Spring Rally 2011 - 13 proves a lucky number for HOEOCA!

Despite planning the rally dinner for Friday 13^th May, and the initial entry of 13 boats, our 17^th Spring Rally, unsurprisingly the 13^th cross channel, was highly successful. 

With the fleet comprising 5 based in the West Country, 3 based in the Solent and 5 chartered from Solent Yacht Charter, a total of 68 people took part. Sadly, the crew of Juliaian, having made an early start and seeing the forecast for Saturday, decided to stay UK side and cruise the West Country but all others crossed the channel without too much trouble, although China Belle III reported their relief at arriving in Braye after a hard trip! 

Crossings were variable; it seemed to depend upon your time of departure as to how much sailing was able to be done but, for most, especially the ‘virgins’ it proved a pleasant experience with little ‘mal de mer’ reported although some experienced fog. Some were able to sail nearly all the way. 

For the majority, Cherbourg was the destination for Wednesday night and the reward of a good Frenchmeal in various eateries after dicing with the shipping lanes. A certain ex Commodore was sorry to learn that his favourite ‘Le Vauban’ had changed hands. They were then rewarded by a superlative sunny downwind sail on the Thursday around to St Vaast. A mini pre-rally took place on Thursday night with 10 boats having arrived with a day in hand and able to take advantage of the generous 50% discount on mooring (thanks to Trish for organising). This enabled them to spend the evening eating in various establishments and the next day plotting for the arrival of Les Affaires and greeting her with water bombs.

Exceptions to the above were Moody Blue, Fulmarks and Les Affaires who were together in Ouisterham (the first 2 coming from Fecamp) and Cold Play who visited Courseuilles and then Grandcamp Maissy, getting up at 0330 to take the Friday morning tide to St Vaast. The evening lock also saw the arrival of Colin Yates on Louis B, a yacht often chartered by HOEOCA, so we were up to 13 boats again (sort of!). 

Our rally dinner took place at the 2 star Restaurant les Fuchsias at the Hotel de France, our 5^th visit. For the first time we enjoyed an aperitif and canapés in the lovely gardens of the hotel before sitting down to an excellent meal, beautifully presented and charmingly served. Paul Rivers-Latham said grace and Richard Callaghan, our Commodore, made the traditional speech but bemoaning the lack of serious mistakes and incidents that had been reported to him. There were 8 members on their first rally to welcome as well as the achievements of 9 cross channel ‘virgins’ to celebrate. After the dinner many adjourned for a final drink at the bar in the square before enjoying the hospitality of Mike Veal and crew. 

The opening times of the lock saw 6 boats up and about early to take the morning tide, including a somewhat bleary eyed Nordic Mist! Unfortunately, the wind had shifted to the North East and was consequently much colder. West Country boats were particularly challenged by the change in direction; some therefore went due west for a rest and a fabulous meal at the First and Last in Braye before crossing to Devon. 

The crew of the remaining 6 boats spent Saturday variously sleeping, shopping, visiting the market or Ile de Tatihou as well as enjoying a last French meal. There was a Festival of Sea Shanties taking place and we could enjoy all the nautical airs wafting across the harbour. At this point, Bernie Blower and the crew of Fulmarks discovered that their engine was not starting and had to make the decision to wait for Sea Start on Monday (tough) one). For the rest, the crossing back to the Solent was not very pleasant with an uncomfortable sea and that cold wind spoiling things. However the conclusion was that the weather had been unusually kind for our 35^th rally. 

Please feel free to share your pictures in the picture gallery contained within the website members area.

If anyone would like to write a short account of what the rally was like for them, perhaps a first channel crossing or skippering experience, we would be pleased to include it in the newsletter and on the website. 

Judy Lambourne – Rear Commodore Cruising