2009
Mike and Linda decided to relocate their motorcruiser Rothbury from the Thames (Shepperton) to Dover. They journeyed to Limehouse, where Linda left and Mike G. and Jim M. joined. The intrepid trio then took Rothbury down the river and around to Dover in just over 4 hours. The yachties thought this was an improvement on the three days they normally take. Navigation was completely different because having decided which buoy to go for they found they'd passed it!
The underlying aim of the cruise to the I.O.W. by Celeste, Jubilee and Mallard was so that Jim could get to Bembridge and meet up with a couple of his old Navy chums, one of which he hadn't seen for forty-seven years. It would seem that they agreed that none of them had changed a bit, in looks (?), mannerisms or drinking habits! The trip itself was the usual iffy weather, iffy weather reports, a dodgy alternator in Mallard, but enjoyed by all.
Pat B. took Nice Lady, with his crew of Sheila, John B., Peter H. and Chris W. to Cowes and took part in the Round The Island Race. Of 1779 vessels that entered, Pat brought Nice Lady over the finish line in 463rd place, a superb achievement. In doing so he also raised £225 for his chosen cancer charities.
This year, Folkestone town council decided to form a twinning with Etaples (west a bit from Boulogne). Etaples sailing club had made contact with us, and Cruiser Chairman Bill swopped a few emails with them. A cruise to some French ports had been planned earlier in the year before we knew about this, and by coincidence it was decided to go at the very time of the official twinning. The boats arrived in Boulogne on Friday, and on Saturday three cars arrived from Etaples and whisked as many people as they could to Etaples, where they were given lunch, a tour of the museum and generally made to feel very welcome. On their return to Boulogne they found that Patrick had sailed from Etaples and stayed to escort and pilot the boats into Etaples the next day. This he did, leading seven of our boats down the coast and into the river, to be met by the Mayor, the Harbourmaster and a photographer. Reaching the marina they were met by a berthing party, had their photos taken, and went to the clubhouse for champagne and nibbles. What a welcome. The next day those that wished to leave were safely piloted back down the river. A great start to our association with Etaples Yacht Club.
Seven boats left Folkestone and Dover on Sunday for Ramsgate on the first leg of their cruise to Limehouse. What a fantastic trip, all the way from start to finish under sail. On Monday six boats continued on to Queenborough. Again it was a lovely day, but the sailing opportunities were much less. However, all made good time, one taking the 'outside' route, the others choosing to sail around the Swale. It is interesting to note that the Swale route is 1.5 hours longer! Another club boat arrived from Conyer, and the night was spent hanging off buoys in Queenborough. Departure times on Tuesday were staggered as each skipper decided how long he thought his trip would take - and how accurate they all were, as they all arrived at Limehouse within 10 minutes of each other! The day was very hot with a stiff breeze to be used where possible. The Thames was busier than previously experienced in the lower part. This did not stop the writer achieving a speed in excess of 9 knots over the ground at one time. All safely berthed in Limehouse at 1530, London's social world can stand by! A few days on now, all enjoying things, experiencing Clipper trips, the No. 15 bus, shows booked, sights seen, nice meals in the Cruising Assoc. Clubhouse. Three boats left early on Friday heading for home, and didn't have too good a time of it - from Gravesend to Sheerness, and around the North Foreland being especially unpleasant. However, they all reached Folkestone safely on Sunday. The remaining boats intended to leave on Tuesday, but had their stay in Limehouse extended because of bad weather around the Kent coast; having plenty to do and see, there is no unhappiness. Two more boats left Limehouse on Thursday for the Medway area, both arriving safely. The remaining two boats left on Friday, made a record passage down to Queenborough (just under 6 hours), to Ramsgate on Saturday and home on Sunday morning. Some photos have been added to the Gallery tab, but to see even more, go to Club Matters then Video/Photos.
Following the visit by some of our boats to Etaples recently, we have had a reciprocal visit by 35 people from their Yacht Club, although they came by coach! They enjoyed an excellent buffet lunch provided by the House Committee, some wine, and great efforts were made by all to understand each other. A fine speech was made by their Chairman, a photo and burgee presented, and our Rear Commodore Peter H. made an excellent unrehearsed reply, translated by Bob D., and presented our guests with a photo and burgee in turn. The hands of friendship across the sea have been well grasped. We were told that on November 7th there will be a 'Celebration of The Herring King' in Etaples, and any members of FYMBC who wish to attend will be made most welcome.
Further to the previous paragraph, a group of 32, led and organised by Mike V., went by coach via the Tunnel and Citie Europe to Etaples to experience the anuual Herring King celebrations. Our French friends could not have been more hospitable. After much handshaking, "bonjour"s and some speeches we were given a superb cold buffet lunch of marinated herring, pate, cold meats with salad and French bread; then came some freshly cooked herring; then a sweet course, and all the while there was an inexhaustible supply of wine. To top it all we were entertained by not one but two groups of musicians playing everything from sea shanties to the most romantic of French melodies. We then strolled around the many stalls with their local products and herring barbeques. Finally many of us met in a local hostelry for a welcome cafe au lait. It was then goodbye to a fabulous day in Etaples, having met some really friendly people who gave us a wonderful time.