Brixham Heritage Regatta 2017
This the earliest event in our calender and it doesn't always happen but this year it was bathed in glorious sunshine.
There were 34 entries of classic vessels, many quite historic including the fleet of magnificent Brixham Sailing Trawlers.
The Parade of Sail in the sun gave a magnificent spectacle and the racing was well supported.
A full account will be published in The Dog Watch and the race winners can be found on the website www.brixhamheritagesailing.org.uk
The Helford River Rally 2017
Sunshine favoured the Helford Rally as it followed on from Falmouth Classics.
Nineteen boats came along to enjoy a sociable beach barbecue in the evening sun on the Monday. Tuesday brought light easterlies for the 14 boats racing allowing a peaceful and genteel progress around the course.
The president himself, Alistair Randall, was there to present the prizes at a jolly evening in the Helford Sailing Club. All in all a most enjoyable event.
Find a full report of the event in The Dog Watch magazine.
Start Bay Rally and Race, 2017
The weather wasn't great on passage to Dartmouth for the annaul Start Bay Rally and Race and again there were far fewer boats than hoped for but the atmosphere and camararderie made it a most enjoyable event.
Food and and a lively shanty group plus a lot of chatter and laughter with a few drinks made for a really good Friday evening. The race on Sunday started with a flurry of fine fresh winds but after about half an hour it suddenly stopped and boats were caught in a frozen state whilst en route to the next marker. Then the wallowing started until after fifteen minutes when a zephyr of wind gathered to blow more firmly and set all in motion again. All finished in good style.
The prize giving and supper were in the Royal Dart Yacht Clubt. Gil Hayward managed to out pace us all with Mary Hay which was no surprise but Steve and Carol Lorraine won armfuls of prizes with Aeolus.
South West Gaffers welcome the fleet: Plymouth, July 2017
Take a look at the gallery of photos supplied by Immanuel Craig
Extract from the log of 'Minx':
"We reached Plymouth Yacht Haven after yet again sailing westwards into the wind and the sea, as was the story on most days as we headed further west. But we received a great welcome at Plymouth when we eventually arrived with a drinks reception in the Marina office followed by a meal at The Mountbatten Centre. The Sunday proved a sunny day with decent wind for the fleet to race in the Sound but Minx was scuppered by the Pilot Boat chasing us off the planned route to let a ferry pass! Then it was good food and Celtic music that evening at the Mountbatten Centre."