The Westerly Owners' Association - South West Group

Fowey Rally 5th -8th August 2011

Throughout Friday Westerlys from east and west arrived at the Gridiron pontoon at Fowey. All were anxious not to miss the pontoon party at 6pm! We welcomed both long standing and new members with boats ranging in size from Centaurs to a Corsair, a change from our usual assembly of Konsorts.

The weather stayed fine and we had a pleasant evening catching up with news and exchanging our experiences of trips this year and how our plans had been affected by weather. We spread out along the length of the pontoon as we watched the centre, where the table with drinks and nibbles was, sink lower towards the water.

On Saturday more boats arrived making a grand total of twenty one boats. The Rally was organised by Barbara Box who spent all Saturday collecting mooring fees, checking numbers for the dinner, making amendments to meal choices, collecting payment for the meal. Her day was certainly not the lazy, restful day most of us enjoyed. The Rally dinner for 48 members was held at the Royal Fowey Yacht Club where we were joined by some ‘Westerly Wheels’. One couple, Dick and Moira Bentzel had sailed all the way from America but had to leave their boat at Falmouth because of engine problems. Unperturbed, they had hired a car and driven to Fowey to join us for the evening. Does this break a record for the greatest distance sailed to join a Westerly Rally? After a splendid meal two water taxis sped us up river to return to our boats and the comfort of our berths.

Sunday morning started early for Andy from Drongo. Sally and Phil Loynes on Senyol were celebrating their Ruby wedding anniversary and Andy had been assigned to decorate their boat with a banner and red balloons.

The forecast was not good on Sunday but a few boats left fearing it would be worse on Monday. Barbara had organised a walk, not very far she said. No, not as the crow flies but as we walked up and down hills and round inlets it was considerably further! However, a pub was waiting at the end so we all completed the walk in time for lunch.

In the evening we enjoyed a party aboard Senyol to round off a pleasant day and toast the happy couple.

Monday dawned and the weather forecast was not brilliant. More boats left but a few of us waited until Tuesday for a more comfortable journey home.

It is becoming increasing difficult to organise events because of the large number of boats involved. We all owe Barbara Box our thanks for her efficient organisation not to mention her patience!

Liz Truscott