This rally was again held at the Derwentwater Marina at the northwest end of the lake in Portinscale village. This turned out to be an excellent venue — two good slipways, boat and car parking, and camping by arrangement with the marina, which also had the necessary if basic facilities of water, toilets and washrooms, and a very good bar which provided excellent meals. Very unfortunately Colin Firth, who with Jayne had gone to all the trouble of organising the rally, was laid up with a virus, and, apart from fleeting visits to see we were all right, could take no part.

Present were: Bill Jones, Rachel Ryan Cruz Arion Anthony Sluce Highlander 12 Fraoch Sid Dickinson Graduate Bonnie Dave and Ann Morton Wayfarer Restless Mike Woodhouse no boat: two inflatables Frank and Margaret Deardon with Helen Marrs GP 14 Kyle

The flotilla assembled on Saturday morning, and in variable but basically good weather sailed down the lake in light airs which developed into a breezy day. For some of us it was our first experience of the vagaries of the wind on the ‘Queen of the Lakes’ with its mountainous sides and narrow valleys. The prevailing southerly especially funnels through the Jaws of Borrowdale with a gusty ferocity, giving lively sailing at the southern end of the lake.

Derwentwater is quite small — approximately three miles by one — but makes up for this by its variety of bays and islands to explore, and the stunning beauty of the surrounding mountains, all within easy reach of base if the wind dies or the weather deteriorates. The plan was to sail at will, meeting for lunch, which was taken on Rampsholme Island, where shingle beaches allow easy landing, and picturesque views all around. In true pioneering DCA spirit we sat on the island and booked a table at the marina restaurant by mobile phone. The evening was very convivial, with eleven of us dining well and yarning DCA-style.

Sunday was very much a repeat of the previous day, crews exploring the lake and its many bays and islands, meeting for lunch again on Rampsholme. In the windless spells it was a delight for a one-time regular on the fells around here to recline in a small boat and watch the tiny dots toiling up Cat Bells and Causey Pike in the heat of the afternoon.

Late afternoon saw the flotilla hauling out on the slip and making ready for home, after a really very enjoyable weekend. Several of us called on Colin as we departed, and were delighted to find him well on the mend. Bill Jones