The annual Colne Yacht Club rally to Ostend is taking place on Friday, 19th June. This is the 40th time the rally will head to Ostend, so it will be great to see as many CYC boats join us as possible. Both sail and motorboats are very welcome.

For those of you who have joined us before, I’m sure you’ll be familiar with the usual crossing of the North Sea, in company, followed by a relaxing weekend swapping sailing stories, catching up with friends old and new, and the fun-filled Saturday evening meal with prizes for some silly, and some not so silly categories. Some of you will return home on Sunday, while others, including me, will take advantage of being across the water and stay on for a holiday in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, or perhaps venture further afield.

For those of you who haven’t joined us before, you’ll be made to feel very welcome. The rally is open to everyone, and if you’re considering coming along, I can only encourage you to do so. I made my first crossing more years ago than I care to remember on Robin Impey’s boat, Flyer. Last year, I was very proud to cross in my own boat, Banzai, for the first time. Sailing across the North Sea to Belgium can be a daunting proposition; the rally’s main objective is to help those keen to have a go cross in a friendly, supportive group. There’s a lot of experience in the fleet that will cross, and we’re very happy to share as much information with you as you’d like. Detailed sailing instructions will follow closer to the rally.

The main fleet will depart from Harwich on Friday, 19th June at 0600. If there is sufficient interest, we will organise an additional start in Brightlingsea for those wishing to sail from home. The start time should ensure everyone arrives in Ostend in daylight, and more importantly, while the bar is still open.

Please contact Andrew Priestley by email at andrew@arpriestley.com or by phone 07454 709 579 if you have any questions or would like to take part in this exciting and memorable event.