Royal Air Force Yacht Club

Article thanks to Paul Oliver - Calsara

Photos: Ian Redsell

The channel led a twisting dance between the buoys up to the Duver Marina, where we found the Visitor Pontoons, reserved specifically for the RAFYC Rally. Just as well, as a full turnout saw 30 or more club boats alongside. We rafted to another club boat and made our way ashore to the Marina Office. The party was in full swing. After a welcoming drink with other club members we returned to refresh for the evening ahead.

The walk over the causeway to The Brading Haven Yacht Club, tucked away at the head of the harbour, took less than 15 minutes. Other members who had perhaps taken greater advantage of the pontoon party, elected to take the water taxi. The Brading Haven Yacht club is a gem of a place, most friendly and very welcoming. A splendid meal was taken in good heart as is the custom with club members. We walked back in the moonlight with a few other intrepid revellers, enjoying the night air.

If you sail as a family then you may know that Bembridge is a great place for kids of all ages, with many included on the RAFYC rally. The rounders match on the green the next day bore evidence to this and also to a good night before, with a few unusual hitting and throwing techniques on display. The pictures on the Gallery speak a thousand words.

We slipped our lines at 18.00 on Sunday evening. Another brilliant sail back in the evening sun saw us take up our mooring in the last of the light.

Others left for home on Monday morning, spurred on by Dave Le Mare's friendly race back to the Hamble, a welcome addition to the rally calendar enjoyed by many members.