The Dittisham and Brixham Cruiser Rally
Published 19:12 on 10 Jun 2025
The fourth cruiser rally of this season took place on the weekend of the 6th/7th/8th June. It was foreshadowed the preceding week by forecasts of high winds and poor sea conditions. Thursday saw Aqua and Lulworth heading to Dittisham. A further 5 boats sailed or motored down on Friday in unexpectedly pleasant conditions, enjoying tea and cakes aboard Aqua on their arrival. An advance party of those who preferred, in the face of the forecasts, to travel by car also joined for cakes, with the rest of the motoring contingent meeting us in the Ferry Boat Inn for a delicious rally meal. Simon the landlord was, as usual, an excellent host, and the evening was much enjoyed by all.
The predicted gale force winds didnt materialise on Saturday and so 5 boats sailed on to Brixham, enjoying good sailing conditions, just avoiding some dark skies and rain. On arrival Tosi hosted coffee and more cake. There was a good turn out for the walk to Berry Head with a pit stop at the Berry Head café in case anyone was still hungry! The threatening rain clouds finally caught up with us on the way back to the marina, in the form of torrential rain, so the MDL shower facilities were much appreciated by all.
The sun came out briefly for the select group who attended the pontoon party on Saturday evening, where the fish and chips canapé won the most votes. We were then collected by the Brixham Yacht Club launch and taken across the harbour to Brixham Yacht Club, and were joined by some more cruisers travelling by car. We enjoyed panoramic views across Torbay whilst having pre dinner drinks, and were once again made very welcome by the Club. The evening ended with a short walk through Brixham night life back to the marina.
Sunday morning dawned fair with westerly winds of force 4-5. An early contingent set off soon after 6am. Despite the rather lumpy seas around Prawle Point we enjoyed a fast sail home, with Tosi offering us a demo of how it looks at a brisker pace.
Robin and Helen Piggott, Rallymasters.
Whilst the changing, but spuriously precise, and ultimately unrelenting bad weather forecasts threatened our plans, Robin and Helen Piggott again mastered a very successful and enjoyable rally. Of course it always helps when people who have booked can make it to events one way or another. Almost everyone did again this time. With two great venues to go to in the same vicinity it is a deservedly popular local mini-cruise.
James Calvert RCC
