Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

1977 'Jubilee' Race to London

In 1977 there were more 'Smack's in the village than probably at any other time in it's past. the 'Ethel Alice' of Cecil Stebbens, the 'Priscilla' of Colin Brookes, the 'Victory' of Roger Hardy, the 'Maud' of Eddie Caswell, and the 'Rosena' of Bill Coulson. At a fun meeting in the 'Jolly Sailor' it was decided that the village contribution towards the Queen's Jubilee celebrations, would be a gathering of all the Smacks and as many village residents on them as possible they would race up the London River finishing at Tower Bridge, then lock in to St Katherine's Dock and celebrate in typical 'Basin' manner. Other Smacks from Merrsea etc would be invited to join and Tom Polden with his 'Locker' would come as an escort. It would also be an excuse to implement the old Charter of 'The Freedom of the London River' granted to Maldon men by King Henry. The event was turned in to a full two weeks holiday of drinks and fun in six stages never been done before by the villagers and probably never again, with 14 boats and about 50 people (with even more family members meeting by car) ....(1) Sail to and muster at Gravesend. (2) Moor up at Grays and spend the night in the pub there. (3) Race to Tower Bridge. (4) Spend a few days drinking and celebrating in St Katherines Dock. (5) Sail to Faversham and after drinking the pub dry leave boats there for a week. (6) Return and collect boats and do the 'Swale Match' before returning home.

(above) St Katherine's Dock. 1977. Right to left in a row with bunting flying on 'Locker', 'Priscilla', 'Hyacynth', 'ADC', 'Kate' and 'Maud'.

(above) Picture of the Royal Yacht 'Brittania' taken from the 'Priscilla' shortly before Bill Coulson dipped the Ensign forcing the 'Brittania' to respond.