Exe Sailing Club

[Tink]

Bonjour!!

I am pleased to announce that the Cruise to France AKA the Wine Run will be from the 8/9th July to the 12th July 2009.

The intention is that we will leave Exmouth in the evening of the 8th or morning of the 9th and sail to either Guernsey or Cherbourg depending on conditions.

We will enjoy some time ashore, socialising and taking in the atmosphere, and restocking the cellar.

Depending on the weather we may head to either Cherbourg, Alderney or Guernsey for another day of exporation before setting off back to Blighty in time for tea on Sunday(reminds me of that scene in Blackadder when he sails off to discover the new world and only makes it to the Isle of Wight).

I prefer to arrive at port in daylight, so I will look at the options, tides etc. and produce a far more detailed plan nearer the time.

However, if you fancy a bit of je ne sais que, then please let me know you are interested and how many in your crew, nothing is binding, I would just like to gauge the interest.

Bon voyage

Tink xxx

PS my french is about as good as Del Boy's!

[Tink]

Thank you to you all for making this year’s ESC cruise to the Channel Islands a success, the bar is buzzing with stories from the event and the great weather we had getting home!

Just to remind you that there will be the photo competition next Thursday (30th July)

I hope that you will all be able to come down and see the entires and have a good laugh! We will be able to do the judging and prize giving around 7.30pm.

The entries will be displayed in the club bar on that evening when the Eco Challenge event is on, so lots of people will be around to enjoy them, so let’s give them a good display!

Depending on the timing I am hoping that Chris Packham, TV presenter, photographer and conservationist will be able to judge the scenery and artistic photography group and the membership will be able to vote for the comedy caption category!

Prizes will be presented so do come down and have a drink and admire the competition!

Many thanks

Tink xxx

[Tink]

Fellow Cruisers

Following on from last year's splendid cruise to Guernsey, mainly due to good weather and good company, I have the details of this year's exciting tour

Last year I had the feeling that some wished for more sailing, and that I was a woose, well this year is just for you!

It is also a fantastic opportunity if you have not been "overseas" in your boat before to go in company and share your stories in the bar when you have proudly landed!

The PLAN

As with last year, the aim is to travel together as much as is practicable, but the highlight is to meet up for dinner on the Saturday night. As I hinted, this year has more sea-miles.

We intend to leave at 18.30-19.00ish (BST) on 23rd June from the Exe and head for Braye Harbour in Alderney to arrive on Thursday morning around 10ish. We will then enjoy the day resting and exploring the island. I have been a couple of times before but ashamed to say haven't got further than The Divers Bar

Then the next step is to leave Alderney at about 3.00pm on Friday 25th for St Vaast-la-Hougue. There is the option to head off to Cherbourg or beyond on Thursday afternoon - but for me its a holiday and I want a bit of everything!

So leaving Alderney on Friday gets you onto the east going conveyer and deposits you, if you play it right, in St Vaast before 10pm on Friday night, just in time for last orders. St Vaast has a locked marina, so check you're not too late to get in, or you will have to anchor just to the SW in a bay (see pilot books e.g. Shell Channel Pilot for tips)

The Saturday morning farmers market in St Vaast is highly recommended as are particular delis. So its just in time to get some decent grub too after all those sea-biscuits.

Dinner/ Party for all those taking part will be in St Vaast on Saturday 26th June in the evening (Venue TBC).

From here the plan is down to you. Some will need to press on back to Exmouth, or back to Cherbourg to top up the wine you've drunk since you arrived, or for me...I'm going to explore the Solent and take the scenic route back to Exmouth, hoping to be back on Wednesday evening (30th).

The Round the Island will be over, and school hols not yet started, so there is an outside chance of getting into Yarmouth, Cowes or Lymington, or Newtown Creek if you are done with the crowds.

Its going to be very good fun...I can tell!

Please can you let me know if you are interested in joining us. Please email your details of your boat, possible crew numbers etc to TinkD@btinternet.com. I would appreciate early indications by end of May, but there is no obligation, then or at any time. Just keep me informed because we look out for each other.

There will be a Wine Run briefing one evening mid June with the finalised arrangements.

See you there!

Tink

[Tink]

Hi Chums

As a post script for the above I currently have space on board for crew. For the sake of comfort, I prefer to travel with only 2 or 3 of us (unless two wish to share the forepeak).

As we are travelling light, you need to be competent to stand watch during the night sails, so I'd prefer day skipper standard as a minimum. But if you are really keen but have not done night hours before, we can discuss.

If you would like to come along and sail to France, I'd be pleased to hear from you. Please contact me at TinkD@btinternet.com, and let me know if you would like to do part or all of the week's cruise.

Cheers

Tink

[Tink]

Dear Cruisers

I need to make some arrangements to ensure that the Wine Run is a success, so it would be helpful if you were able to email me if you are hoping to join us on this cruise and your crew numbers.

Please can you drop me a line at tineke.dixon@swast.nhs.uk. I would prefer it if you can email me rather than verbally, because I have a poor memory and will forget before I get home, let alone write it down

Thanks guys

Tink x

[Tink]

The Wine Run photo competition will be running on Tuesday evening (27 July) after the Cruiser Racing.

The number of entries is not as high as last year, but the quality is just as good!

Please do come and have a look, share our stories of overseas adventure and help with the voting.

Sorry for the short notice, between holidays so a bit frantic!

Tink x