Wessex Cruising Association
Wessex Cruising Association Social Programme
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The Friendly Club
The Wessex Cruising Association was founded in 1978 by a group of boat owners living in the Frome/Trowbridge area with the aim of promoting the enjoyment of cruising under sail with summer rallies and winter talks.
Since then the club has grown to 100 members, with 42 boats between them, who come from all walks of life, many are retired and live as far apart as Winchester and Dartmouth although most are concentrated within easy reach of Warminster where the winter meetings are held. Most boats are moored in Wareham and Poole with others based in the West Country and the Portsmouth area. Current boats include powerboats, dinghies and sailing yachts ranging from 12 – 33 ft length and are mostly crewed by husband and wife.
The "Wessex" as it is affectionately called, has a full programme of summer sailing events, such as rallies and barbecues, and winter social events with monthly talks, a barn dance and the annual dinner. See the Calendar of Events for this year’s programme.
Boat rallies take place in the Solent; Poole and Weymouth and usually a West Country port. Members often cruise in company further afield to Normandy, Brittany and the Channel Islands, which helps newcomers to gain sailing experience in safety.
From September to April there are illustrated talks every 3rd Thursday of the month on a variety of subjects by guest speakers. These take place at The Full Moon, Rudge which is just off the A36 between Frome and Trowbridge. These monthly talks and get togethers enable members to keep abreast of sailing developments and keep in touch during the long winter months. See the Events Calender for details.
The Wessex is very much a "Self Help" organisation with all members pitching in to help on both boating matters and social events. This not only keeps costs down but generates a unique friendliness, especially for newcomers. So successful is the social programme that special events are held most years. Recent ones include a weekend in Amsterdam, a day trip to the London Eye and next November a visit to the Cologne Christmas Markets.
Why not give us a call, come to a rally with your boat or join us in the winter for a pleasant evening amongst friendly sailors.
For further information contact our Secretary, Liz Young at 13a, Field Close, Westbury, BA13 3AG. Telephone: 01373 - 822624 Or phone the Commodore on 01225 782566.
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May Day Rally at Yarmouth IOW
From The Packet Autumn 2004
May Day Rally
Its official, its now summer, the beginning of the Wessex sailing season, but I think the Commodore forgot to order the fine weather, perhaps he could try harder next time. True to form the hardy Wessex sailors set out for Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. Eight boats went over, some on the Friday and the rest in convoy on the Saturday.
I am not naming names but I think it was a good thing we were in convoy as someone from the Wessex forgot their GPS, he tried to convince me that the boat knew its own way there, didn't he Curly? Anyway, off we went. We had a good sail over, the sea was a bit flat and the sky murky, but we were welcomed by the Commodore and his crew at the Harold Hayles pontoon. By this time the Commodore had remembered his responsibilities and ordered the sun, it was shining.
During the afternoon we were invited onto the Commodore's boat for a drink, this was prior to going to the Bugle for an evening meal. All 20 members went to the Bugle, we had a very good evening and the food was delicious, I am sure it will be a regular choice for a meal out.
We woke up on Sunday morning to the sound of the foghorn, (or was it the Commodore snoring? –sub:ed.); we were lucky the sun soon shone through. I thought Curly was getting excited at the sun coming through, but no, it was because Paula was cooking him a fried breakfast, some people are easily pleased. After breakfast it was decided to go for a walk, we went via Freshwater and ended up at The End of the Line cafe, here we all tucked into home made cakes and pies, it was delicious.
During the afternoon Mike Dyer offered to go up Curly's mast for him. I think he volunteered not to be outdone by Cynthia who had climbed up in the morning with great skill. It was now late afternoon and we were invited onto Trilogy for coffee and cakes, the cakes were all home made and looked delicious. I had decided not to eat any as I had a big piece of pie in the morning, but I couldn't resist and ended up eating two. Thank you Ann and Phil. In the evening Cynthia organised a game of whist; I think I can say everyone enjoyed the evening which was won by Liz and Mike.
There were several boats intending to stay for the week, but by the end of Sunday everyone had decided to come back home, due to the bad weather forecast. It was a good job I didn't come back as originally planned with Carol and Mike who had offered me a lift home as I needed to work on the Wednesday. I am told they decided to drop anchor off Hengistbury Head, I can't think why. (Sorry, Mike )
I would like to thank Phil and Ann for an excellent weekend, and to take this opportunity to thank Paula and Curly for inviting me for the weekend, it was most enjoyable.
Pat, Kontent
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