Rear Commodore Motor introduced the evening and welcomed the Cruising section who had joined Motor for the weekend. Following the briefing, he introduced Richard Allisette of the Grapevine who provided his expert tutoring on the white wines.

 

Following a fine rose wine, everyone moved to the Commodore’s room for Lasagne and a selection of red wines.

 

Richard’s talk was most interesting; not only explaining the various wines, but clearing up myths about corks and corked wine. It was clear from his knowledge that the Sommelier Wine Company and the Grapevine have a real passion for both fine wines and affordable wines.

 

 

With Liberation Day falling on a Monday, most boats moved into the Victoria Marina on the Sunday.

 

Working closely with the Harbour, Marina and Boat show organisers, the GYC Motor Committee had secured the whole of D pontoon, and with 24 motor boats and cruisers all decorated especially for the occasion, the marina looked well. Complementing the Boat Show, the boats were all moored by the time 201 (Guernsey’s Own) Squadron made its last march along the marina front being led by the RAF Kinloss pipes and drum band in glorious sunshine.

 

Steak Pie lunch at the Guernsey Yacht Club provided an ideal social focus to the day, followed by drinks on the boats well into the evening.

 

Champagne was awarded to the best dressed boat. Despite some fine efforts from boats with original cloth semaphore flags, night time lights and some great decoration, the winner was somewhat of a surprise. The first winner was Steve Nicolle who not only decorated his RIB Lovely Jubbly, but also himself, dressed in 1940’s costume. A second winner was announced and horror of all horrors for the Motor Committee, it was a yacht! Its 50ft “aerial” on which to mount its bunting was an unfair advantage, but Clive Le Tissier and his boat Aztec Gold were worthy winners.

 

All in all, a great time was had by all, with great weather and a great group of social boaters. It was probably one of the shortest trips we have done, but it was certainly unique and very enjoyable.

 

Our thanks to the Harbour, Marina staff, David Norman from the Boat Show, Vanessa and the GYC team, Richard Allisette and Edward Fattorini from the Grapevine and the Pony Inn.

 

 

 

GYC May 2011

 

Sam Le Tissier kindly provided the following photos - enjoy - http://www.flickr.com/photos/62763062@N08/sets/72157626564437895/detail/