Bucklers Hard RALLY 2007

 

 

The experts on Global Warming predict hot dry summers and wet and windy winters.

This was at the back of my mind as I watched the weather forecasts leading up to the weekend of the Bucklers Hard rally.  A week before the signs were not good and only eight people had announced their intention to attend, but by the time we reached the weekend whilst the forecasts had not improved  after some personal input by several members the numbers had climbed to 30.

Only one boat made the trip and Alana 3 recorded over 30 knots of wind across the deck. James and Patrick Hanratty had offered pre-dinner drinks so with 26 guests on board rising sea levels required the closing of seacocks and no need for any extra heat source.

Moving on to The Master Builders we were greeted by the smell of woodsmoke and a warm bar. The dining area required no extra heating and so there was just four candles in the hearth. Fork handles…, no four candles inspired reminiscences of television long past but set the tone for the rest of the evening. The conversation on our table ranged across such yachting topics as red diesel, Mediterranean cruising, customs clearance and paperwork, to other less  nautical topics such as Swedish state pensions,IKEA and the Kray twins, computers and Ronnie Barker.

A pleasant evening of food, drink and  convivial company are good reasons for belonging  to the club and attending the rallies but as we left to head for home we were still searching for the answer to the question “ Who was the fifth Goon?”