Dit’sum Cruising in 2011

The cruising year started in fine style with the ‘Fitting out supper’ held in the clubhouse, with some tasty and filling hot dishes prepared by Chris and other volunteers. Much talk of past glories and future plans.

The first outing was to The Maltster’s Arms beside Bow Creek. Despite some dire weather predictions 12 persons attended and enjoyed refreshments. The sail back was enlivened by a spectacular thunderstorm, particularly enjoyed by Albie, a 6 year old crew on Shanwin.

A four day west country cruise had been scheduled for the end of May. Dochas developed engine trouble on arrival at Salcombe and had to curtail the cruise and return to the Dart the following morning.  Bad weather also caused problems and only Phoebe with Ian and Sue Gibson sailed as far west as weather and time would allow.

The Westerly Owners Association, South West Group came to visit the club for a barbecue as a part of a rally in early June. 33 members turned up, to be welcomed by David Thompson and a number of cruising group club members. A good time was had by all.

Unfortunately the BBQ trip to Stoke Gabriel was abandoned owing to bad weather, but nevertheless a break in the rain enabled us to cook our sausages on the beach in front of the clubhouse.

The next coastal cruise took us to Brixham for a night. Dochas, Phoebe and Shanwin had a good sail to Berry Head and Torbay, in quite a stiff breeze. After a pleasant meal and sound sleep we awoke to misty conditions and set off in quite poor visibility and no wind. However the mist cleared before we reached the Mewstone and our return to the Dart was in brilliant sunshine.

Despite a cloudy day, there was a good turnout for the lunchtime barbecue at Duncannon in July. Five yachts sailed upriver, including Robin’s Demon Racer with Stephanie and several of her family. John Wynn’s new traditional gaff dayboat looked very pretty and Phil took the opportunity to show off his new spinnaker.

The final cruise of the year was a weekend visit to Salcombe for a weekend. Phoebe, Dochas, Teddy Bear and Blue Cherry rafted up on the crowded visitor pontoon in ‘the Bag’ and later the water taxi took us ashore to dine at Salcombe YC.  Bernard had sailed Teddy Bear’ from Plymouth and Phoebe and Dochas had fought their way around Start Pt in a brisk westerly wind. Blue Cherry had come round from the Dart the previous day and had enjoyed a lazy day exploring the Kingsbridge estuary.  Shanwin started from the Dart but turned back off Prawle Point due to adverse conditions.

The final voyaging activity was to meet with SGBA on Middle Back for a cricket match. Hot sunshine greeted us in October! A goodly crowd from the club enjoyed the sun and cricket. Unfortunately only the Commodore and his wife turned up from SGBA, but as they were bearing wonderful cakes they were quickly forgiven.

A large gathering concluded our activities for the year with a Laying up Supper at the club house. Again Chris and his volunteers provided an ample and varied repast, and the evening was spent with tales of derring do, and the Salcombe Harbour-master’s plans to deal with miscreant sailors.

Thanks to all the DSC sailors (and their families) who came to the cruising events in 2011 and helped make them so enjoyable. If you would like to get involved with the Cruising activities this year, contact Chris Taylor to reserve your place at the Fitting out Supper, where our hopes and plans for 2012 will be discussed.

John Phillips

This Year's Cruising Programme