The weather report for the week leading up to the rally had been very poor and the Saturday turned out to be appalling. A new member, Brian Swindlehurst, from Warrington arrived at 8.30 am with his Cornish Cobble and later Phil and Stewart appeared with the Cadet. Finally, Gerald arrived around 10.30 am with his Lugger.

Launching was made easy for all of us, thanks to Brian for using his large Land Rover fitted with an additional tow hitch on his front bumper, and we were all launched by noon. Phil sailed with Brian as the wind was gusting the top of force 6 and we all proceeded on a very fast run down the lake. This took all of 10 minutes and the return journey was quite impossible. Too much wind, too much rain and lots of very frustrating tacks.

Saturday evening was again wet and windy and so Phil, Stewart and Gerald spent the night on the Lugger whilst Brian slept in his Land Rover. Sunday, the wind was much less but fluky, yet the rain persisted. A good sail nevertheless and a jolly weekend in spite of the weather.

Doug Heslop, with his Beaufort, drew alongside us in the car park as we were parking up at 4.00 pm and so we did finally end the rally with four boats.