The Westerly Owners' Association

Report of the Burnham Carnival Rally 24 – 26 September 2010

When the Group Committee first chose this weekend for a Rally in Burnham-on-Crouch, it was based simply on a weekend when the tides would serve reasonably well, blissfully ignorant of the fact that it was Burnham Carnival weekend and that the Moody Owners’ Association were planning a Burnham rally at the same time. These happy coincidences came to light only when I sold Stormalong and bought a half share Wild Thyme, a Moody 425.

Being Carnival weekend brought the opportunity for participants to enjoy the funfair and to see the carnival parade on the Saturday evening. They could also take part in the Tucker Brown cup on the Saturday morning, a race for non-racers, named after the famous boatyard which built many offshore yachts, including the majority of Kim Holman’s Stellas in the 60’s and 70’s, before investment in Burnham Yacht Harbour led to their demise.

The weekend brought typical equinox weather: a cold NW 4-5 occasionally 6 with a good deal of rain. As a result, some skippers chose to come by car rather than sail.

Of the Westerly fleet, only Angela Dawn entered the Tucker Brown – a brave decision as it was their first race – but a few more Moodys chanced their arms. Although reefs were called for, the rain kindly kept away and we all had some fun on the river. Neither a Westerly nor a Moody won the cup, it went to Quencher, a local out and out racer that we felt had no place in such a race, but she hadn’t won much this season so perhaps it was her turn. The committee didn’t disclose the workings of the handicap system, and only first place was announced, so each of the rest of the racing fleet were able to dream that they had come second.

When we all got back ashore, for lunch the Yacht Harbour provided an excellent barbecue and hog roast in a marquee. The Westerly crews commandeered tables (see photos) right next to the bar and food, while the Moody people were at the back of the tent.

The afternoon was free either to recover from the morning’s exertions or to enjoy the funfair. After this, the Crouch Yacht Club provided tapas for Westerly and Moody crews, timed early enough to get out on the High Street in the bitterly cold north-westerly wind for the carnival parade.

Sunday morning arrived wet and windy. Some boats had to go home despite the weather. Others, who had contemplated entering the Crouch Yacht Club Ladies’ Race, chose to stay moored up and make do with the prize giving and lunch at the club. Low pressure never encourages activity!

On Monday, it had all blown itself out – the metman offered his standard for when he can’t work out the wind: cyclonic variable by noon, with Wild Thyme halfway back to Levington, it settled to NW 2-3, giving us a close fetch for the last part of the passage.

Another enjoyable weekend with good company, in spite of the weather. Thanks to Burnham Yacht Harbour for inviting us to join their race and barbecue, also to Kerie at the Crouch Yacht Club for her cooking.

Participants

I would like to add personal thanks to the Westerly Owners Association – this will be the last event I organise for you as I have found almost as good companionship in the Moody Owners’ Association, to go with the new boat. Sailing with WOA has always been a pleasure, and I look forward to meeting you on the water in years to come and to seeing the Association, particularly the East Coast Group, go from strength to strength.

Peter Wright