Not much to report in the close season; some members maintain contact through the London Meetings and broaden their horizons in comfort before the screen in company with members from other parts, mostly the East Coast, for obvious reasons.

This proximity to London probably accounts for the predominance of South Coast members ‘elected’ at the AGM. I hear on the grapevine that yet more of our members will be sailing yachts next season, which is a shame. I’ll give ‘em one more chance, but if I get elected next year they will have to organise their own rallies or spend the night kippin’ in the tender!

As last year, OS map refs from appropriate 1:50,000 sheets refer to the recommended spot for boats. The basic idea is for members to set out from a spot of their own choosing and try to meet up with others at the rallying point on the Saturday evening, returning to base on the Sunday; although some members tie in the rally with a more protracted cruise.

The South Coast has been split into two camps over the way to handle Bursledon rallies. I have come down in favour of an informal gathering at the Jolly Sailor, where a bite and a pint suit me fine. I would ask the bib-and-tucker brigade to call in there first for a quickie if they intend to move on for more lavish fare; there are two more suitable establishments nearby. Should anyone come in a boat they will find the tides right to move upstream around closing time.

24 April Bursledon Jolly Sailor, Lands End Road, 7 pm 492092

15 May Chichester Furzefield Creek. HW 17.15. Just time for a quick one in the Ship at Itchenor 804017

12 June Keyhaven LW 16.00. Gunn Inn, 7 pm. 308915

3 July Poole Shipstall Point, remote spot, evening. 984884

17 July Prinstead Chichester harbour. HW 21.15. Hoping local members will invite us to club house! 773044

7 August Cowes Folly Inn, 7.30 pm. Fireworks 6/8/8. 507928

21 August Priory Bay IoW LLW 19.15. Very strong tides forecast. Arrive around 17.00. Barbeque. 638904

28 August Wootton Bank Holiday. Sloop Inn, 7.30 pm. 552926

11 Sept Fowley Island Chichester Harbour. Ideal for camp ashore or afloat. HW 18.00. 743044

25 Sept Eling Southampton. Evening. 365125

16 Oct Bursledon Jolly Sailor, Lands End Road, 7 pm. 492092

If you want fuller information please write, enclosing SAE, John Quantrell.