Cruising
RVYC CRUISER GROUP
The Cruiser Group is open to all members of our club regardless of whether you have your own cruiser or not. If this is the sort of sailing that interests you, and you would like to receive information regarding club rallies, cruiser events or information relevant to cruisers, get your name on the Cruiser Group email circulation list. To do this, email your details to: cruisers@rvyc.org.uk.
We still do not have a Class Captain at present to organise and coordinate Cruiser Group activities. If you feel that you would be prepared to take on this role, I would be happy to discuss and provide a description of the Cruiser Captain's role with anyone interested. Until a new appointment has been made, I will continue to caretaker this role.
Despite the lack of a Class Captain, we have several events that will occur this season, although our programme will not be as full as we would like.
From: Adrian Robson, Past Cruiser Class Captain
CRUISER GROUP KEY CONTACTS
Adrian Robson
Hilary Martin (Permit Registrar)
Mark Weeks
Contact email: cruisers@rvyc.org.uk
RVYC SPECIAL ENSIGN
All members of RVYC have the right to obtain a Special Ensign permit under the Club's Warrant if they are British citizens and own a yacht (sail/motor/RIB) which meets Conditions Governing the Issue of Yacht Permits. (Contact Hilary Martin direct or via email to the Cruiser Group.)
RALLIES AND EVENTS FOR 2025
Easter Saturday 19th April Duck Race
Sunday 8th June to Saturday 14th June East Dorset Rally
The itinerary includes Lymington, Poole Harbour, Wareham, Christchurch and another return Western Solent stop. Lead: Adrian Robson
Friday 18th July / Saturday 19th July to Sunday 20th July
Timbrell's Quay Rally (Beaulieu)
The Beaulieu rally is a popular annual event. It is important to undertake this rally to maintain our privilege for mooring at Beaulieu. Choose between 1 or 2 nights at Beaulieu. I am hoping to extend this rally to the Monday with a return via Lymington or Newtown. Lead: Mark Weeks.
REVIEW OF 2024 RVYC CRUISER GROUP RALLY
Timbrell's Quay report from John Clack
Yachts involved:
Nosey, Parker 325 - John Clack
Otter, Parker 27 - Rob Fraser and brother
Apropos, Westerly Griffin - Chris and Janette Thomas
Jelou, Westerly Centaur - Steph & Andy Flux
Our Annual RVYC visit to Timbrell's Quay took place on Saturday 29th June. One of only two Clubs allowed to overnight there, we take care to exercise that privilege. In variable winds, Nosey set off from the waiting pontoon at Island Harbour (lock under repair!), motoring into a variable head wind, but at least it was sunny.
Apropos had picked up a buoy just before Bucklers hard, and joined Nosey to begin the flotilla. Spot on 1530 as planned at Bucklers Hard, Otter and Jelou followed, with Nosey offering the advice "if you see me stop, then hold back." We were at Timbre's as 1615, and the final HW wasn't until 1910.
Nosey did indeed stop, just short of the staithe, as the photo of her rudder shows. Apropos, Otter and Jelou all had a space to themselves. Tables and chairs were set out in a civilised fashion, and drinks, food and conversation were shared until the sun went down. The photo was taken the following morning!
Next morning all had an early start, leaving just after 0600 to begin the journey back to our home ports against the ebbing tide, taking advantage of a helpful f4 from the NW.
Since Nosey couldn't lock back into Island Harbour until the evening, she sailed up to Ryde and anchored by the Prince Consort to enjoy the Red Arrows, along with a couple of other like-minded RVYC members. And it looks like Otter featured in the County Press?
A great weekend with good times with the RVYC Cruiser Group. Come and join us next year at the lovely sites we can visit.
John Clack
Photos of the rally are on the Club website.
RALLY PHOTGRAPHIC RECORDS
To access our photos of the above and previous rallies, use the following procedure.
1. Go to the RVYC website.
2. Login.
3. Select LINKS.
4. Select Club Photo Area (If this option does not appear at the top of the list then you have not logged in.)
5. Click on the folder RVYC Photos Cruisers.
6. Select the folder for the year that you want.
7. Select the folder for the rally that you want.
This link may also be used to access the Wednesday Group Sailing trips.
ADULT SAILING TRAINING
If you are new to sailing and would like to get a taste of what cruiser sailing is like, then join the cruiser section of the Wednesday night Adult Sailing. The Cruiser Group supports this training providing experience on the water and basic understanding in some of the theory required to for this type of sailing. In addition we also hope to offer some longer day cruises. These will be advertised nearer the time.
RACING
Please see the Club calendar for Cruiser racing. A great way to hone your skills in making the best of wind and tide rather than turning on the engine or to have a couple of hours' sail with an objective.
Downloads
- Special Ensign Permit CONDITIONS.pdf
- RVYC Special Ensign Permit Application Form June 2021.pdf
- RVYC Special Ensign Permit Application Instructions June 2021.pdf
Last updated 12:06 on 24 January 2025