Wisbech to Boston across the Wash

Mon 12^th August Wisbech to Boston

In the morning our team arrived at about 5.30am. Andy and Trish joined James on Gabriel, while the other halves: Sue, Rob and Hazel went by car.

L-R Hazel Sue Rob Trish Andy Mark Daryl

Hazel took with her some vital documents such as passports, insurance papers, and laptops in case the vessel went down. All eight of us were able to pray together before the start, and we felt reassured that God was in control. After all, Jesus had calmed the storm. Daryl the pilot arrived, and we established radio channels. Gabriel has a VHF radio, but they don’t have one on Ace. Daryl had a hand-held one, so he went on Ace with Mark and Rosie, so that we could all communicate, and off we went, anchors at the ready, bow covers in place, and various vents and side doors taped up.

Daryl, the pilot for the Wash

Departing from Wisbech

Passing the power station

Although Wisbech was once a seaport, the river goes for some distance before reaching the Wash. As we passed under Sutton Bridge over an hour later, our other halves were spotted waving from above.

Approaching Sutton Bridge

The view from above

The view from Ace

We passed the lighthouse and cottage where Sir Peter Scott used to live, and then once again there were three familiar looking people waving from the banks!

This used to be Sir Peter Scott’s home

Heading for open water

Finally, we were out of the river into more open water, where the navigation channel snakes left and right for a while before reaching deeper water. Ace with Daryl aboard was in the lead and we copied all their moves. We didn’t want to get stuck on the mud with the tide going out. We’ve done that before!

The buoys marking the channel

Marker buoy and mudflats

Mudflats reflecting the morning sun

We went at least seven miles from shore as far as we could tell from Google Maps on our phones. This was to avoid some large sandbanks further inshore. The sea was not at all rough – just a slight swell which Gabriel rode very well. The three of us took turns at steering, and we all had binoculars at the ready to spot all the sea birds. At one point we spotted a group of seals resting on the banks.

Out to sea

Gabriel from Ace

Seals

Ace from Gabriel

Daryl had planned to beach us on a sandbank, but in the end, he decided it would be best to drop anchor. In 22 years of boating that is the first time have got our anchor wet!

Dropping anchor

Waiting for the tide to turn

We were nearly two hours at anchor while the tide turned, and then suddenly Daryl radioed that we should up anchor and make haste. Because of the design of Boston Sluice, it is only possible to go through when the tide level matches the river, either 2½ hours before high tide, or 2½ hours after, so if we missed our slot, we would have to wait another five hours. As we left, we saw a seal in the water. His sandbank was now underwater.

Putting on speed as we reached the channel towards Boston

We went on full power up the approach to Boston called the Haven. Here the wind was in our faces, but the tide was coming in behind us, so there were some waves head on, which caused a few splashes over the bows. We were pleased we had our bow cover in place.

In the Haven

James at the helm

We entered Boston, passing some of their fishing fleet, and old warehouses and ancient buildings, through a narrow channel making an S bend, and through the Sluice, which was open and ready for us. It closed behind us, as we were only just in time. By now it was now 3.45pm, after a 6.20am start.

Fishing boats

The final narrow channel

Arriving in Boston

The Bridge

The famous Boston Stump

The other halves had had a pleasant day at a National Trust property, and were there to greet us, and we all went for a celebratory meal in Wetherspoons.

What a great day it had been. We could clearly see God’s hand in the details. He provided us with another Christian couple to journey with. He gave us a divine encounter with our friends at New Wine, which resulted in crew for James and company for Hazel. He calmed the storm so that the reality was a pleasant cruise, mostly in sunshine. Mark and Rosie have a powerful testimony which they were able to share with Daryl, and we now have two new friends. Dear Lord, thank you for everything.