Thanks Ben for organising a great Solent Rally. As usual, we had a super turn out which suggests that the format is good.
I wonder if there is anything we can do to improve the event, different venues, perhaps races between venues, more group meals?? What do you think?
Robin Stevenson
Robin
Thanks for this.
I too have have been giving this some thought.
One possibility would be to race straight to Cowes on the Friday finishing on the Royal Yacht Squadron line. If we had a slightly earlier start and a time limit on the race (say 6pm) then this would work well in conjunction with a celebratory dinner at the Island Sailing Club or similar.
Saturday could then be a gentle amble to Bembridge to coincide with HW for entry over the ledge there - very good yacht clubs there too and we could have a dinner there.
A race around the eastern solent before heading up to Itchenor might be nice to shake out cobwebs prior to the tried , tested and enjoyed dinner with Silas and the gang at the Ship.
We can discuss at committee but this is one revised format that might work well and add some spice to what is already a successful & popular event.
I welcome ideas / suggestions from all.
Best
Ben
I am all for changes that improve but there is always a danger to get involved in tinkering for its own sake.The Foly visit in my opinion requires thought as it is just manic now but we must remember that the moorings are still cheap and we always eat aboard with those who wish fighting to get srerved later on.One point to remember when considering Bembridge is that quite a few of us require 2m plus clearance.Gunwharf Quays is good value and many enjoy its comercial image.Great Rally.Well done.
I think I would be in favour of trying something a little different. Giving the Folly a miss for a change would be a good Idea. I would be happy either way, Gun Warf, then to Cowes and stay at the Yacht Haven on Saturday for example? The station at Portsmouth is close at hand for those that have to work on Friday and are not able to do the race, but would like to join the rally on Friday evening. I know some do enjoy the retail therapy at Gun Warf!
In my short time at the club, the Solent event has been referred to as "mini-solent" or a mini-rally. I gather there was at one stage a whole week dedicated to this area.
SYC clearly has a very ambitious programme of racing (club & external), rallying and group flotillas (flotillae?). Is it possible that the time has come to plan these on a two-year cycle, giving a slightly enlarged range of events in a less packed diary?
just a thought :|
Just catching up with some of the discussion here and I think theat Robin has made a valuable point, perhaps the Keelboat Committee should plan events upto two years ahead to get a real overview and 'dovetailing' with other events, Round the Island, Cowes Week, Fastnet etc. It might encourage the outright racers to join in with cruisers on more of the rallies