time at the Boat House in Sudbury nr Ballingdon Bridge. Photos were taken of the Sea Scouts with their leaders at that time. Today’s sea scouts are part of 3rd Sudbury Scout group  and To help mark this very special occasion the Sea Scouts held a weekend camp over the 21^st & 22^nd June.

Throughout the Summer Sea Scouts took part in lots activities both on and off the water. One of our sailing trips held back in July.

Saturday 18^th July 2008

The sailing dinghies were launched from the sailing clubs slipway. The weather forecast was for force 5 becoming 6 at times and the sea state was slight to moderate! Set for a fun days sailing, we decided to stay in the River Colne and planed a trip to Wivenhoe Sailing Club.

Sunday 19^th July 2008

With the weather forecast for today being slightly better than on Saturday we decided to use the Sailing Club Topaz Vibe and for Josh & Freddy it would prove to be a great day on or should I say in the water!

Our plan for today was to sail to Mersea Island. Both boats sailed out past the South Cardinal locally know as “Creakmouth” and out in to the main river. “Great” I thought, not a Capsize in the creak that’s good”. But the lads in the Vibe did not get far before they did capsize for the first time, and after a quick lesson on how to recover the vibe they were away once more.

Our return trip was equally lively, but we made good time and was soon back in the River Colne, a few more capsizes with the Vibe, and Freddy was getting very cold Jack went on the Vibe with Josh to help the final part of our trip. The Capsizes continued and Jeff replaced Jack on the Vibe, With Freddy on Board Kingfisher and in side a survival bag, we had a quick word with “Dracula” the Brightlingsea Harbour launch and we had clearance to use high speed to take Freddy back to the Sailing Club, so he may get showered and changed and more importantly warm and dry.

A great days sailing was had and enjoyed by all. 

We have spent many years working on sailing at the troop, but back in May we turn our skill to Canoeing, as we embarked on a 26 mile trip down the River Stour.

Over the may Bank Holiday 2^nd –5^th May.  Sea Scouts took part in the Sudbury to the Sea event.

We all met up on the Friday evening at 7:30 at the Scout Headquarters and after a quick briefing on what was to come the next day and who would be in which group we all got to work straight away, preparing all the boats, ready for an early start next morning

Everybody was up early on the Saturday, leaders getting up as early as 4:00am! The Sea Scouts waking up to their breakfasts at 6:30am

 We launched in three teams (each with 4 Canadian canoes) the first launching at 8:00am, the last at 8:40am by which time the sunglasses and hats were coming out! Everybody made quick progress and found themselves at home in their boats. We found ourselves making excellent time and after portages at Henny, Cornard and Lamarsh we were making the quick progress to the 7-8 Mile mark and the first group reached our lunch stop at Bures recreation ground by 12:30pm, who were kindly met by our service crew with our packed lunches.

These are just a snap shot our the type of activities that we run for Sea Scouts, if you would like to read more about 3^rd Sudbury Sea Scouts please visit www.riverstour.com and click on Sea Scouts we have lots of photos of all our events.