St.Valery Rally-Superb.

[djskinner]

To chantge our visit to the Bank Holiday Weekend reaped rewards.16 boats & eventually blue skys,The Race over was sailed in a skittish stern wind.Flat hulls like Moonlight Saunter being tossed around.Fast but not roast beef and three veg weather.However it suited those well known racing machines Speedwell and Ambition 11.Finishing 1st and 2nd on corrected time.Welll done-through clenched teeth!The hospitality from CNV was great.Some 40 plus of us joined them at the Hotel de(du?) Casino for dinner.The evening was rounded off back at CNV.I left when Mavis became involved in a drinking game with a glass on her head shouting some French oath.Could have been Agincourt all over again!On the Sunday we had no less than two barbecues.My crew went to Michelle et Marie Lebedois to enjoy a five hour liquid lunch in the garden.Very French-lovely.Even went and sat in their quaint local church for a while.A motor home completed the weekend-sorry about the prop wrap Steve.What more can I say than it was magnifique.Thank you CNV.   PS>Barbara-did as you told me-as ever!

[robin]

Beg to echo David's sentiments.  I confess to doubts about the decision to hold an overnight race when days were drawing in, but this one worked, so congratulations to all involved.

The race over was enjoyable, with a great tussle for line honours between Moonlight Saunter and Rafiki.  Little did we know at sp*rrowf*rt in French waters that a spirited rearguard action between Ambition II and the indomitable Speedwell was the real race.

Seeing and chatting to people around the harbour was enjoyable.  The dinner on Saturday was definitely an occasion, with Alain, the President of Club Nautique de St Valéry, giving us the best of bi-lingual Gallic welcomes, ably reciprocated by an Alan of our own.

The barbecue we went to on the Sunday was a delight; here we have to thank our French hosts profusely.  The skippers of the boats invited were clearly old friends, but their crews were not.  The kindness and generosity were outstanding!  How can we reciprocate?

Thanks to Alan for the arrangements, which were spot-on!

The passage back was overshadowed by a problem to Rafiki, which all monotored.  A good effort by Speedwell saw our colleagues in.  Obviously all concerned would have done as much for a stranger, but there was clearly a real concern for a club member.  Dare I risk being controversial and ask whether, if we behave this way on sailing occasions, we should not beat ourselves up if the odd social event fails to attract?

[djskinner]

Glad you both had as good a time as I did and enjoyed St Valery more this time.
There are many who are Members of our Club for reasons other than "sailing occasions".They must not be forgotten by those who organise and I still wonder why some Social Events fail?Is it that what is offered has little attraction to many? I will always be a flagellant!!

[robin]

. . . you meant "Flag Officer", David?