The fourth joint rally between the Dinghy Cruising and Drascombe Associations was held at Coniston, the DCA being well represented with thirteen boats attending. Most boats launched at the Coniston Sailing Club, with crews becoming temporary members of the club for the weekend. The weather on Saturday was dry, with a brisk N-NE f4, and Isabel and David Shuttleworth, who hosted the rally from their waterside bungalow, had arranged a treasure hunt to keep crews on their toes during the day. It was easy looking for the clues on the run down the lake, but after a good chat over lunch on the beach of the bay south of Peel Island, most people were too busy working hard beating back up the lake to find the answers to all the twelve questions involved.

Saturday evening saw everyone enjoying themselves at the barbecue provided by Isabel and David, and a collection by Gerald Harrison for the RNLI raised £45.00. On Sunday the weather was again dry and sunny, with the wind N-NE f3-4, so some boats repeated the trip down the lake for lunch.

DCA boats attending included one Tideway, one Albacore, one Sailfish, three Dabbers, one Lugger, two Coasters, one Wayfarer, one Gem, one Cadet and one Catamaran.

LOCH CRERAN RALLY by Joan Abrams

We were not so lucky with the weather this year. This was a great pity, as there was a record attendance. Fifteen boats arrived and at least one other set off to sail to the rally but did not quite make it.

Those who trailed their boats to Creran Moorings had an enjoyable week, sailing in and just outside the loch when weather permitted, and socialising in between whiles. Jock laid on an interesting and informative visit to the Oban coastguards on a stormy afternoon.

David and Jenny Jones sailed furthest, aiming at a cruise, and ending weather bound in Dunstaffnage. Meanwhile Hedley Whitfield was stuck in Little Horseshoe Bay not many miles away — but no one knew until afterwards!

We agreed that we should try again next year, and that we would have a better chance of good weather earlier in the season.