The Drascombe Association on the Web

The Drascombe Association is a group of of over 1000 enthusiasts dedicated to the traditional-style sailing boats designed by the late John Watkinson. Over 5000 Drascombes of all types have been built since the first Lugger was launched in 1966. They are all simple, rugged, and seakindly. (Scroll down this page for the Latest News, or visit our Forum or click the photo to visit our Rally Galleries)

News:

DAN
The production of the next issue of DAN is underway. Thank you to those members who responded to our urgent request for content. The guest editor for DAN149 is Chairman Dave Staniforth. The desktop publishing will be outsourced to a professional before heading to our regular printers.
Please think about contributing to future editions of DAN. Send your contribution to DANews@drascombe-association.org.uk


Added by dave s - 01/05/2024

2024 AGM
The AGM was held on 10th March at 1700GMT on Zoom. There were 21 DA members attending. The reports tabled can be found on the Member's section of the forum here.
The following officers were re-elected:
Chairman - Dave Staniforth
Treasurer - Peter Ridgway
Secretary - Peter Ainsworth
The position of Publicity Officer is vacant.
Added by dave s - 11/03/2024

Photo Competition
The winners are as follows:
Category: Action
Zippy by name, Zippy by nature
Penny Excell

Category: Funny (Joint winners)
Next stop Henley!
Mary Ratcliffe
Pat Jones or a zebra loose in Kinvara?
Kim Roberts

Category: General
Waiting for wind Lough Allen
Kim Roberts

Category: Video
Sailing a Dabber to Rathlin
David Poots
Added by DS - 10/03/2024

DAN Advertising
The DA Committee have decided that DAN148, which will be posted to members in late-January, will be the last issue with commercial advertising. DAN magazine will continue to publish a list of suppliers and their contact details for the benefit of members.
The reasons for the decision are:
• Reduce distribution costs given significant increases in cost of printing and postage in recent years.
• Limit increase in production costs. The desktop publishing aspects of DAN will now be done commercially as the 6-month search for a volunteer to take on the Editor role from 2024 has been unsuccessful.
• Simplify the DA Advertising postholder role and reduce Treasurer workload.

There will be a reduction in income to the DA, however, advertising payments have only ever covered costs.

This change is in line taken by many other similar volunteer-run associations. There are now many other social media, email and other communication channels available to small businesses than in the 1990s when commercial advertising first carried in DAN.

The Small Ads used by DA members in DAN and on this website will continue as normal.

If you have any feedback or questions please contact the DA or come to the DA AGM in March.
Added by dave s - 12/01/2024

Gallery
Rally albums from 2015 are available to view under the Gallery tab.
The aim is to provide a selection of photos that give an impression of Drascombe Association Rallies to members and those considering joining.
Typically we try to limit photos to 10 per rally although this is not a hard limit.
If you have photos for either the website or the Drascombe Association News magazine please let us know.
Added by CM - 06/03/2023

Subscriptions
Membership of the DA runs for 12 months from the date of enrolment for new members who now join the association and the amount increased to £15 (UK) on 1st January 2012.
(Renewals are now automated for EU & World Applications and Renewals made after 7/12/13) and for those UK members who joined or renewed after 14/4/16 by Paypal or Go Cardless. Please check the membership secretary's reminder for more details.

Drascombe Association News

DAN is our quarterly hardcopy magazine, mailed out to members. It is written for and by the membership. Please see the guidelines for submitting articles and images for DAN.
(A Sample edited pdf Spring 2021 version is now available for non members; click the cover above to download.)

Website
Contributions (especially pictures or Owner's View items for the About Drascombes page) are always welcome and should be sent to Chris . Please see the guidelines for website submissions.

Forum
The Drascombe Forum is the place where you can ask questions, have discussions, and research anything to do with Drascombes. Here are the most recent active topics:

Books - Featured Book Practical Dinghy Cruiser Paul Constantine Dinghy Cruising is a popular, practical activity, pursued by hundreds if not thousands of sailors. Surprisingly, there is no recognized, single style of craft specifically for this sport. Each person taking it up must find their own boat and then modify it to make it suitable for their own chosen undertaking. This book is the key to unlocking that whole experience, on a tight budget.