The Narrow Seas Club again invited us to take part in this popular event. With 19 boats we could boast a respectable turnout but not quite enough to win the top prize which went to Benfleet with 26 boats. The Chambre du Commerse de Calais did award some extra trophies this year hence we did come away some silverware for second place.
Our fleet consisted of Persuasion, Muritai, Freewind, Ma Pin Wa, Renata, Lady Olivia, Melody Blue, Magic Dragon, Magna Carta, Northern Gipsy, Galatea, First Quencher, Velamo, Lytson, Moondancer, Skybird, Dayspring 3, Evia's Ark and Patanda. A few managed to get away a few days early but most crossed on Saturday when there was almost too much wind in the estuary and not enough in the channel.
Very Well Done to Ken & Christine (Galatea), Dennis & Sharon (Melody Blue), Ingrid (Renata) and Mike (Skybird) as this was their very first channel crossing on a yacht.
It was good to see the improvements to Calais' mooring facilities taking shape. There were plenty of new pontoons so loads of room even on this busy Bank Holiday weekend. There are now 5 bridge openings per tide rather than 3.
Sunday saw the usual proceeding take place at the Fisherman's Memorial and in a Marquee by the Yacht Club followed by a quiet afternoon and then a Club Meal at Le Sybilien Restaurant where 48 of us sat down to eat.
Most chose the first lock on the Monday to return to Blighty. This was an impressive sight as I guess the best part of a hundred yachts were on the move at the same time. When released from the entrance we could see a couple of ferries hove to in the approach channel waiting for Calais to re-open when we had cleared the harbour. Dover Coast Guard was later heard warning all ships as the Armada approached the shipping lanes. I saw at least two enormous container ships make substantial course alterations in order to give way to us yachties, a rare but welcome sight.
Conditions for the return crossing were perfect with bright sunshine and F4-5 on the beam which made for a fast passage. Some had extra days so made for Ramsgate but the dedicated workers had the long slog round the Foreland and back to the Medway. We were however well compensated as I had organised an impressive air display and flypast by the Red Arrows to welcome us home as we sailed up the Four Fathoms Channel.
Jerry Dennis Cruise Captain.
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