October

Another succesful Cruiser Gathering this time in the Strangers' Room with excellent soup and sandwiches.  Frank Smyth spoke of the importance of tidal stream atlases and tidal awareness and there were a few stories about when things didn't always go according to plan.  Fiona Hicks gave a brief summary of the very successful Club reception in Barcelona when the Rear Commodore presented the Sir Thomas Lipton Memorial Cup to Sir Ben Ainsley on behalf of the Royal Yacht Squadron.  A very good evening with many new friends made and congratulations to the Hon Secretary for all his hard work in putting this together.  David Scott spoke on the print available to purchase of the much loved painting of 'The Ladies Race' as it is usually known. The Cruising Convenors are having a well deserved break and on their return will be announcing details of future events including a Man Overboard coaching session and New Year's Day cruising plans.

September

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