October 2008 newsletter

Marchwood Rally

The Marchwood weekend this year proved to be the best of all our rally weekends for warm summer weather and light winds. About a dozen gaffers crossed the start line on Saturday afternoon, and the course, although not long in terms of distance, was an excellent choice for trying the ingenuity of the skippers, having to contend with the fluky gusts and winds around the large liners and container boats. Emily Best, from Wootton on the Isle of Wight was soon up amongst the leaders, and Blue Gansey just pipped her to the post, with Souvenir and Roma coming third and fourth on handicap. We were also very pleased to see the Three Brothers joining us from Littlehampton. The MYC as usual entertained us all very well and the weekend was a great success.
 
3 Creeks Race and Rally
Once again this year the Three Creeks Race date crossed with adverse weather in the Solent so did not take place, however we do intend to persevere and next year the chosen weekend for this really nice casual race, given the right conditions, will definitely take place – we hope !

Chichester Rally  From Marion Shirley
Bosham, in its secluded channel, is a place out of time: Jane Austen with boats or Swallows and Amazons. I was disappointed that Captain Aubrey did not step out of a cottage but certain that Captain John was crewing on the next boat along the wall. Owing to the weather, the boats which attended were either local or gaffers enjoying extreme holidays. Discussion amongst those centred on films seen, pubs in which newspapers could be read in armchairs and a range of information gleaned from public libraries. However, the rally was enjoyable, old-fashioned boating: gaffers leaning on fender boards ranged along the quay, drying out at their various heights. The locals loved the spectacle and the rain held off until the early hours. We must thank Nick who organised it and who welcomed boats by walking in water. Please do it again!