Coordinators: Carol and Mike Neave

Ten Days before the rally the UK had experienced its hottest day for 20 years but things can change and the weather certainly did.

Although the rally did not officially start until Saturday by Friday evening  seven boats had arrived despite windy conditions of  >25 Kts and a fairly choppy Solent. Pre-dinner drinks were held on board Gannet and then the group enjoyed an evening meal in the Wheatsheaf pub.

The Weather on Saturday remained windy and given that most boats were coming from the east the majority had wind over tide and steep waves however the MOA are a hardy lot and by mid-afternoon we had 14 boats berthed in Yarmouth the smallest being 29ft and the largest 49ft with only three retirements on the day, a special award for perseverance goes to the crew of “Sebby” who despite retiring due to engine problems still managed to make the dinner by travelling by road and ferry.

At 4pm we adjourned to the green for the annual Boules Tournament and Pimms; the boules was won by Ian and Sue Fellows-Freeman from White Whisper fighting off stiff completion from a number of teams.

At 7 pm 45 of us made our way to the Royal Solent Yacht club where we joined the clubs Prince Consort Charity Dinner in support of the Ocean Youth Trust and Combat Stress.  After an enjoyable dinner the diners were encouraged to take part in a charity game of “Heads and Tales”.  The Winner was our very own Branch Events Secretary Neil O’Connor who very generously donated his winnings to the Charities which in total benefitted from over £800 being raised on the night.

On Sunday the first boats departed early to catch the flood tide, those able to stay till later Sunday or who had planned extra nights at Yarmouth enjoyed a walk to the Red Lion at Freshwater for lunch.

Despite the inclement conditions the event was enjoyed by all and it was great to meet some new Moody Owners at the rally.

Mike and Carol (Gannet)