The Westerly Owners' Association - South Coast Group

Yarmouth Rally Report 6-8 August 2011

Five yachts (Busiris, Easy Go, Celerity, Geisha Girl and Mouette Blanche) arrived at Yarmouth on the Friday afternoon after a lively sail against a brisk SW 4/5. An informal pontoon party was held, the main agenda item being plans for further pontoon parties during the rally weekend!

On Saturday we were joined by Ruahine, Dunlin, Starquest and Jacana. Informal arrangements prevailed during Saturday with one crew hiring electric cycles whilst others walked to the south of the island. Saturday afternoon saw some crews  busily dressing their yacht for the competition with the theme “Science Fiction”. A pontoon party heralded the arrival of our judge Marigold Morphy, immediate past Commodore of Yarmouth sailing club. We then adjourned to YSC for an excellent supper main course prepared by Sue Witt enhanced by bring-and-share starters and desserts.

A light hearted general knowledge quiz was held during supper.

Marigold awarded prizes to Busiris (Button and Moon), Easy Go (The Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy) and to Dunlin (Dominoes for another planet) The quiz was won by Mouette Blanche, who were awarded the newly inaugurated and prestigious Easy Go trophy – comprising a plastic boat bearing a WOA mini-burgee glued on to a CD. Our Chair Jan Wise gave a vote of thanks to Sue and Geoff Witt our local island–based organisers.

On Sunday morning we walked along the right bank riverside footpath (previously the Yarmouth / Freshwater railway) of the River Yar and enjoyed an excellent al-fresco lunch at the Red Lion Pub adjacent to the causeway. Some yachts departed on Sunday going east on the flood tide. Others continued with an informal two-yacht  based pontoon party with members exchanging places between yachts Easy Go and Ruahine.

The rest of the fleet departed on Tuesday after riding out the high overnight SW winds.

This was once again a very successful Yarmouth rally –with old and new friends meeting up.

Plans are already afoot for the 2012 event – Sue and Geoff forewarned some of the members to be prepared for the Shoebox Challenge.