Rally Reports
The Brixham Rally 13/14 September 2005 was attended by four Maxi owners.
New M-O-A Pennants Fly In Alderney
On Monday, it was our turn to explore by land, on rather creaky rental bikes. We discovered that, for such a small island, Alderney has some quite impressive hills. By Tuesday, the others had left, and we decided to circumnavigate the tiny island of Burhou. This little, rocky island is inhabited only by birds, and presents quite a challenge, due to numerous rocks and the very strong local tides. Its wild beauty was well worth the effort, though, and we found a very cosy anchorage for next time we visit.
5 Maxi’s – and 13 people – meet in Nieuwpoort, 4-6th August, 2005
-bore” talk that only us guys can dish up. By evening, we were aware of a decline in the weather and pondering Vouvray’s prospects for a return passage.
After hearing the 5.30am forecast
, we decided we would give it a go as the winds were not forecast too strong (NW 5 and 6’s) although bang on the nose into what we knew would be short steep seas, around 3m height. We powered out of Nieuwpoort with fully reefed main and took plenty of green water as we cleared the entrance in 30 knots plus of wind. We then settled down and made good progress sailing until passed West Hinder, although the currents and waves were not pleasant around any of the banks. Our progress really dropped
(even though we were now motor sailing) due to adverse tide as we tried to cross the wide Hinder TSS and we even considered diverting to Ramsgate for a short while. However we managed to get into the relatively calmer seas near Kentish Knock, and the winds and seas gradually eased as forecast. As we approached Walton on the Naze, the sea was dead calm and we saw the first yachts! We then wondered why our speed suddenly dropped: we had picked up a pot marker. Fortunately, the rope cutter did its work.
A brilliant turnout with 27 people, plus two hardy boats
Good Time Girl, Asante, Blue Rider, D’eaunuts, Huggy Bear, Blue Lightning, Lookin For Kloos, Shearwater, Intrepid, Caribou, Vouvray, Maxi Magic
Peter Sands, Blue Lightning
Sun, warmth & blue skies – Bembridge 23-25th May 2009
What a contrast to last year!
Sun, warmth, blue skies… and 8 Maxi’s. A perfect start to a bank holiday weekend!
The marina staff had prepared for two trots for us. Blue Rider arrived at the top of the tide to find Blue Lightning already there and ready to take our lines. The remainder of the fleet smelt the coffee and soon followed alongside to join us the cockpit and catch up on the news of winter holidays and refits. This was to be a good Bank Holiday break.
We were able to welcome newcomers, John and Irene Taylor, with son Phillip, onboard Amare (38+), and Graham and Helena Douglas, with boat hound Hamish on Moon Shadow (999). Helena is our new newsletter editor. All relaxed in the pleasant afternoon, except for the crew of Blue Rider who were busy planning the progression of that night’s BYO Safari Supper — for 14 crew in six groups on two boats per course with three courses.
The evening was brilliant and started with pontoon party and ‘hors d’oeuvres’ in the warm sunshine. At the allotted time we gathered our first courses and assembled aboard our host boat. After this we had half an hour to cook our main courses on our own boats, before collecting desserts to eat on another. Finally thanks to their kind hospitality we all gathered onboard Blue Lightning for coffee, chocolates and after dinner drinks to commend our good fortune with the weather and excellent company. Some thoughts also turned to a possible Rally in Guernsey for 2010, now that we have Maxi owners represented there.
Sunday opened for a healthy day with most Maxis off for walks around the shoreline: some even managed the Crab & Lobster for lunch. We did the windmill for education and met the Sunday Maxi arrivals around the town. That evening, like clockwork the ferries were ready to take us to dinner at the colonial style Bembridge Sailing Club with its dining room facing the setting sun. We all complimented the presentation of the excellent two-course meal and coffee.
Bank Holiday Monday started dismally following overnight rain, but the weather soon cleared for a necessary departure for most at about 10:30, leaving Blue Rider having coffee at Baywatch before leaving on the tide at 12:30.
Blue Lightning
Bilton Garth
Amare
Maxima
Blue Rider
Good Time Girl
Moon Shadow
Lookin for Kloos (18 people in all)Report by Peter Stonestreet Blue Rider and Helena Moon Shadow