The Tidal Thames Drascombe Association Rally - May 2014

We chose one of the windiest weekends of the year for the Drascombe Association Tidal Thames Rally and consequently there was a drop in the numbers actually attending, mostly due to this weather forecast. It was nevertheless very enjoyable and those who did attend had a good experience of the river and of Greenwich and Erith Yacht Clubs. From a possible 12 boats in all the rally actually involved 5 boats. The Drascombe Asociation members were joined by the London Nautical School (2 gigs) on the Sunday with a large contingent of youth sailors from the School and from Erith Yacht Club.

The weather was changeable with strong winds and gusts arriving just as forecast. This gave us challenging force 5-7 winds and heavy rain squalls interspersed with sunshine and rainbows. A grand backdrop to the tidal Thames landscape for our visitors.

Visiting boats arrive 

The Rally Programme:

Friday: Visitors arrived by water, (from Shepperton upriver), or by road and launched and moored ready for Saturday.
Saturday: Downstream from GYC to Erith Yacht Club where we were made welcome and shown around the club before setting off back to GYC in the evening.
Sunday: From GYC upstream around the dome, across the Meridian Line to the Royal Naval College, the Cutty Sark and back.

Spray

Seeva under jib and mizzen

The Sailing Experience:

Although sailing was limited due to the very strong winds, we had a brisk sail down under jib and mizzen sails and a motor back against the wind on the Saturday. We were accompanied by the club safety boat Yellow Peril, the brave crew of which had a rather wetter experience than the Drascombe sailors who’s boats are well known for their good behaviour in choppy waters. Sunday proved more ‘sailable’ under reefed mains as well. The wind and tide whipped up a significant chop but this did not dampen spirits and the river proved its usual mix of scruffy, beautiful and interesting.

Marsh Magic sailing round the dome

Conclusions and lessons learnt:

GYC and the Tidal Thames is a good venue for a Drascombe Rally and weather permitting the fleet could have gone further downstream and back - perhaps to Gravesend. The two clubs would welcome a rally again and could easily cope with larger numbers. Launching and pontoon mooring all went smoothly and the presence of safety boat on Saturday, although not strictly necessary, was much appreciated and will have given visitors more confidence. Visitors thouroughly enjoyed the experience and were grateful of the welcome they got at Greenwich and impressed by our facilities - one even writing an account of the weekend in epic poem form.