All the boats are gently tugging at their moorings

Saying goodbye to the slowly receding tide

The autumn sun sparkles on the gently rippled river Stour

In an hour or so the boats will all be nestled in a warm embrace of soft mud

All the boats a pointing their bow into the flow

Now is not the time to start a voyage and go

Now is not the time to leave Manningtree for the sea

Catch the first of the next ebb and watch Wrabness and Harwich glide by

For now sit safely in the mud while the crew ashore make merry

Take the first of the next ebb with a safe depth under the keel

Less chance of grounding while the crew’s heads are still pounding

Through busy Harwich harbour and out to sea where freedom is calling