 |
|
| About the WOA | |
|
|
The Westerly Owners' Association - North Wales Group Isle of Man – National Rally 27th – 30th August 2010
Many of us who had attended the North Wales Area WOA Rally to the Isle of Man in 2008 were very happy to return to Port St Mary for the National Rally this August. The event was hosted once again by the Isle of Man Yacht Club who are celebrating their centenary this year, hence the impetus for us to return. Whether a returning boat or a new comer, all experienced the warm welcome and hospitality offered by Officers, staff and members of the Yacht Club. In total, eighteen boats arrived for the Rally with the earliest being Small World and Silvery Moon who came into Port St Mary on 25th August to Aurora who tied up in the inner harbour on 31st August when only Small World and Silvery Moon were still there! Thursday 26th saw the arrival of two boats from Dublin, relieved to be in port after an unpleasant passage, then one from Conwy and one in new ownership on its first passage, heading for its homeport, Fleetwood but stopping off to enjoy the Rally en route. Friday morning, we woke to find an overnight arrival from Holyhead and they were followed during the day by five more boats from Ireland, one from south Wales (via Ardglass), one each from Scotland, north Wales and Fleetwood. So the crews of sixteen boats were in time for the WOA welcome quayside party held that evening. The Vice Commodore of IOMYC, Russell Armstrong welcomed us to the Isle of Man, Mike Pollard who organised the hosting of the event by the IOMYC, and Westerly owner members of the Club, together with Judith Symonds, Vice Commodore WOA and her husband David, joined us making a gathering of over fifty. Saturday dawned fine and most folk went off to explore the Island. During the day another boat from Ireland arrived, making the Irish group the largest contingent. The Yacht Club hosted a Barbeque Supper on the club balcony in the evening. All enjoyed the food, friendship and warm welcome offered by the Club. The star of the evening was Lily. Surely the youngest ever attendee at a WOA Rally? She was ten weeks old at the time and on board yacht Shuffle Shoes. Sunday brought in gale 8 winds and those who had opted to stay out on a mooring or fin keelers who were tied up at the Alfred Pier had a very rough time. There had been an invitation to join in the racing at Castletown later in the day by Castletown and Derbyhaven Motorboat and Yacht Club but this was cancelled due to the conditions. An alternative on offer was a coach trip around the Island with stops at places of particular interest to sailors. Those who went on the trip were treated to an awesome spectacle at Calf Sound where the sea was so rough, the Thousla Beacon was impossible to see clearly. After visiting Douglas marina, the coach next stopped at Peel where there are new marina pontoons and a flapgate installed. Last stop was Castletown. The coach driver who was an historian, added an informative commentary throughout the bus tour which added to the enjoyment and interest for all. The slightly more formal Rally Supper was held in the IOMYC that evening. Michael Kneale Commodore IOMYC welcomed us to their Club in its centenary year. An excellent two course meal had been prepared by ladies of the Club. Brian Bell thanked the Club Officers and members for their hosting and the hospitality extended to all WOA Rally attendees and Judith Symonds then gave the thanks of the National WOA. Another treat followed. Traditional music played by a host of musicians. Everyone was foot tapping to the beat. It was revealed that the Commodore is a fiddle player. The music was a fantastic finale to a wonderful evening. Monday dawned fine and sunny with little breeze. Most boats had to leave but for those who could stay there was an invitation to the IOMYC barbeque on Castletown Beach. Two WOA Rally boats sailed to the BBQ. Bonaventure and Small World but some people chose to travel by steam train. It was an informal and delightful way to end our time with IOMYC members. Next morning was calm and fine again and we thought we were the only WOA Rally boat still in the inner harbour but no – we had a late arrival! Aurora came in during the early hours. The skipper being single-handed had waited for settled weather and arrived from Dublin. We planned to meet up in the Club later. Both of us intended to leave at daybreak on Wednesday bound for home. Another WOA Rally had been experienced and enjoyed by all. The camaraderie, swopping of tales, offering helpful advice and making invitations was over for now. Boats at the Rally Gill Winter |
|
