The 2022 Alderney Rally - that wasnt!!
Alderney was the intended destination over the late May Bank Holiday for the KYC/LTSC cruising group. Six boats, three from each club, planned their own passages across the channel at different times and by different routes aiming to meet in Braye Harbour on the Sunday afternoon. A 'rally' meal had been arranged in the Braye Beach Hotel for Sunday night.
In view of the challenges anticipated visiting France and the Channel Islands due to Brexit and Covid, some boats opted to visit Cherbourg whilst others planned to head straight for Alderney. 'Malaika' visited Alderney for three nights the week before and moved on to Guernsey because of uncomfortable mooring caused by wind strength and direction. As the weekend approached, we were concerned the forecast wind direction (North to North-East) would see no improvement in conditions, so following some Whatsapp messaging, the destination venue was changed from Alderney to St Peter Port in Guernsey.
On Friday, the LTSC boats 'Second Rebellion' and 'Crackerjack ll' both crossed the channel to Cherbourg. 'Nautical Dreams' went straight to Alderney for Friday night but swiftly moved on the following morning after a rolly night on a buoy and not getting ashore. 'Lady J' made the long trip from the Solent to St Peter Port in one hit, and 'Crackerjack ll' arrived from Cherbourg on Saturday with 'Ruby Tiger' ending up as the only boat in Alderney for the rally that had moved to Guernsey!
Following changes to meal reservations, the crew of 'Ruby Tiger' entertained themselves at Braye Beach Hotel whilst the crews of the five that made it to St Peter Port enjoyed drinks on the pontoon followed by a meal in the Boathouse.
As it turned out, the challenge that scuppered Alderney this year was not Brexit or Covid but the weather forecast!!. 'Ruby Tiger' apparently had a great rally but missed the company!
The KYC yacht crews found time to visit Guernsey Yacht Club and sample their hospitality.
Andy and Jane Holloway 'Malaika'
Last updated 10:01 on 30 April 2024