SYC Dartmouth Rally 20th 22nd June

Published 16:04 on 25 Jun 2025

This years rally to Dartmouth was slightly less in numbers than previous years due to several yachts participating in a cross-channel rally to northern France taking advantage of the sunny and relatively settled weather.

Seven boats enrolled on the rally (4 yachts and 3 motor cruisers) with some electing to leave a day early and spend Thursday night in Dittisham before travelling back down the river Dart to join the main rally on the walk-ashore pontoon just below the higher ferry on Friday. 

Unfortunately, the weather forecast predicted strong Easterly winds for the trip to Dartmouth before changing to South Westerly for the return trip on Sunday, allowing those who made the early departure to have the best of the conditions. Wind on the nose in both directions with wind against tide, made for some bumpy conditions!

Once inside the river Dart the sun shone, and Biminis were required for some much-needed shade. 

A leisurely afternoon saw crews exploring the quayside before rendezvousing at the Dart Yacht Club for an informal supper.

Saturday had a slightly overcast start with a few rain showers, but this couldnt deter half of the crews from participating in a ramble through town and out to Castle Point. A quick stop for coffee made for a refreshing break before continuing with a cliff top walk along the coastal path, diverting down the 100 steps to Sugary Cove, which allowed us to enjoy an alternative aspect of the coastline. The walk continued towards Little Dartmouth, cutting across the fields and climbing up what is possibly the steepest hillside gradient in Devon towards the old lookout cottages before heading back into Dartmouth.

An afternoon cream tea aboard Giovanna whiled away a pleasant afternoon before readying ourselves for the trip across the river by the lower ferry for our Rally supper at the Royal Dart Yacht Club. We were treated to an excellent evening by Mark and his team, which commenced with a welcome drink and canapes on the terrace of the yacht club, overlooking the river in the evening sunshine whilst watching the to-ing and fro-ing of boats of all descriptions as the sun set over Dartmouth.

After supper the discussion turned to departure times for the Sunday passage back to Salcombe given the strong winds forecast. The consensus was that the earlier the better would minimise the sea state, so a 6.00am reveille was agreed with a 6.30 departure time. 

Two of the motorboats arrived back on Normandy pontoon by 7.30 for breakfast and were greeted by a raft of ribs ferrying rowers to Mill Bay for the Gig Rowing Festival with the remaining yachts arriving shortly afterwards.

All in all, a great rally, in good company, with beautiful weather and plenty of fun. ~ Robert Smith.