The rally started in the usual way with boats arriving on trailers - the first rig for some, of the new season, new engines being started and new kit being made ready. There was only one arrival by sea, the intrepid Tony Wood had set out for Ashlett on the Thursday and had a interesting journey along the coast.
The rest of the Ashlett fleet decided to abandon the plan to sail round and any plans to sail at all as the weather grew worse. Douglas Hopwood and Ian Cowie trailed round and launched at the marina.
We were joined by new faces, David McWhirter brought his bright yellow, and huge gig Tra Bhui which attracted a lot of interest, Adam Norman, in his Coaster Jester, Aidan Stowe in Rob Cat II and the unforgettable Howard Worsley and his wife Ruth.
Sharon from Churchouse also joined us to watch launching and we went for a motor down the harbour to charge my batteries, which she seems to enjoy.
Later the rally split into several parties and evening meal was cooked and beer and wine consumed.
Saturday 2nd
The day started very well, sun and a reasonable wind and many set off for Dell Quay on the last of the flood and enjoyed a good sail. On the way back down Howard had had one of his 'episodes' and gone aground with his rudder getting stuck. He managed get free before assistance arrived and most of the fleet set off down the harbour.
One or two decided the marina was the place to be but 4 or 5 of us arrived at East Head for lunch, meeting Richard Goldsmith in his Cornish Coble.
Howard had an 'episode' with his mast, and a fore stay pin failure which resulted in him and Ruth coming into the shallows at east Head to rectify...unfortunately on a falling tide he was in danger of being neaped so Richard kindly put me ashore to help ...in water 2 inches deeper than my sailing boots but heh ho...... got him off and partially fixed so he made his way to the raft to complete the repairs. We had to be quick as we were starting to run out of water ourselves.
Once all sorted we motored across to Mengeham Rithe where Howard, Tony and I pick up a buoy for the night - Peter T and Adam made there way to separate buoys.
The evening meal was very good - steak, egg and chips and we settled down for the night after some wine and a dram or two.
Then the washing machine started and lasted until about 04.00 am - we must have got the springs just right because there was no boat clashes just a lot of pitching and rolling....but we survived and woke the next morning to grey misty conditions.
In view of the weather and the outlook I decided to cancel the rally and we all made our way up to the marina to join that had remained in comfort.
Ruth and Howard kindly bought breakfast and we adjourned to our berths to get some rest.
Tony decided to trail back to Ashlett so hitched a ride with Ian to collect car and trailer.
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| Ruth, Howard and Tony |
The others departed during Sunday although the sun came out and Monday was a lovely day so I snatched a quick sail before turning for home - saving the two days leave for another time.
Lets hope the weathers better next time......
