Drascombe AssociationEvents 2013
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| `Nice? It's the ONLY thing,' said the Water Rat solemnly, as he leant forward for his stroke. `Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing,' he went on dreamily: `messing--about--in--boats; messing--about in boats--or WITH boats,' the Rat went on composedly, picking himself up with a pleasant laugh. `In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not. ." - Kenneth Graham - The Wind in the Willows |
The events planned for the 2013 season are listed below. The contact details of organisers are shown in DAN. If an event is "greyed out", then you've missed it! But look out for the writeups on the Articles page and photos in the Galleries.
Events marked SSD are especially Suitable for Smaller Drascombes.
The events are split into three sections: rallies organised by the Association, events organised by our Dutch colleagues (NKDE), and other non-Drascombe events, likely to be of interest to Drascombe sailors. Note that names alongside non-DA events are Drascombe contacts not event organisers (unless stated).
You must complete an Application Form if you wish to attend
an event. Application forms are supplied with the DAN. Members will find a link
to a downloadable version of the application form in the members section of the Forum.
(You must be logged in
Send the completed form, with your registration fee (if one is specified), to the organiser whose name appears against the event. Members will find a link to a list of organisers with their contact details in DAN and in the same place on the forum as the application form. If you would like some more information before deciding to attend any of the events all you need to do is to contact the organiser concerned - they will be glad to hear from you.
The committee encourages any Association member to organise
additional rallies and will provide assistance if required. Please contact Jack O'Keeffe. 
A newly (2010) produced guide to rallies is available for attendees and organisers to download.
to view a past year's events, click the available year in the right menu, then click the radio button "show all events" below, to see past events greyed out (+ events still to come from present year)
List of 2013 Events
| Drascombe Association Events | |||
| Date | Event/Venue | Organiser | Details |
| May 29th & 30th SSD | PITSFORD | Peter Rhodes | The 2013 Pitsford Rally, incorporating that annual nail-biting event Robbie's Race, will be held at Pitsford Water, Northants on Wed-Thu May 29-30th. The fee, to include secure parking, lakeside camping and use of all club facilities, will be £35 See forum |
| May 31st to June 2nd SSD | RIVER DART | Simon Farley | The Rally will be based at Dittisham, around the Anchorstone Cafe, Ferryboat Inn and Cliff Cottage. Plan will be to sail locally on the Friday, Saturday , using the tidal river, departing on the Sunday. Nothing too arduous. Suitable for all Drascombes See FORUM Joining instructions here |
| June 01st & 2nd SSD | River Avon (Warwickshire) Rally | John Christie | Inland cruising. Upper part of the Warwickshire Avon. This river is very beautiful. We will launch at Bidford on Avon and cruise to Stratford on Avon. BB or live on board or camp. An Avon Navigation licence will be necessary. Please obtain well in advance. Small Boat Safety Scheme NOT required for short term licence. Full details in FORUM with rally instructions . Luggers and smaller are minimum fee. Usual fee to JC. |
| June 07th to 9th SSD | PLYMOUTH | Chris Murray | Based at Plymouth Yacht Haven Marina discount of 20% on the £3.00/m./day .Berths available at this rate from the 6th-10th June, for all Drascombes and NAD’s. Excellent free launching and other facilities and trailer parking ! B&B near the marina. Barbecue on the Friday 7th, Dinner in Bridge Restaurant on Sat. night, Sailing across/around Plymouth Sound to Cawsand/Kingsand ,or up the River Tamar or Yealm depending on weather on both Saturday and Sunday.Great rally to sail/trail to after River Dart Rally. |
| June 08th | WELLS NEXT THE SEA | Richard Price | Friday, 7th June - Arrive and launch the boats. Moorings, for those who want them, will be reserved with the harbour master and there are showers and washing facilities at the harbour office. Saturday, 8th June - An early sail in company around Wells harbour and out in to Holkham Bay if weather permits. Then meet up on the evening tide for a sail to the Beach BBQ. Sunday (am) 9th June - Creek-crawling on the early tide in company. Some say this is the highlight of the weekend as you will sail through creeks which are barely wider than a Lugger and will see some wonderful wild-life. |
| June 08th & 9th | GRANTON HBr | Graham Russell | Based at Granton Harbour in Edinburgh and hosted by the Forth Corinthian Yacht Club we will explore the Firth of Forth in the vicinity of the islands Inchcolm and Inchkeith and perhaps as far as the Forth Bridge. Due to the tides (HW 15:37 on the 8th), boats will be launched after lunch on the Saturday so that retrieval on Sunday is easy. There will be opportunities for crewing if you do not wish to bring your boat. See FORUM |
| June 15th & 16th SSD | Lydney Yacht Club Rally | John Christie | Come to Lydney for our Annual Rally linked to the Lydney Music Festival. Either lock in for the weekend or trail sail up river from the slipway. Very early booking is recommended. Usual fee to JC |
| June 21st - 23rd SSD | STRANGFORD L | John Stanage | Based at East Down Yacht Club and enjoying a spectacular setting of tidal inlets and islands in a lough of outstanding natural beauty, ideal for Drascombe sailors and their families. Barbecue and music at the EDYC midsummer event. |
| June 29th & 30th | TEIFI Rally | Gareth Rowlands | A weekend's cruising on and around the Teifi Estuary and adjacent coastal waters in West Wales, sailing from the Teifi Boating Club. A mixture of challenging tidal and sheltered estuarine waters make this a popular event. Outboard motors essential. Earlyish start on Saturday makes Friday evening arrivals advisable. Rally fee £7.00 |
| July 06th & 7th SSD | CONISTON | Chris Beeson | Lake District - good for first-timers, no tides, no charts needed. Swallows and Amazons ambiance. BBQ Saturday night - bring your own food, bar at the sailing club. Inclusive fee around £28 payable to Chris Beeson. See FORUM |
| July 13th to 15th SSD | PORTAVADIE | Stuart Patrick | Launch at Portavadie, or join in popular feeder on Friday 12th from Largs, sail (with tide!) thru' Kyles to Portavadie Marina on Loch Fyne for weekend. Explore Loch Fyne, wallow in Marina comfort, dine in style,then (optional) (not SSD) cruise thru' week to Campbelltown, Arran, distilleries, castles, good company. Return to this wonderful venue, good weather almost guaranteed! |
| July 27th to 4th August Liveaboard | Bristol Channel Grand Cruise | John Christie | Following the success of previous years, Lydney Yacht Club wish to invite adventurous Drascombers to join us for the 2013 Summer Cruise. Live aboard or camp. Smallest boats will be Wayfarers. Cruise the North Somerset, Devon and South Welsh coasts in company. Very flexible itinery dependant on weather. Plenty of places to see. Skippers should have some tidal water experience, but the conditions are no more challenging than the Solent. Full briefing notes provided plus daily briefings. 13 boats came last year. Please ring to discuss. Usual fee to JC |
| July 28th to August 4th (PH Sco) Liveaboard | East Coast Cruise | Julian Merson | Based on the rivers Deben, Ore, Butley and Alde this will be a looser arrangement, with itinerary to suit participants who are welcome to come along for all or some of this time. Potential visits to Woodbridge, Waldringfield, Ramsholt, Old Felixstowe, Orford, Aldeburgh, Snape. Potential launching at Felixstowe Ferry, Bawdsey, Waldringfield, Woodbridge (River Deben), or at Orford (Ore), Aldeburgh (Alde) - participants would need to make their own arrangements for this. Dates and itinerary tbc and very much dependent on participants' preferences. Mainly for liveaboards, if you are interested in joining for a day SSD, please contact Julian. No fee. See FORUM |
| Aug 03rd & 4th SSD | CARLINGFORD YC | John White | Friday 2nd August, welcome and launch. Saturday and Sunday sailing on the Lough exploring the islands and sheltered bays as weather and tides permit, possibly observing the large seal population. Club bar and restaurant open for food and socializing each evening. Camp in the club grounds, live aboard or stay in local accommodation. Berthing in Carlingford Harbour. Haul out Sunday evening. The historic walled village and the local mountains may tempt some to spend another day or two in this area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. More on the Forum |
| Aug 12th to 14th SSD | Rising Tide Rally | Jeff Lander | Based at Itchenor Sailing club (Chichester Harbour ) with use of their pontoon with shoreside access to facilities (£5 per night). The aim will be to explore the mysterious back channels of Thorney island, sail up a couple of little used creeks at high water and maybe even do some seal spotting. Shoreside accommodation available at ISC if desired . One evening meal in sailing club, the other aboard rafted up . Relaxed starting times! Opportunity for follow on cruise after rally |
| Aug 17th & 18th SSD | BLACKWATER CRUISE | Anthony Gurnee | Arrive Friday evening and launch at Ferry Point opposite Youghal town; Three hours at most up to Cappoquin area on Saturday morning; Lunch at Dromana where there is a reasonable dock that can be used at high tide. Sail back to arrive at Ferry Point late afternoon Those who chose can do some sailing outside the harbour Dinner in Youghal or Ardmore Coastal sailing on Sunday towards Ballycotton or towards Helvic Head. |
| August 24 & 25th | STONEHAVEN | Mike O'Hagan | Sail (or walk) to Dunnottar Castle and on to Fowlsheugh seabird cliff colony. Good harbour with easy slip. Forum post soon |
| September 7th & 8th SSD | LOCH LOMOND | Kathleen McWhirter | Loch Lomond lies on the Highland Boundary Fault which demarks the boundary between the lowlands and highlands of Scotland’s. The fault is the reason for the stark contrast in landscapes between the north and south ends of the loch and it is responsible for a number of the Loch’s islands. The planned cruising area for this year’s rally is the area of loch to the north and west of Balmaha as this area contains nearly all of the thirty odd islands in the loch. For those wanting to embark on an extended sail the Loch is navigable for its full 24 mile length |
| Sep 09th to 14th Liveaboard | Solent Cruise | Jim Hopwood | Assemble at Ashlett Creek on Sunday 8 September, cruise the area between Poole and Chichester for 6 days, returning Saturday 14 September. Tides are right to go round the Isle of Wight if the weather is kind, Solent harbours beckon if not. |
| Sep 13th - 15th SSD | FOWEY | Lynne Barnes | Sailing in the beautiful Fowey Estuary and along the nearby Cornwall coast, perhaps as far as Megavissey. Pontoon berths with full facilities available, camping and B&B nearby. Approx £45 for pontoon, launching, harbour dues, car parking for 3 days payable locally. |
| Sep 27th to 29th SSD | HICKLING BROAD *New Date* | Julian Merson | Launching, mooring, trailer and car parking at Hickling. Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere provide wonderful inland stretches for pleasant sailing. Superb wildlife, beautiful scenery. Pub meal on Saturday evening at the Pleasureboat Inn. Likely costs will include a launch/recovery (tba), a Broads Authority toll - currently £8.64 for two days and a charge for mooring each evening (tba). See FORUM thread here for updates |
| Nov 16th Shorebased | Scottish AGM/Social | Mike O'Hagan | We are planning a good party in Stonehaven - come and join us! Walks in woods or along the coast to Dunnottar Castle (or maybe a sail?) beforehand. Good food & company. Expect to hold cost to last year's £20 - confirmation by next DAN. Forum post soon. (oh...and a Scottish AGM while we are all together.) |
| Nov 22nd Shorebased | South Coast Supper | Richard Goldsmith | An opportunity to join fellow enthusiasts at Chichester Yacht Club for an informal meal; a chance to share experiences of the past season and, maybe, make plans for 2014! Contact Richard Goldsmith for details and definitely if you plan to attend. |
| Dutch Drascombe Rallies | |||
| Date | Event/Venue | Organiser | Details |
| Sep 06th to 8th. SSD | KAGER PLASSEN | Margot Schaake | Summer Meeting - Fresh water sailing around Kaag Dorp including a special sail through the historic canals of Leiden, especially suitable for small Drascombes as well, camping facilities ashore. |
| Nov 08th to 10th Shorebased | Classic Boat Show | Michel Maartens | Classic Boat Show - Enkhuizen Website here |
| Nov 13th to 17th Liveaboard | TWW | Antoine Maartens | Traditional Wadden Weekend - Makkum Freezeaboards only, traditional end of the season cruise around the by then grey, wet, foggy and cold western Frisian islands. The moon is nearly full by then, so night trips on a rising tide, not for the faint hearted! |
| Dec 20th to 22nd Liveaboard | KorDaTo - Lauwersoog | Bas Suurenbroek | Trying to reach Ameland for copious dinner ashore or alternatively retreat to the deserted harbour of Schiermonnikoog to visit the rightly famous vintage Hotel Van der Werff. |
| Non-Drascombe Association Events - names in brackets are Drascombe contacts, not organisers. | |||
| Date | Event/Venue | Contact | Details |
| June 22nd & 23rd SSD | Portsoy Festival | Mike O'Hagan | The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (Drascombes count as traditional) with sailing events, traditional music, good food & drink and 5 & 10k runs in and around Portsoy's fine harbour on the Moray coast. See the event website here |
| June 23rd to 28th | Round Ireland on the inside | Lough Ree YC | Alan Algeo commodore of LRYC welcomes Drascombes to "Round Ireland on the inside" at Lough Ree 24th-28th June(?coincident with Wicklow S.C. round Ireland ).Mixed fleet,SODs,barges,cruisers,visiting many of the islands,possibly involving stimulants,starting with hooley 23/6 in LRYC clubhouse. Invitation related to exemplary behaviour last time.... |
| June 27th to 30th Liveaboard | Entre Terre et Mer | Nautisme enn Bretagne | This is the second Festival of Farmers & Sailors run in the bay of Morlaix. See the event website and FORUM |
| June 28th to 30th | CARDIFF OGA Jubilee | OGA | The rally will mainly involve small open boats sailing within the barrage at Cardiff.
This Rally is one of a series to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the OGA and OGA invite DA members to take part in this trailersailer edition. Joining instructions here |
| July 19th to 29th | CONWY | Vernon Turnbull | We have a lot of interest in returning to Conwy to sail with the nobbies and enjoy the medieval festival in the town. See 2011 event to see what we did then. Not suitable for small Drascombes. See FORUM and the event |
| July 20th & 21st | Glandore Classic Regatta | Jack OKeeffe | Run by Glandore YC with special inclusion of sail and oar fleets this edition and an invitation to Drascombes. Drascombes will run our rally in conjunction with the event to enjoy day cruises Glandore and adjacent bays and harbours, such as Roscarberry and Blind Harbour - and the sand beach on Rabbit Island. Event website here |
| Aug 01st & 2nd SSD | Kilchoan Regatta | Tom Colville | Held in a crofting community West Ardnamurchan. The Drascombe race for the 'New Zealand' cup will be held on on Thursday 1st August. The main community regatta (fun ) day is on Friday 2nd . The inshore Drascombe race for the Glashven Cup is held that morning. The day ends with a Regatta Dance. Cruise options to Mull and Sunart following the regatta. If anyone is planning a west highland holiday this is an excellent way to begin or end their week. |
| Aug 15th to 18th | COWES OGA Jubilee | OGA | This event will be hosted by the Old Gaffers Association to celebrate their international Golden Jubilee year and they are keen to invite members of the Drascombe Association to join them in Cowes for a week-end of fun, sea shanties and general relaxed good humour and socialising with other gaffers with boats of all shapes and sizes and vintage. They plan that berthing will be free to all gaff rigged boats will be free. Planning is ongoing, but information will be available from the Solent OGA site and OGA |
On longer cruises it is best to plan as if you were going to make the trip on your own. Have adequate safety gear, communications, spare parts and tools to suit the itinerary. The other boats are there for company and reassurance, not to be relied upon for basic needs.
The booklet SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR RECREATIONAL BOAT USERS provides guidance on appropriate equipment and preparations. It is available from the RYA, 0845 345 0400 or the RNLI, 0845 122 6999. Both also provide other guidelines and checklists.
PLEASE tell the organiser AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:
- That you are coming and are insured
- If you need help
- If you cancel or will arrive late
- If you leave the rally early