Joe Scott couldn’t make this rally (being in Venezuela was a good excuse!) but there was nevertheless a fair turnout for so early in the season. Don Alexander in his Mirror 16 was crewed by John Quantrell (boatless, but nevertheless much in demand these days), Jeff Wright came in his Cornish Coble, and our president Peter Bick turned up in his 10 foot McNulty Lugger. Then there were Diana and Colin Newnes in their Walker 14, Jennie and David Jones in their Beaufort, Richard Hignett in his twin centreboard Hignett special, and Len Wingfield in his 14 foot Leader crewed by a new DCA member, Martin Loxton. John Buckley sailed in for the Saturday in his Kestrel and John Perry came boatless and camped on shore. But where was Liz Baker we asked ourselves as evening drew in? (She rarely misses a rally whatever the circumstances). Sure enough in the early morning, a red sail was seen (though it turned out to be her Mirror this time). She had risen at 5am to join us.

ADVANCE NOTICE — CHICHESTER HARBOUR — CRUISING/CAMPING WEEKEND

After consulting Joe Scott I have booked the Cobnor campsite and boatpark for the weekend of 20/21 June 1992, on behalf of the DCA and Leader Class Association together. The site is in a very secluded area with fine coastal walks, and the local pub offers Real Ales and Egon Ronay approved food at moderate prices. We usually have a barbecue. The campsite and launching fees are minimal and we get a group rate harbour license at a nominal fee too. Details follow in a later Bulletin. LW

8 JUNE — BEMBRIDGE

The weather forecast for the weekend was poor, but Saturday was fair until the evening. By this time Don and Dave had arrived in their Mirror 16. I joined them in my Tarpon followed by Gordon and Sue Elston in their Skipper 17. Finally Liz and John arrived in Black Swan. We all beached on the sand in front of the yacht club. The evening brought wind and heavy rain, but we all managed to meet up at the pub behind the yacht club and spent a pleasant evening together. After the night’s storm, Sunday was bright but still windy. Don and Dave left early, Gordon and I followed, but we were a little worried by the wind strength. Out of the lee of the I-o-W the wind was very strong SW, and I was glad to make Warsash, to be met by Don and Dave who also had an exciting sail!

We were to learn later that Liz and John left Black Swan and took the ferry to the mainland due to anticipated rough conditions on the Chichester Bar.

29 JUNE — POOLE HARBOUR

One again this venue has proved its excellent ‘sail and trail’ reputation. Don Alexander, Stuart Jones and I launched our boats from Rockley Sands. Gordon Elston launched at Christchurch. Jeff Wright with crew Julian launched from Redcliffe (near Wareham). Dave Jones with crew John Quantrell launched at midnight Friday from Ashlett Creek and arrived at Poole entrance at 0800 Saturday.

Redhorn Point was found to be a lee shore, so the venue was moved to the east a short distance, to a sheltered bay. The bay was shallow, and found Gordon, Dave and John wading through the mud. The rest of us managed to avoid this.

Driftwood and bracken were collected, and thanks to Julian we soon had a good fire burning for the barbecue. John Perry drove down and walked across the heath complete with tent to join us. We all enjoyed a pleasant evening together and a good return sail the following day.

13 JULY — OXEY LAKE

Weather conditions on Saturday were poor. Popping down to Keyhaven to assess the conditions I met Andrew Spolten, who with his wife and two daughters were camping in the New Forest. Andrew had planned to sail his Swampscott Dory to Oxey Lake, but the conditions made this impossible. We drove down together and walked to the meeting point at the sea wall just as Jeff Wright and Julian arrived sailing from Hamble.

We met again in the Chequers pub later to be joined by John Perry with crew Len Wingfield. Richard Hignett stayed on his boat and Gordon and Sue Elston drove down but were unable to find us in the pub. Sunday’s weather was much better for those sailing back.

Don and Dave Alexander were dismasted en route to the rally — their story is told elsewhere in this Bulletin.

10 AUGUST — COWES

The weekend saw ideal conditions, and eight boats with twelve members attended.

Stuart Jones and myself, sailing our respective boats, left Keyhaven Friday evening and camped overnight at Newtown Creek. We entered the Medina mid-morning and sailed up to Newport with the tide. Spending a few hours there, we returned to the Folly Inn on the ebb.

Liz Baker, Peter Bick and Richard Hignett were already anchored when we arrived; a little later we were joined by Caroline and Rob. The evening found us sitting in the cool outside the Folly Inn, where we were joined by Ray and Anne Thornton, Gordon and Sue Elston and Jim Smith.

Sunday brought a sunny but windy day as we left to return to our respective launching sites.

31 AUGUST — HURST SPIT

Certainly the best attended rally of the season. Twenty members with fourteen boats attended. John Perry with John Quantrell walked round the shingle bank to join us. The venue was split between boats at the spit and those moored near the castle, but all the members met at the spit for the barbecue. This, together with the beautiful evening weather and number of members, made a very enjoyable rally.

21 SEPTEMBER — BURSLEDON

Eight members attended. Liz Baker with John Perry arrived in Black Swan. Liz managed to hit a mooring buoy whilst rowing and made a small hole in her boat. Liz produced a small plywood patch and a seaworthy repair was made, ably assisted by Jeff Wright who had his Dabber next to Liz. Julian also brought his boat. Len Wingfield and myself arrived by car as did Dave and Jenny Jones, who had visited the Southampton Boat Show earlier.

A pleasant evening and a good rally season. Joe Scott