The Westerly Owners' Association - Ireland Area Group

Westerly National Rally strongly supported by Ireland Group

What could be better than a sunny weekend in the Isle of Man with a fine group of Westerlies? Thanks to the organising talents of Brian Bell, the successful National Rally in Port St. Mary gave us an event to round off the cruising season in style.

The importance of this rally to the WOA may not be fully appreciated, providing as it does an event to cater for all group areas which border the Irish Sea.

Westerlies and their ships companies came from Wales, England, Scotland, and the Isle of Man with an impressive contingent of 8 boats from the Ireland area. These included Fougere, Jetstream, Katrina ll, Púcabán, Scarth, Seascapes, Wild Again, Zebek. Aviana would have brought our Ireland fleet up to 9 but she was forced to turn back early in the passage.

Our night-morning passage was perfect for sailing and all were assembled by the evening of Friday August 27th.

The weather favoured us and during the rally we enjoyed a quayside party, Yacht Club BBQ, island exploration tour and dinner also in the Club whose centenary it is.

The rally was a great success in all respects. Well done all you Ireland Group Westerly sailors and thanks to Isle of Man yacht club, Mike Pollard and of course the head man Brian.

Gary McGuire