The Westerly Owners' Association - South West Group

Whitsun Rally

The omens were good, the forecasters had lifted expectations with the promise of a week of improving weather and frequent tapping of the barometer glass showed “fair”.

The Monday barbeque was to be preceded by a ferry trip to Mount Edgecombe and a dozen or so enthusiastic soles gathered at Cremyl with the promise from Chris Strang of a bracing walk - “an hour and a half or so” (Ha!) was the expectation. Bracing it certainly was, but with stunning views across Plymouth Sound and a visit to Maker Church it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. And, yes, the sun shone all the time.

The BBQ was equally successful with more than 20 members enjoying enormous amounts of bangers and beefburgers, accompanied by salads and sauces beautifully prepared by Marguerite and Rosalind. The marina staff went to great effort providing temporary windbreaks as the evening had turned a touch blustery.

On the Tuesday several boats anchored in Cawsand bay but most sailed straight for the Yealm enjoying flat seas and favourable winds, although some reported a bit of a chop off Mewstone. Eleven Westerlys crowded onto the visitor’s pontoon that afternoon, some going ashore in the evening to The Swan, others gathering for an impromptu glass or two on Sundancer before dinner. Reports filtered thro’ of tenders being left suspended above the river by the falling tide and short lines, but comment cannot be made of Ocean Grace’s lack of key for her security lock, due to the restrictions of a super injunction.

Wednesday, and the fleet left at about 09.00 and all enjoyed good SW winds, broad reaching on starboard all the way before gybing in the entrance to Salcombe, taking care to follow the leading marks as it was only about 1 hour past low water. Some boats had gone straight to Salcombe and 19 members’ boats soon filled one side of the visitor’s pontoon. Sangelai had suffered with an Autohelm problem on her passage from the Yealm, causing some difficulty for single hander Ian. Fortunately a non- member with a Corsair was sharing our pontoon and was able to produce a spare part to fix the problem.

The pontoon party in the evening was a huge success altho’ several passers- by thought the pontoon was about to sink as we had assembled in a part with little buoyancy. Thursday saw most members dinghying ashore to walk round East Portlemouth and Gara Rock and again the sun shone all day. In the evening the water taxi took us ashore for dinner at the Salcombe Yacht Club where we were fed and watered in style. Thanks were expressed to the Sailing Club and also to Chris and Marguerite who had worked very hard to ensure a successful event. Indeed, Chris particularly seems to be supercharged as he is on the go non- stop – thanks again Chris!

On Friday, most boats left for Dartmouth but some split and went their own way. Those returning Westwards, including Hazel and myself on Sundancer, enjoyed a superb NE wind and broad reached all the way on starboard until we dropped sail off Jennycliffe after a scorching sail.

Those going on to Dartmouth no doubt had to work a little harder for their lunch but hopefully enjoyed the hot, very untypical, sunshine.

Hazel & David Warren, Sundancer - June 2011