The location for the 10/30 Grand Fleet event in 1997 when close on 100 Drascombes attended, Calshot Activities Centre is at the southern tip of Southampton Water, overlooking the Solent and right opposite Cowes where by pure coincidence the 1600 entrants for the 2007 Round the Island Race will start very early on Grand Fleet Day
Calshot is easy to reach, by road or sea, with the Solent Cruise planned to finish there on the Friday of the Grand Fleet weekend. The Centre, the former Saunders Roe seaplane base offers wonderful shoreside facilities including an excellent wide launching slip, extensive secure parking, bed and breakfast accommodation, caravan and camping area, cafeteria and dining room, an on site pub serving food plus modern loos and showers open 7/24
The object of the weekend is for as many Drascombers and their children and guests as possible to have a great time; we will welcome anyone wishing to learn more about the boats and the Association. We hope to have examples of most Drascombe boats, including the all-new Drifter 22 available to look at and will endeavour to arrange day sails by prior arrangement.
Planned Itinerary for the Grand Fleet Weekend
Friday – arrive, register, rig and launch if sleeping aboard, evening
welcome party and barbeque
.
Saturday – for the early risers (0500 onward) – watch the
start of the Round the Island Race with some of the biggest and fastest sailing
boats in the world taking part. About 1000 – depart Calshot for a day
sail down the Western Solent to Newtown Creek Isle of Wight (about 7 NM),
an unspoilt natural harbour and wildlife reserve for a picnic lunch, returning
with the afternoon tide for an evening Rally Supper.
Sunday – about 1000 depart Calshot for ‘Admiral’s Manoeuvres’ off Calshot and a day sail, up Southampton Water or to the Beaulieu River entrance for a picnic lunch, return to Calshot and home.
We have a number of able singers and musicians coming to the event, aiming to form the basis for some home – grown entertainment over the weekend, the intention being to involve everyone – if you sing or play - don’t hold back!
Peter Tiplady is the Organiser of the Calshot weekend. If you would like more information, please contact him – email tipladys _AT_ tiscali.co.uk or phone 01273 494 385.
If you plan on coming to Calshot or ANY of the other Grand Fleet Days, please apply to the relevant Organiser by 14 April.