2023 Summer Rolling Rally

Published 14:10 on 7 Sep 2023

Over the last few years many cruisers have joined in a very informal rally which has been named The Summer Rolling Rally. It was originally set up in 2021, the summer after the Covid outbreaks. It was so successful that the cruising committee decided to continue the idea, rather than the previous more formal rallies whereby boats enrolled on the rally and all the boats sailed together from one harbour to the next, attending pre arranged dinners at Yacht clubs and restaurants.  The committee publish the dates of the Rolling Rally in the SYC calendar, then cruisers can join in at anytime during the week. Pontoon parties are impromptu and supper parties are organised at the last minute, depending on numbers, on boats or at restaurants and Yacht Clubs. We keep in touch on the Cruiser WhatsApp group and any SYC members sailing in the area can join in and meet up. We have always chosen the middle of July for the Summer Rally just before the schools break up.  This year a number of boats planned to leave over the weekend 15th / 16th July however the weather was not favourable so plans changed to the Monday / Tuesday. Marela and Starfire left early Monday morning experiencing a very lumpy sea off Bolt Head but once in Bigbury Bay they were romping along. Both boats spent the night in Plymouth and had an enjoyable sail down to Fowey the following day.  The Fowey Harbour Master was extremely accommodating and we were able to book a pontoon for the seven boats planning to get to Fowey. Giovanna stormed past us and then greeted Starfire and Marela on the pontoon in Fowey.  Aquamarine, Serenity, Nikita and Shibui all arrived in the afternoon. A beautiful sunny day and perfect weather conditions. We all enjoyed an impromptu pontoon party, bringing our own drinks, glasses and nibbles. We were blessed with a sunny evening in a fabulous harbour.

The following day started with a sunny morning, we said goodbye to Serenity and Shibui who were planning to sail down to Falmouth and the Helford river. Both had a great sail and moored up in the Helford River. The remaining boat crews had a super day in and around Fowey.

We met up at the Royal Fowey Yacht Club for early evening drinks to watch the start of the Wednesday evening dinghy races. What a spectacle, the Fowey one designs and the Troys were magnificent all leaving the harbour amongst the moored boats. 

We then walked through Fowey to the Gallants for a delicious supper

Thursday arrived, Aquamarine left Fowey to sail further south west to Falmouth and hopefully joining Serenity and Shibui. Starfire, Marela, Nikita and Giovanna left Fowey at their leisure over the following few days. 

 A fabulous time was had by all on our Mini Summer Rolling Rally. 

Report by Pam Smout