“Although social activities have been halted, club members are planning cruises for the future. Part of the joy of sailing is looking at charts, possible moorings, harbours and working out tides and voyage times – even if now all cruises are virtual or imaginary.

The club programme of cruises is wide ranging, both long weekends or several weeks, with cruises to well-loved favourite havens, along the East coast and further afield, plus some exciting new voyages, from Wells, to Boulogne, Netherlands and Blackwater. It is hoped that some of these cruises will still be able to take place in the future. If you own a boat and want to cruise in company, then why not join Woodbridge Cruising Club.

The garden outside the club is blooming and attracting admiring glances; green fingered members will be working hard over the summer to maintain it. If gardening is not able to take place, the garden is designed as a maintenance free garden, so it should still thrive and bloom.

As social activities are halted for the foreseeable future, club members are working on other plans, that can all be completed remotely. Captain Peter King is compiling the archives of the club, using his research skills. If anyone has any historic photographs or documents please do contact him. The club history is a fascinating one. The club was formed in 1965, by a group of mostly motor cruiser owners, rather than yachtsmen. During the first decade meetings were held around the Woodbridge area, until the Knights offered their Ferry Lane premises in 1976, where the club remained for a decade. The club cruised near and far, and trips to Belgium and Holland waters, including the sister town of Woubrugge led the club to building their own premises, so they could return hospitality. Many talented club members assisted in designing and building the clubhouse on River Wall, a testament to the versatility of sailors (which is still true today as club members are instrumental in maintaining the premises). Lord Lewin of Ufford, opened the club house in 1988. The building expanded, along with membership, and the extension was opened in 2005. The 50th anniversary in 2015 saw the opening of the exterior balcony, where members can enjoy a drink overlooking the ever changing view of the river Deben. The club logo is a traditional Longship, which is evocative as Sutton Hoo can be seen from the balcony.”