Blackwater- what a day! One of those days I shall always remember
with a big grin and smile. I left home at 3am to join the barge at
5am from Heybridge Basin. Very little wind, lots of sunshine and
plenty of rowing ensued! I've never witnessed a barge rowing event
and to take part in one was even more thrilling! Decima, Betula,
Repertor and Xylonite were just some that rowed for it'. Think EDME
did too, but she was away in the distance and no one ever stood a
chance against her.

Blimey Michael ,it was fantastic! We got the edge on Repertor - our
rowing speed the best of all the barges (!) before we finally
caught some wind near the outer marker on a much shortened course.
Edme was first round followed by Xylonite then the Decima. Then
disaster as the wind fell away again for us but not for Repertor who
seemed to catch the lightest of airs as she slowly but surely
overhauled and passed us. Then she too came to a stop - and suddenly
the jolly boats were out again and the oar was back in action on
various boat decks.Luck had dealt us a chance and slowly we crept
back passed the hard working rowing team on Repertor. We then
sneaked passed Xylonite before the first whiff of wind suddenly made
itself known (no noone had strained themselves!) Then it was magical
as all sails were set then moved and moved again to make the most of
the wind now behind us. All was set for a thrilling dash to the
line - what a sight we must have looked as Decima, Repertor and
Xylonite all charged in together. We thought Xylonite would get us
for sure and maybe Repertor but with a final adjustment of the
foresail, Decima came into her own and we pulled away slightly to
cross the line just ahead of the other two. Talk about excitement!
After some well earned grub we motored up to Maldon - and what a
sight. A quay full of masts, bobs and barges. Awesome. Truly
magical. Thanks Tim for the pleasure of racing on Decima - a day I
shall always treasure.

And as for all those barge wrecks, another return trip to Maldon
will soon be in the offing. Reghards, Paul