The Westerly Owners' Association - East Coast and Thames Estuary

WOA East Anglia & Thames Estuary Group May 18th 1968 saw the first Rally of the then East Coast Group. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of that inaugural event, a similar low-key rally was held on the same day and in the same location, namely behind Stone Point in the Walton Channel.

Unfortunately the weather took its toll on the original 18 boats due to attend, but 7 boats made the venue, and although quite breezy, the weather remained dry and sunny. Anchoring proved to be a trial for some (no names no pack drill), and after much perseverance and the offer of rafting, most crews transferred by dinghy to Marika M, the host boat, for the celebrations.

There followed an enjoyable get-together in true WOA tradition, with beer, wine and nibbles being consumed amongst much discussion as to sailing experiences both past and present, and aspirations for the future. Eventually the proceedings were brought to a close however by the increasingly cold and gusty North Easterly wind.

The event was honoured by the attendance of Brian Easteal the WOA Commodore and also by Christine Bull, Magazine Editor and her husband Richard.

Thanks were given to Bill Miller (Area Organiser) and his wife Anita, for the organisation involved and for hosting the event on their Corsair, Marika M. The majority of boats were local to the area, with one from further afield in Norfolk.

Boats attending were: - Marika M (Corsair), Gypsy Girl (W33), Kalmar (W33), Mistral (Konsort), M’Lady of Aldsworth (Discus), Nutshell (Fulmar) and Stormalong (Storm).