Wivenhoe

Spent a pleasant couple of hours on Sunday in Wivenhoe, which lies on the river Colne north east of Mersea. The oldest part of the town, near the waterfront, is quaint and pretty and drenched in fishy/boaty history. Little wonder that it's attracted so many artists and writers over the years.

Most of what I know about the place I have gleaned from Prospect of Wivenhoe, an affectionate and amusing anecdotal portrait of the town by poet and musician Martin Newell (Martin's website is here and his characteristically ranty blog is here).

The Thames Bawley under wraps in the pic above, snug in her winter mud-berth for a re-fit and painting, is the beautiful Saxonia, built in 1930 in nearby Brightlingsea. She's available for charter (see this year's sailing programme). Below are some pics, courtesy of Crispin Yarker, of Saxonia in full sail.