With military precision the MBM fleet depart Goes bound for Nieuwpoort
True to his word Harbour Master Cornelius cycled up to the pedestrian bridge at Goes, opening it for 8.50am, followed by the road bridge at 9am. Cruise leader Neale had fleet boats assembled ready in the basin, ready to be unleashed. With blue skies overhead, the MBM fleet snaked their way back down the canal towards the lock and the Oosterschelde beyond.
In one of the huge Hansweert locks support RIB Time Flies had a visit from two friendly police officials – they checked boat papers and passports and were on their way again. It’s not the first time the RIB has turned heads in foreign waters, people often ask the team ‘did you really come across the channel in that?’ or ‘where do you sleep?’.
A mile outside Nieuwpoort fleet boat Rosie D came to a abrupt stand still, reporting a fuel problem. Time Flies quickly came to their aid and towed them slowly but surely into port.
By 7pm, fuelled and ready for the trip home the fleet were all assembled at KYCN Yacht Club in Nieuwpoort. With a day of sunshine and a brisk wind there were some sunburned faces among the fleet tonight. The MBM team had arranged a group meal at the yacht club, this was a chance for everyone to mingle and reminisce over events during the last two weeks. A raffle was held in aid of the RNLI with prizes donated by Rosie D’s family chandlery. A grand total of £875 was raised.
Tomorrow, weather permitting the fleet will cross back over the channel dispersing to their home ports. There will be a broadcast at 7am, with the first group of boats due to depart at 7.30. The weather forecast is not brilliant for tomorrow but the team will take a view on it in the morning.
