The Victoria Shadow Association

 

East Coast Rally to The Royal Harwich Yacht Club on Saturday, 6th September 2008   The rally was organised by Anne Grubb, who also submitted the following report   It was weather watch during the week before the Rally.  As has been the case for most of this summer, strong winds and rain were forecast.  David and Sue Macgregor were still preparing Victoria Rose for their sail to the Mediterranean so they had always planned to come by car and have a weekend ashore on the East coast, visiting favourite haunts.  Mark and Sheesh Bloomfield were constrained by work so also intended coming by car.

'Redwing' sails through Harwich on her way to the rally

 

Pre-dinner drinks aboard 'Redwing'		Hardier types are happy in the cockpit

 

The first to abort their sea voyage was Rosie Briar with Owen and two friends.  It certainly was not a good time to cross the Thames Estuary.  Anne had family commitments so also came by car.  John and Wann Sadler decided to do likewise as they had had an unpleasant trip down the Wallet the previous week.  David Mitchell and Lynn Ruddick had volunteered Blue Leopard to be host boat but had unexpected visitors at the last minute so we were now down to one boat!!  However Martin Hunt came up during the week and had a couple days in Shotley, enjoying some local sailing, before coming up to Royal Harwich.  He was greeted by Anne with the news that they were now host boat – could they manage?  We kept our fingers crossed that the black clouds did not descend so that some of us could sit in the cockpit.  After a social hour on Redwing and close inspection of her unique arrangements both down below and on deck we went up to the Yacht Club for dinner.  We were to dine in the Ashbury Room surrounded by historical pictures and secluded from the main Club dining area.  We were given an excellent meal by chef Simon and his team – one of the best we have had at an East Coast Rally.  I am sure we will be back!

 

John and Wann Sadler		Owen Clarkson and Sheesh Bloomfield

 

David and Susan Macgregor		Glenys Hunt and Mark Bloomfield

 

David Macgregor and Wann Sadler at this end		Owen Clarkson and Mark Bloomfield at this end

 

Several of us had to drive home that night – the local bed and breakfast establishments being booked up – so we had to be constrained in our alcohol consumption!  This did not deter us from having a very enjoyable rally, despite the weather.  I guess we have been lucky in the past, compared to some of the South Coast Rallies so no-one was complaining.  Let’s hope for better weather when we meet again next year.

This page last updated on the 10 January 2009