2008 Cruising Reports
Report on the Sicily Rally - September 2008
This was a truly memorable rally. Two years of research, a meticulously organised program and enthusiastic marketing by Maggie Kay (backed up by Nigel) enabled over 60 Thames members and their guests to enjoy some great sailing and Sicilian experiences. The fleet - flying Cumberland pennants of course – numbered thirteen in total, five owners’ yachts and eight locally chartered yachts. It was especially pleasing that so many owners had managed to plan their Mediterranean routeing so as to reach Sicily in time. Nigel and Maggie Kay naturally had their Sunbird; George Ehlers seems to get everywhere in Sky Hunter; the odd couple of Collins and Kitchin had Penny Oyster; the Feet clan arrived later in the latest Water Music. And one felt a little bit proud to see John Maxwell’s new Oyster 655 Solway Mist with its carbon mast towering over the yachts in Palermo harbour, Thames burgee at the masthead. Amidst the memories, several stand out: · Arriving from a soggy Britain to Palermo, the slightly faded capital of Sicily, and provisioning in a blistering 40 degrees Centigrade. Phew! · The bliss next day of just stopping in mid ocean for a swim….. · The radio chit-chat during the Big Race (very calm, very hot) as a certain mathematician tried to explain to race officer Jack Edwards how to modify the sailing / motoring formula in the SI’s. Interspersed with pithy comments from a well-known lawyer on a well-used Oyster. · The Aeolian Islands themselves, very volcano-shaped and rising a thousand metres high straight out of the sea. · The delightful Hermione and her irrepressible husband Marco, owners of a hotel on Lipari, who gave Maggie so much help in setting things up, and showed us so much hospitality. · The unscheduled cocktails in Lipari aboard Hamish Janson’s enormous yacht. Hamish had detoured specially to drop in to see us, and coped wonderfully with some 60 guests! · A motorboat trip over to Stromboli, a perpetually active volcano that belches every few minutes. How can a boat kick up such a large wake but only achieve 14 knots flat out? · The horrified looks on the faces of the officials at Stromboli when they saw the youth (?), fitness (ha!) and equipment (no dress code?) of the Thames climbing team, set to climb to the top of the crater. We were despatched instead on a traverse route to half way. But as dusk fell we stood below the crater and watched as the lava bubbled up glowing red, and occasional boulders were spat out down the mountainside to roll down into the sea with a sizzle. Nature in the raw indeed. · The contrasting civilisation of Panarea, the “designer island”, where Maggie had promised the womenfolk some retail therapy. And a fantastico meal on the rooftop of the best hotel with views over the sea to Stromboli. · The invigorating sail from the Aeolians downwind through the Straits of Messina (think Charybdis and whirlpools!) with Skyhunter claiming a top speed of 17 knots (doubtful) whilst Penny Oyster definitely touched a record 12 knots. Sorry about the returning charterers heading in the opposite direction, who had to bash into 35 knots on the nose. · The excursion from Taormina by 4WD convoy up Mount Etna, a bigger but still active volcano. The black anarchic chaos and destructive capacity of recent lava flows is a sight not easily forgotten. · And finally the charm of Siracusa old town. Two thousand years of civilisation lies lightly on the lovely limestone buildings of this little gem. The Greek temple has metamorphosed through other religions to become a Christian church; the Greek theatre (500 BC) and the Roman amphitheatre (comparatively recent!) are still in use today. A select group of RTYC members and some of their yachts gathered at Fearnach Bay, Loch Melfort (56º16'.10N 005º30'.10W) on Saturday, August 30th. After several weeks of rather disappointing weather, the original plan to meet at Dunstaffnage was modified to set the mini-fleet the more modest challenge of reaching a less distant destination (with the benefit of hindsight, this was a good decision for a number of reasons). Peter and Ruth Tracey (RTYC) were the first to arrive in the area and were comfortably installed on their friend Mike Crane's motor boat Swordfish by the time Chris Perring (RTYC) arrived to join Hiltgund at Craobh Haven on Friday evening. An excellent meal was enjoyed in the bar at The Lord of the Isles at Craobh and later it was decided that a little fiddle playing from the band went a long way and a retreat was made to Hiltgund for a nightcap. Saturday dawned less dreary than forecast with a moderate breeze from the south. The rain kept away, and those at Craobh were treated to the sight of Bill Bergius (RTYC) sailing Northern Whistler into the marina shortly after lunch to drop off some of his crew. Hiltgund left Craobh with John & Gilly Bourke (RTYC) and Peter Tracey on board for a very enjoyable sail around the island of Shuna and on up to the top of Loch Melfort where Northern Whistler and Kaparda (Gavin and Pippa Shanks - Royal Highland Yacht Club) were already moored. This is a very picturesque spot to enjoy sitting out in the cockpit soaking up the scenery, especially on a sunny evening! However, for this evening's pre-dinner drinks, it looked as if there was a risk we might be soaking up something else so another change of plan was needed. Hiltgund does not have enough capacity for all to escape the elements and shelter down below, so we gladly accepted the offer of accommodation aboard Northern Whistler where Bill & Grace Bergius had been joined by Duncan & Annemieke Cunningham (RTYC). A ferry service for the evening was helpfully provided by Andy Malcolm who had kindly brought his RIB up from Duntrune Castle on Loch Crinan for the evening, and this allowed Ruth Tracey and Mike Crane to join us on board Northern Whistler after driving up from Craobh. In the event, drinks were taken in the cockpit where we managed to tough it out and only had umbrellas up for less than 5 minutes! A ten minute stroll took us up to The Shower of Herring Restaurant just by Melfort House where we enjoyed a fine meal of Scottish food which included such delights as Local Seafood Soup, Venison with Stornoway Black Pudding, Pan Fried Scottish Scallops and a splendid selection of puds. We were all seated around one big square table which was ideal, if a little noisy as the hour got later and the bottles emptier. Our thanks go to the proprietors John & Jean Bowman and their staff, especially to Mel, for looking after us so well. On our return to the moorings, we were generously entertained in great comfort by our guests from the Royal Highland Yacht Club aboard Kaparda (an Oyster 42 based at Ardfern) before retiring to our respective yachts for the night. It is hoped that the conviviality which continued until nearly dawn aboard one vessel did not unduly disturb the others.... As the overnight rain cleared, Hiltgund was first away from the moorings in the morning - with spring tides running, there was a deadline to make at the Dorus Mor on the way home - leaving Northern Whistler and Kaparda to enjoy their breakfast in peace before heading off to cruise in company for a few days.
RTYC Regional Gathering - Loch Melfort, Argyll, Scotland
Families Picnic 2008
The Families Picnic was a new event in the Royal Thames calendar, planned for immediately after Cowes Week when quite a number of day-boat and other sailors would be in the Solent area. It was hoped that members and guests would come on a variety of craft, but shore-side access was also possible. In the circumstances this was a good thing.
The weather on the day of the Picnic was fine, sunny and very windy - the records show SW F7 gusting 8. The Event Managers (John Stork & Malcolm McKeag) had decided to go ahead despite a really wet and unpleasant Saturday, and an uncertain F5 - 6 forecast for the Sunday, as some sun had been promised and all the arrangements had been made. It turned out to be the right decision.
Despite the wind, five RTYC boats (a RIB, two launches, a motor yacht and a sailing yacht) came to Hurst, mooring inside Keyhaven Lake as it felt too exposed at anchor off the Spit. Others set off but returned to port, although most of the members and guests involved then came round by car and used the Hurst Castle ferry. The dedicated Club ferry that was to have collected crews from the anchorage met the majority of Picnic-goers at Keyhaven quay instead.
Approximately 65 adults and children came to the Picnic. Over 100 had pre-booked, and we expected even more, but most were deterred by the weather. However, all those who reached the Picnic appeared to enjoy themselves and several spontaneously said that the event should become an annual Royal Thames ‘tradition', and the Sunday after Cowes Week was an excellent day to select. There was a mix of racing and non-racing sailors at Hurst, but no dedicated offshore racers, so attendance is unlikely to be affected in a Fastnet year.
The Picnic took place inside the eastern end of Hurst Castle which was exclusively reserved for the Royal Thames, with its own entrance suitably decorated with Club insignia. One member of the Friends of Hurst Castle was present at the gate, but the Sailing Secretary checked members and guests in, issuing them with tickets that gave access to the whole castle area.
Inside the Royal Thames section of the castle there was some bunting and about 50 RTYC balloons were inflated to liven up the environment. A central area was marked out for races by the children (also used by those fathers who decided to have their own sack race). A large BBQ was lit and watched over by a member of the Hurst team (Jason Crane), but no food was provided as the whole event was on a low-key BYO basis.
Most of those attending stayed inside the shelter of the castle, forming into little family groups on the grass, but coming together to watch the Punch n' Judy show which had the main performance (30 mins) early in the afternoon, with a shorter (and better) version at the end, after the prize-giving. The show was best appreciated by children aged 3 - 11 (the age range of the majority of children present). From 1400 (when the BBQ officially ended) there were various activities available and each family group was issued with kite-making material with the objective of constructing and flying their home-made kite at 1500.
The younger children (typically 4 - 10) ran races between 1400 and 1430. These included a race on monsters' feet, an egg and spoon race, and a sack race. The very young were then sent off to find three home-made flowers of different colours (some 45 had been hidden in the area), which they did with enthusiasm. At the same time others went on the more structured treasure hunt around the total castle area. Some of the adults enjoyed a tour of the whole castle; others supervised small children and carried on making their kites. These kites were flown at 1500 and prizes were given afterwards for the highest-flying kite, the kite that stayed up the longest, the most innovative kite and the kite best flown by a child.
All the kite-flying prizes, and those given for the racing, were small varnished wooden plaques with RTYC burgees painted on them and ribbons to go round the winner's neck. All the children were given a bag of sweets kindly donated by Humbugs of Quay Street, Lymington. Other bigger prizes were given to children who had been successful in the races.
Some had left earlier on the tide, but for most the party ended at about 1600. It was just as windy then as when it had started.
Many thanks to an enthusiastic group of helpers (the ‘stall-holders') who turned up early on the day to get everything organised. Hurst Castle Ferries, and the Friends of Hurst Castle, were hugely supportive of the Royal Thames and without their help the day would not have been so successful. We are very grateful to them and hope to return to Hurst in other years.
Cumberland Regatta 2008
The Cumberland Regatta is the Club's principal social sailing event in the Solent. Each year the Chief Sailing Officer conspires to add new twists to a fascinating mix that offers something for everyone.
This year's additions combined a history lesson (which Sailing Society was founded in 1775?) with financial support from Discovery Yachts.
The weekend kicked off on Friday in Cowes with informal drinks on the balcony of the Prospect, by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Martin Levi. The rain threatened but did not deter a cheerful throng which included one or two refugees from the City, still be-suited. Home to bed late, as Pepys might have written, safely tied up to the Club pontoon up river.
Saturday is always racing day. The start of the Round Britain Powerboat Race most conveniently meant that we were unable to start before midday. (Really well organised, Malcolm, please can you do this every year?) Eight reaching/running legs with only two beats was a beat too far for some of the more cruising-oriented competitors, but seemed to suit the Captain of Cruising who sailed Resolution through the fleet to cross the line first and win on handicap. Elsewhere the Club race officers were running the first UK Nationals for the new Tofinou 9.5s.
Saturday dinner on the Squadron Platform was the formal part of the weekend. With the members of the Squadron wisely abandoning their club for the weekend, we were able to berth most of our Cumberland fleet in the Squadron Haven. Absolutely brilliant! So close, so convenient, and it enabled many of us to make a close inspection of John Whybrow's lovely new Discovery 55. The dinner, as with any large Thames gathering, was a quiet, sober affair, matched by the CSO's history monologue....
Sunday is traditionally a casual lunch somewhere up the Beaulieu River. Our generous hosts this year were John and Carol Hackman. Bright sunshine and a splendid hog roast made for a cheerful occasion, although the strong winds came close to blowing the marquee into the river! The same winds made exiting the Beaulieu a wee bit hairy, but then helped to whiz most of us back to our bases in record time.
Now, for next year we are planning to........