The East Coast Section rally at Upnor was a success for those who took part, although only two DCA dinghies were present — Fiona, with Michael and Chrys Perkiss, and Widsith, with Joan Bentley and Margaret Lawson. Widsith arrived at Upnor on the Saturday afternoon, having sailed from Greenwich on Friday. She spent Saturday night moored alongside Bryn Weightman’s motor-barge Nellie (probably the largest craft ever to attend a DCA rally!). Michael and Chrys Perkiss arrived on Saturday morning — Fiona was moored at Upnor. On Sunday the two dinghies spent a pleasant and sunny afternoon in sailing from Upnor to Queenborough. Yantlet Spit was crossed on a falling tide, with just enough water to float the boats.

We then sailed up Stangate Creek and into Sharfleet Creek for tea. Fiona’s outboard was used to return to the main channel in light airs against the flood. Widsith made such slow progress against the tide after this that she eventually arrived in the Swim under oars. The whole party then paid an enjoyable visit to the Old House at Horne, and returned, regaled by tales of the ghosts of French prisoners on Deadmans Island, to a feast on board Nellie which lasted until midnight.

Bradwell Quay Rally was cancelled owing to gales in the estuary.

SOUTH COAST RALLIES AND CRUISES

This season has been disastrous from the point of view of weather, and it was impossible to hold more than half of the rallies on the programme.

Generally speaking, when it was possible to hold a rally, attendance was poor. Early in the season, most members seemed still to be fitting out, and August and September saw most of the old stalwarts on more ambitious cruises elsewhere.

Very few members made any attempt to get to the rallies, and it was left mainly to the old hands. Perhaps unsettled weather may account for this.

Eric Coleman has now sailed his vessel round to the East Coast, single-handed, in weekend stages, against what seem to have been predominantly north-easterlies. Derek Calpitt and John Reeve had a pleasant trip to Rye, Boulogne and back during late July and early August. When last seen in September, Brian Naylor was departing for the French coast in his 14 footer. J.D.R.