This was all the more remarkable as the previous briefing evening was greeted with force 6 winds and very heavy rain. John Webster provided a most interesting, illustrated talk on the St Peter Port lifeboat and the official briefing was followed by a fine Chinese meal in the Commodore’s room.

The first boats left Guernsey at 16:00hrs escorted by Halcyon Breeze, and Redoutable led the faster and larger boats. The wind was a force 4 north east wind and the sun was shining.

 

On arrival in Jersey, a reserved area was provided for the 21 boats, ranging from the 56ft Silverback to the 23ft Sea Candy.

 

A “Friday Night Take Away” on the boats had been organised and went down a treat, as did the wine and bubbly!

 The next morning dawned very early for some. Saturday saw an action packed day. The four largest cruisers and 2 RIBS took 43 people on a trip around the east coast of Jersey. Through the Violet passage, in to Gorey harbour

 

 

Past St Catherine’s breakwater and on to the Ecrehous.

 

 A trip to the idyllic and sheltered St Brelades bay for lunch completed a great trip.

 

 

Back on shore, Charlie Gravet of the St Helier Lifeboat provided an excellent tour of the Lifeboat station and the new Tamar Lifeboat which is absolutely amazing.

 

Two hours later, everyone was dressed up in their finest boating gear at the St Helier Yacht Club for dinner. The Commodore greeted us and the Yacht Club provided a great meal and a perfect end to the day. 

Sunday was force 1 to 2 winds for the return trip and the majority of boats were back in Guernsey by 10:30 hrs. Overfalls prevailed due to the tide on the south coast of Jersey, but once around Corbiere, the sea got flatter and flatter towards Guernsey.

 

A great weekend was had by all. The weather was kind, the boating was good and the people on the trip were great. All in all, a very sociable and enjoyable GYC Motor Committee Midsummer Madness weekend.

 

A special thank you to the Cruiser skippers who made their boats available on the Saturday and to the RIBS who provided their invaluable escort duty. Also thanks to the Marina staff, St Helier VTS and the CoastGuard who were so helpful and supportive.

 

GYCJune2010