by Liz Baker

South-east Winter Rendezvous — 26 February 2000

There are those who tell my I’m brave to go sailing alone in a small boat but there’s nothing brave about doing what you enjoy. I felt far braver walking alone into the Golden Galleon near Cuckmere Haven — despite it’s name, a landlubber’s pub these days — prepared to wait like a jilted bride for several hours and have nobody turn up. Unfortunately I wasn’t quite brave enough to hoist the DCA burgee at first, and instead spread a few Bulletins around in front of me. During this period someone did come in and looked around, stood by the door for ten minutes, and then went out again. If you were a DCA member and are reading this, I apologise for not speaking to you.

However I did hoist the burgee eventually, and it created a lot of amused interest, both amongst staff and customers. Someone did turn up too — new member John Couch from Crowborough, who cruises in an Albacore with his teenage family, and who is hoping to join some of our rallies in the summer. He was disappointed not to meet other members, so I might try this again next year in the hope that it will attract a few more people along.

The Kench — 15th-16th April

The weather was dreadful and the forecast worse. Rain was lashing down and gales were forecast for Sea Area Wight. I decided not to go. However, there was a rally. Chris Jenkins launched his Potter at Northney and motored through Langstone Bridge and down to the venue. He tells me there was no wind at first, but it did blow a full gale for three hours on the Saturday afternoon. By then he was safely dried out on the mud. He was joined by Tom Hart and his son who came over on the ferry from Southsea. On the Sunday morning the weather was warm and sunny and he had a very enjoyable sail.