Green Wyvern sailors out on a spree

by Gordon Winterton

 

The 50th anniversary cruise was a thoroughly enjoyable celebration

Fifty years is a long time, the greater part of a lifetime: loyalties that survive a half century are not to be sneezed at. Members of a circle of friends who have enjoyed so many years of companionship are lucky indeed. Amongst the Green Wyvern sailors who assembled for our fiftieth anniversary cruise were some of those ancient mariners.

But, not only were there present those whose faces were gnarled by a half century of East Anglian sun and gales. There were also the very youngest and their enthusiasms were apparent; a very promising mixture.

The fleet was impressive and welcomed whenever we made land fall. Targets were modest; no problems of great moment were encountered.  The weather was unseasonably cold in the beginning but for those who could see the week out the last few days were warm and friendly.
Our thanks to the organisers and to the innkeepers who made us welcome. We wanted to commemorate fifty years of Green Wyvern life and the people who dreamed it up . . . and we did!

Crew List:
   Force Four: Jonathan, Rosemary, Catherine, Sarah & Gordon Winterton, Bob Soutar;
   Puck:  Dave & Steve Valentine, Pip Thompson, Chris Way,  EGW and Nell Gair from Tuesday
   Dryad: Dave & Lesley Walker, Tony Knights;
   Sparklet:  Trevor, Naomi, Sarah & Claire Potter, Andy Gordon, Paul Brierley, Miles Turner;
   Stella Genesta: Tim & John Duff, John Elders, Tony Tomkins;
   Godwit: Martin Anderson, Roger Pearson, Neil Eders;
    Snipe: Rex & Jane Wade, Andy & Marian Christie; 
    Ariel:  Len & Anne Bromley & family
    White Violet:Tony, Ann, John, Sukie & James Headley (+1), Malcolm Cubie;
     Shruff: Cameron Campbell, Tim Hurren, Roger & Nell Gair;
    Pan:  Mike & Pat Sarson and family;

            Robin Jackson joined at Rockland, Phil Marshall at Somerleyton.

Gordon, Cecil and the fleet celebrate their arrival at Rockland, 1952. This was the first crossing of Rockland since the war and the Eastern Daily Press was around to record the occasion. (Photo: Eastern Daily Press)