15/09/2026
15th September 2026
Flotilla Sail
Séan writes:
A sun kissed vista greeted the large fleet of eager sailors assembled this morning on the dinghy park. The wind was a gentle zephyr which carried us on our way to the azure delights of the beautiful harbour, the wavelets glistening like diamonds, the whole scene having a dream like quality.
Dream on!!!!!
There were four boats, Hugh in his Cormorant, newbies Jenny and Julian in their Wanderer, Roger and Karen in a Wayfarer and yours truly eager to try out my recently purchased Radial sail. Our esteemed Commodore had insisted I get one as I am now very old!
I can’t tell you how glad I was not to be on the standard rig as it was blowing old boots out there. Once clear of the cut I careered past Joe and Rosie in Unity and tried to see where I was going through the spray. Heading towards Pinchens I twice almost capsized to windward only rescuing the situation by lying back in the water and sheeting in like mad.
Blue and Bev, in the patrol boat, kept an eye on us and looked braced for action. The value of having a radio was evident when two boats reported they were heading for home.
Hugh reported his rudder coming adrift although he managed to rescue the situation.
To my knowledge no one went for a swim
although Holfuy was recording gusts of force 5 strength. It was pretty gusty.
Safely back on the dinghy park the consensus was that it had been an exhilarating sail enjoyed by all.
Well done to all concerned. To those wimps that didn’t show up …….. well you were probably right!
Our next life and death experience, sorry Flotilla outing, is scheduled for Tuesday the 29th September when I hope to see you there.