Twenty one Cruisers gathered in the Back Bar on Thursday evening for soup, sandwiches and chat – it was almost standing room only! It was great to welcome some new members and also some who are new to sailing. Gill & Derek hope they didn’t put a dampener on the evening by taking the opportunity to recount a friend’s sobering testimony of his dramatic rescue from a burning yacht off the entrance to Strangford Lough just a few weeks ago.
 
This prompted a very useful group discussion about safety on board and emergency procedures, and focused minds on the importance of making sure all equipment is in good order, accessible, regularly serviced and maintained. We are very grateful to our friend for giving permission to share his experience and words of advice.
 
With dramatic sinking of vessels the topic of the last two Cruiser’s Suppers, Gill & Derek promise to introduce more positive subject matter from now on! With Thursdays the preferred day of the week, we will look at the Social Calendar to fit in our next gathering in October. 

Just to whet your appetite, here is Alan Leonard's log of Ariadne's cruise to St Kilda and Stornaway from her home base in Strangford Lough.  Alan was the first winner of the new Edward Parker Bullick Cup

Link to Ariadne's Log