They now call depressions hurricanes and by names. Well we were so lucky to miss Ophelia and Brian. For the rally we enjoyed brilliant October weather. It was an especially successful event. We were booked into Shepard’s Wharf and members new and old (mind the ‘old’ bit) signed up. 16 member yachts all arrived and stacked 5 across the bay berthed together 3 lengths deep. Shepard’s Wharf was friendly too, loaning us the Sugar Store for the pontoon party for 37 crew. Sue & Peter with help from Sara & Lorraine prepared a spread of canapés and wine for us to enjoy as we mixed and discussed the important matters of life.

After what amounted to the first course of a dinner we perambulated to a new and interesting location. UKSA is a novel sailing centre as a “youth charity offering transformational opportunities, as well as professional yachting and watersports career courses”. This means it has hostel accommodation, dining and classrooms. We booked the dining room to follow after the residents for a splendid 2 course multiple choice menu with coffee to follow. We were invited to use the bar as well. The special characteristic of the mix of Maxi owners was obvious in the variety of bubbling conversations.

UKSA allowed us to use a classroom for the finale of the meet – A presentation of how a Maxi 1100 wins the gruelling Triangle race. This was delivered by Gary Heward to an extremely high quality and good humour enhanced by David Lewis & Gary Revell ripostes from the back of the room as they too were competitors in the same event. Then, more, we found the bar was open and entertainment. Even for one of our Maxi skippers who joined in with the Ladies’ Barberettes from Reading who had been singing before our dinner and were still going. Sadly it then was time to leave.

Peter Stonestreet

The rally enjoyed a beautiful hot August weekend, which did mean motor-sailing for both Friday evening and Saturday arrivals. All six boats hung off one visitors buoy at Itchenor, with the approval  of a slightly surprised Harbourmaster, which made the safari supper simple!

Some zoomed off to the pub at high engine speed, avoiding the Paddle-Only race to the pub against a strong tide which was won by Robert on his paddle board. However all managed to dry out, as you can see, with the tide unaccountably continuing to race out while we were in the pub.

We split into two groups for the first two courses, then all 14 joined up for pudding on Moonshine Blues and a very enjoyable and social evening was had!

People left from noon onwards and after a bit of motor-sailing, some picked up a good breeze and finished the weekend with a fine beat home.

I am working on negotiations for similar weather next year.

Sally Moulsdale