In spite of rather poor weather so far this season only one of the SC rallies has failed to produce a boat on scene. Saturday the 23rd May was not too blustery to prevent HHSC racing but no DCA boats made it. In all, six members visited the club house by road; none on time, those arriving first leaving before the others arrived. There is no doubt in my mind that if members wish to meet one another, the surest way is to overnight at a pre-arranged spot. This gives ample time for delays to schedules.

The fitting out supper was attended by ten members. I was disappointed at this number, made up entirely by old friends who have already shown a deep commitment to the DCA. Even gourmets Peel and Roddis were complimentary about the meal landlord Jack of the Jolly Sailor laid on especially for us. One can only suppose that the cold weather deterred newer local members from coming along. The laying up supper rally will also be at the Jolly Sailor 10th October 1981, but I have not the neck to repeat my spring effort, so no special privileges for DCA members this time.

From a rough count through the membership list I see that some 68 members claim to sail in the area for which the SC rally programme is designed. Even a couple of Reverends who work Sundays on a regular basis manage to turn up now and again. Clearly not everyone wishes to attend rallies. I should like to hear from those that do wish to attend but do not; particularly any of those who have contacted me for more information than is available in the Bulletin leaflet but still fail to attend. Please do not hesitate to write to me with your suggestions.

Tony Howarth is again kindly offering to organise SC WINTER MEETINGS. In order to assist him choose a suitable size of room, would those wishing to attend one or more meetings at Portsmouth after the end of the sailing season please write to him at the address below — forthwith!

Mr A Howarth, City Officer, City Museum, City Road, Portsmouth, Hants.

RALLY ROLL CALL

3/5 Furzefield: Mike and Val Berry with children Sarah and Clare plus Cilla the labrador welcomed Liz Baker and me aboard their West Wight Potter; a cosy time was had by all! The Ryans joined us in the pub.

9/5 Shipstall Point: Tony McKillop aboard his Drascombe Dabber communed with nature.

23/5 Hill Head: No boats, but Roy Dowries and Janet, Tony Howarth and Pauline, Elizabeth Baker and I signed the visitors book.

30/5 Solent Choppers to Poole: Liz Baker and I sailed to Poole in very patchy weather to meet up with local members Tony McKillop in his Drascombe Dabber; Derek Cooper in a custom made Beaufort; also John Osborne with neither boat nor waders, but still he made it!

I was disappointed at the local attitude to this rally, which seemed to be “I’ll just nip along to see if anyone has turned up.” As Liz remarked; if they all do this and then go home, it is surprising they ever meet anyone. Only Liz and I overnighted at Poole, the others seeming to prefer their beds at home.

13/6 Ashlett: A proper rally! John Clark, Bryan Collins and I had a jolly evening together, spent the night at Ashlett and then sailed home. John Clark left first in his well equipped boat, logging the trip from Mengham Rithe to tot up for his Yacht Master certificate. Good luck John!

27/6 Wootton Creek: Tony Howarth reports: Roy Downes in a National 18; Jim Smith on a BSA; Phil Nash in a WWP and two others in a Drascombe Lugger and a Devon Yawl whose names temporarily escape him.

11/7 Western Haven: Another good turn out in spite of a choppy start, John Peel and Roddy Roddis in his Drascombe Restaurant rafted up with Jack Whitby (handing out photos all round), the ubiquitous Bryan Collins on the other side in his Mirror 16 and my Drascombe Dabber completing the sandwich. Frank and George Dyer chose to moor separately as did Phil Nash and son. The poor weather early on meant late arrival for most setting out from up Solent but the Dyers were able to report that Jim Smith had been to the Horse and Groom.

18/7 Yarmouth: Tony McKillop and I sailed from Southampton in perfect weather. No other boats on scene although George Dyer and Jim Smith met us on the beach and later in the Bugle.

25/7 Nutbourne: Local boats were outnumbered two to one at this rally, only Liz Baker in her 12’ 9” Mayfly overnighting alongside Jack Whitby in his WWP and me in my now junk rigged Drascombe Dabber.

Just as we were landing for a walk to the pub, local member Mike Ryan paid a brief visit in his tender to say hello and offer us the facilities of his club. Mike felt the walk too long to come along by my route, a view later shared by our illustrious President when an error in my terrestrial navigation added a short mile to the designated pub so we stopped short at the first chance for drinkies and back to our boats. Which only goes to prove the best way to meet fellow members — BOATS!