Ramsgate Rally Report 2010

The weekend sailing forecast was of course too good to be true. By Friday the Saturday winds were predicted to be F5-7 rather than F3-4. Interestingly Marinecall were very slow to pick up the change in the weather pattern and the Met Office inshore forecast was spot on for once. By Sunday the predicted balmy southerlies for Monday changed to F6 north-westerlies. In other words, typical bank holiday!

Not surprisingly a few boats dropped out but 14 came including two from Medway Cruising Club. The buffet lunch at the Horse and Groom was partaken of by 18 though several more came along and we had a great boules match afterwards organised by Gordon Pickett. Modesty forbids me from saying who won but the Commodore and I assure you that no inducement was offered or accepted by Gordon.

Of the 50 diners expected, only 41 turned up but we had a superb carvery meal at the Royal Temple Yacht Club. The Commodore's loyal toast, to the veterans and Little Ships who 70 years ago set off from Ramsgate to rescue British troops from Dunkirk, was well received. It was reported that Rod Laws had been seen on TV aboard one of the boats commemorating the historic event.

Renaissance and Dulali welcome the Margate ILB. That's not Captain Kirk, it's one of the lifeboat crew.

The outward trip was not without incident, though all ended happily. With strong winds on Saturday, the Thames Estuary seemed to be yacht-free. Not having seen a single yacht since leaving the Medway, I was surprised to hear a call for "Hoo Ness Yacht Club" on my VHF. Renaissance was aground on the sandbank between the S Margate and SE Margate buoys. There wasn't much I could do to help so I informed the coastguard, who asked me to stay close until the lifeboat arrived. I confirmed there was no immediate danger but was worried about the wind and waves picking up again as they refloated. In my attempts to get a bit closer I ended up putting Dulali aground too. The sandbank is very steep-to and has encroached into the Gore channel so it's easy to be caught out. The crew of the Margate ILB cheerfully kept us company and took our anchors to deeper water ready for floating off. They called for their big all-weather lifeboat to pull us off. Dulali was afloat first but I agreed to wait so I could accompany Renaissance to Ramsgate in the dark. As Renaissance was being towed off the sand, she stuck again, throwing one of the crew forward. She was transferred to the lifeboat which towed Renaissance at some speed back to Ramsgate, leaving me to follow its bright searchlight. Dulali struggled to make progress over the tide and arrived at 0130, some time after Renaissance and the lifeboat. Chas stayed up (red light on head) to guide me alongside Aurai.

GBJ goes to Sandwich. Photos by Neil Walters.

Les is proving very intrepid lately. Earlier this month he took the Havengore route to Burnham. On Sunday GBJ braved the rollers in Pegwell Bay to go up the Stour to Sandwich with a jolly crowd on board. Many seals were seen.

For those that stayed in Ramsgate on Sunday there was the traditional game of boules, which was enjoyed in the afternoon sunshine.

Boules enjoyed in the sunshine. Photos by Peter Gaskin.

More pictures of the boules and dinner at the Royal Temple Yacht Club from Gordon Picket here

Monday's strong north-westerlies (wind over tide, on the nose, as usual) made for a challenging return trip for those who couldn't wait, though by lunchtime the winds had moderated and the sun almost came out.

Tony Lavelle
Rear Commodore

Date Published 12th Jun 2010