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Plans for the new season were discussed at a very convivial lunch on Sunday 24th February attended by both WMYC and Dabchicks members. Cruiser Captain Colin Campbell reviewed last year’s exploits:
We achieved 5 cruises in company, and again one was somewhat spontaneous. And we had good turnouts, particularly for Heybridge – a record 25 boats.
All in all a very enjoyable season, thanks again to the dedicated efforts of our Cruise Leaders. Here’s a quick round-up:
- Dave Lewis and Mike Edwards led an excellently organised first cruise of the season to Fambridge and Burnham, including good meals at both places. 13 boats turned out and this despite the deteriorating weather. Well done Dave.
- For the late May bank holiday Colin and Diane led a stout little flotilla of just 3 yachts to Calais where we joined in the Little Ship Club 80th anniversary rally. Very well organised, and very good value. We were particularly pleased to see a number of “camp followers” who made the effort to make the crossing by ferry.
- We had a record turnout of 25 for the annual pilgrimage to Heybridge. This was too many for John Haynes to remember all the names afterwards but never mind, Ed Allan kept tabs on those energetic souls who entered for the pursuit race. Thank go to both for their efforts once again. John Clifton collected his trophy and the rest of us enjoyed our barbecues anyway. Weather was kind for this one.
- In mid-July Tim Wood led a rolypoly spinnaker run (for part of the way at least) down the Wallet in very fresh conditions during the pursuit race and cruise to Shotley. 12 boats took part and were joined by land reinforcements for a very satisfactory sunset barbecue. Thank you Tim (and of course Ed Allan for the handicapping).
- By mid-August no members had come forward to lead a bank holiday cruise so three boats teamed up “to do the rivers” – Orwell, Deben and Twizzle. Very enjoyable although yet again Hartley, Playpen and Zaidinha failed to make the Alde. Maybe this year.
All in all a very good season despite some pretty indifferent weather.
Cruise leaders then presented their plans for 2008
[ link to “WMYC Club Cruises 27th Feb 2008”]
The major cruise of the season will be led by Jon French, to Belgium and Holland.
[link to "High Summer Cruise to Belgium and Holland"]
Please note the dates for this cruise are two weeks earlier than shown in the previously published programme. There will be an opportunity towards the end of the cruise (around 19th July) to rendezvous with the Cruising Association centenary rally to Antwerp, a city well worth a visit in its own right.
PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
During the Cruiser Lunch members had an opportunity to view a good display of photos, some entered for the competition and others submitted for our admiration. The winner by popular vote was Jennifer Wakelin with her atmospheric view of the cranes at Felixstowe (below). Runner-up was Chrissie Clifton with “Sunset on the Zambezi”.
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