RDYC Cruising Newsletter - January 2009

Peter Forey - RDYC Cruising Coordinator
Peter Forey

Below is the proposed 2009 RDYC cruising programme. Some events are subject to confirmation. This page will be updated and updates will be sent via email to cruising members as more details emerge.

Winter Weekend

Friday 20th February – Cruisers’ Seminar

1600 hrs Tea & Biscuits
Talks by Club Members followed by questions and open discussion:

1900hrs Retire to the bar for drinks
1930hrs Supper in the Quarterdeck Room
Choice of 2 main courses and a dessert - £8.50 pp
Please book your place ASAP via RDYC office

Saturday 21st February – Cruisers’ Lecture

Weather and associated marine matters
1900hrs, Andrew Eccleston, University of Plymouth.

Despite the title, Andrew tells me his talk will be mainly about his experiences as 1st Mate on the second circumnavigation of Gypsy Moth IV.

2000hrs 3-course dinner + coffee (£15 per person)
Please book your place ASAP via RDYC office

Saturday 28th March - Fitting Out Supper

1900hrs for 2000hrs 3-course dinner + coffee (Cost TBA)

Cruising Events

Saturday 11th April – Easter Saturday Beach Barbecue

Very much weather permitting, but draft plan is to go upriver, landing at Blackness Marine and using their beach for an afternoon barbecue (3pm) with a fire to keep us warm later on. Optional ½ mile walk up the road for a tour of the boatyard (and use of the facilities!) I am hoping we will have use of the “rolling pontoon” on their slipway for small boats and dinghies.

Bigger boats may be able to “borrow” some moorings close by – otherwise anchoring is possible off Dittisham Mill Creek, and visitor moorings are available around the corner at Dittisham. Access also possible by road (N out of East Cornworthy) – you will need a code for the barrier. No need to book – coordinate last minute via phone.

18/19 April – Brixham Rally

Mooring at MDL Brixham Marina – events pontoon. Dinner at BYC. You can come by road if this is a little early in the season for you.

23-25 May – Exe Rally

In conjunction with Exe Sailing Club, who will arrange pontoon and river moorings, and provide dinner at their clubhouse on Saturday night. Early booking advised, as numbers of boats may be limited. Note that charts and sailing directions will need to be up to date – river entrance changed radically in 2008 (actually now much easier!) Possible trip upriver on Sunday to Topsham or Exeter. Return to Dartmouth on Monday on spring tide.

June – Yealm/Tamar Rally

I am looking for a volunteer to help organise this one, as I will be away for the second half of the month. This could perhaps be the start of a longer cruise for those heading west.

18/19 July – River Dart/Sharpham Rally

To be coordinated by Peter Fairhurst. Provisionally use of Sharpham Quay for picnic/ wine tasting on Saturday. Walk and Sunday lunch at the club.

16-25 August – Brittany Cruise in Company

Neil & Pam Millward are heading over to Brittany to go to a wedding, and would be happy to have some company for the sailing part of the trip!

26 August – Passage Race Brixham-Dartmouth

Heralding the start of Dartmouth Week 2009, this event includes a non-spinnaker PY class suitable for cruisers.

29 August – White Sail Event

A relaxed affair (hopefully not quite as relaxed as in 2008!) specifically arranged for cruisers to participate during Regatta. Details nearer the time.

Late September – Salcombe Rally

Dinner at SYC, subject to confirmation.


Contact Details