The Westerly Owners' Association - Ireland Area Group

Annual Cruise/Rally June 5-7 in Carlingford Lough.

Our long anticipated Rally finally happened with a flourish and we were not disappointed. Some eager beavers arrived on Friday 4th including Matthew and Michelle of Aviana who prepared the Marina for the main group so that we were all nicely berthed in the same section.

The approach to the Lough on Saturday was shrouded in thick fog, which called for careful navigation of the channel.

In all 12 Westerly’s attended including Amelia Ann, Aviana, Dulaman, Fougere, Jabulani, Mary B, Pucabán, Ri Na Mara, Scarth, and Seascapes. Especially welcomed were Ian and Mary from Bonnie Scotland in Clar Innis and Franze, Lenni and Emile, all the way from Netherlands in Gwaihir.

Nuala and others recorded social scenes on camera.

Our first get-together was on the pontoon for drinks and a good old chinwag, which was so popular that it lasted for 1½ hours and included much admiring of the assembled fleet. Amelia Ann attracted the lion’s share of the attention and the judging panel was unanimous in conferring on her the Celtic Merit Award. (See top picture)

The evening meal was arranged in the marina restaurant and all enjoyed the food, wine and company. The scene was set for a hooly to follow but all retired promptly, no doubt ready for the sack after a busy day. Of course the usual yarning parties could be found on some craft in various degrees of mellowness.

A wet Sunday morning kept us tied up with time to admire boats and compare notes. In the beautiful afternoon sun several boats went sailing – while the crew of Seascapes laboured over their sanitary equipment – after which we convened in Carlingford Sailing Club where the members welcomed us and we enjoyed the food and drink, followed by a lively evening stroll and night-cap on board.

Monday morning, bright and clear saw the rally dispersing, some to continue cruising others back to base.

The weather was kind to us and to judge by the emails received, all agreed that the Rally was a great success.