Holy Island and the Farne Islands 10th -13th September 2010
(Some skippers will arrive earlier and leave later)
 
The Rally first included vhf radio six years ago. We’ve improved our technique since then and some have become quite proficient. Radio newbies or rusty oldies might take this opportunity to practice. We will agree a Rally Channel on arrival (at that time we will tap skipper’s mobile numbers into the phone memories)

This is the most adventurous rally on the DCA calendar. Yet it remains suitable for the novice or the skipper with a young family, as you can safely mess about in the sheltered water of The Ouze and out in the natural harbour at slack tides. The high water expanses of Fenham Flats and Holy Island Sands become estuary-type sailing, or you can explore the fascinating LW channels to view Eider duck, Grey seals and an oyster farm! The kids will enjoy the evening beach barbecue and driftwood fire.

Despite their ‘castaway’ appearance, organisers, Tim, Bill and Ed are approachable, and happy to offer advice. See them also to rustle up extra muscle for your launch/recovery if necessary. Experience seeking sailors might offer to ‘work their passage’ on Farnes bound, or round-the-island boats.

We have a good relationship with the Harbour Master and Nature Warden. To remain on the right side of the fishermen we must not obstruct their work. Harbour/launching/beach car parking dues are £5/week. I normally collect on behalf of the HM. All of this is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Non-sailors will find plenty of interesting places to visit locally: Berwick on Tweed, Bamburgh Castle and the newly revamped Grace Darling Museum, the delights of wandering H.I. village, H.I. Castle with its Lutyens interior, a Gertrude Jekyll garden, and hikes round the Island. Bad weather is an opportunity to go out in the vehicles and make sense of Flodden Field (1513) a Northumbrian battlefield as sad and spooky as they come. Evening HQ is a pub/hotel in the village. Liveaboards who overnight in remote corners will be far from artificial light. A clear sky will give a fantastic starry night.

For experienced skippers only, and weather permitting, there will be a night sail leaving Farne Is on the last of the ebb and arriving H.I. on the young flood. This short (7M) passage is a thorough test of night navigation skills. Trinity House acknowledge the hazards with generous siting of navigation aids. We have: 3 lighthouses, 2 sectored leading lines, both cardinal and lateral buoyage. These may be supplemented by an aero beacon (3 vert reds) and Bamburgh Castle ramparts (7 sodiums). Sailors seeking experience, especially if they can steer to a compass course, might offer to team up with a night-sail boat, thereby freeing the skipper to concentrate on navigation. Charts and Pilots will be made available for passage planning.

Cruise to the Rally from Amble (in company)? Given suitable weather this is a cracking 22M trip. The passage has four castles and Heritage coastline the whole way. Divert a little and go through Farne Islands? We’ll organise a lift back to collect the vehicles.

Skippers will assume full responsibility for their boat and crew.

Rally Phone = 07813 106792.