October 2003 / Bulletin No: 46

June 13th, 14th & 15th 2003, Seaward Rally

By the evening of Friday 13th June 03, nine Seaward boats had assembled in the Mayflower Marina, Plymouth and set about renewing friendships of those members and their crew who were able to attend this year.

After the briefing and the conviviality of the first evening together, Saturday saw us on a most interesting and enjoyable trip around Plymouth Dockyard and a short cruise around Kingsand (Cawsand) Bay before disembarking at the Barbican where we were at liberty to visit the Aquarium and the delights of Plymouth itself.

The 'Seaward Squadron' Dinner was enjoyed by twenty-three members and guests in the Brasserie. The index of Achievement Trophy was awarded to Richard Villalard for his ninety-four mile single-handed crossing from Guernsey in his single engine Seaward 23 'Lady Ruth'. After some heckling, it was I who had to own up and graciously accept the coveted 'Booby ' trophy for having travelled from Cowes to Weymouth with the starboard fuel tank filler cap left open and then attempting to cross Lyme Bay still not having noticed the open tank. Happily no lasting damage resulted. My thanks to both Roger Goldsmith and John Hickman for making every effort to inform all members present!

The evening was particularly enjoyable because some 'honorary' members who no longer own a Seaward and also those who were unable to come on their own boat joined us for the cruise and the dinner- Margaret & Don, John & Doreen, it was good to see you.

Members will remember that it has long been the Association's policy to hold the annual Rally in different parts of the South and the Channel Islands in order to give Seaward owners who live in the Southwest, Solent area or Guernsey an opportunity to take part in the Rally without making too long a journey.

All who attend the rallies say how enjoyable they are, so please make every effort to join us in 2004.
Where are we going next year? Cherbourg!

It seems 2004 celebrates D Day + 60 years and we thought we could invade the mainland of Europe by holding next year's rally in Cherbourg.

The club would be grateful if members could indicate whether they are likely to attend as soon as possible so that the necessary arrangements can be made for the weekend commencing Friday 18th June 2004.

Do remember to visit the 'Owner's Club' page of the Seaward website regularly to find up to date information about future events: www.seawardboat.com

Finally, my sincere apologies to members who have been trying to contact me via the internet or telephone in recent months. Many Seaward owners will realise that my lifestyle has changed a great deal during 2003. Not only have I remarried, but Diane and I have also relocated Sunbury on Thames. It has been an exciting year for us, with extensive cruising around the Solent, West Country, Channel Islands and the Baie de Seine. Adding to this, the house move and the failure of my computer (still out of action) and one sees the need for the apology and explanation.

The above events have limited the time that I now have available to devote to the Association's affairs. Therefore, after six enjoyable years of looking after the Seaward Owners Association I will be passing the reins over to our member John Hickman who has always been a very active supporter of our rallies.

I wish to sincerely thank the many members who have supported my efforts and also those of my late wife, Ruth , during the past six years in continuing the excellent work of the Association's founder, Mike Wood. John Hickman can be sure of my continued interest and support for the activities of the 'Seaward Squadron' and I wish all members 'fair winds' for the future.

New Secretary Details:

John Hickman
61 Endeavour Way
Hythe Marina Village Hythe, Hants. SO45 6LA
Tel: 02380 207193
Email: jhfhickman@aol.com

Regards

Peter Bassett