The Rye Harbour Boat Owners Association held the first of the season’s mini cruises last weekend to Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne.
On Saturday, July 8 a flotilla of eight boats slipped their moorings and left on the morning tide on passage to Eastbourne. The day started a little overcast but with a promise that the sun would shine later which proved to be correct, but unfortunately the wind was not ideal for sailing, as although slight it was ‘on the nose’ and most of the boats resorted to motoring. One member, however, did manage to sail all the way putting the rest of us to shame!
On arrival in Eastbourne, while negotiating the lock, we were met by the harbour staff who were expecting us as we had radioed ahead and we were then allocated our berths for the night. After booking in, most of us met up for refreshments on ‘Annecy’ and arranged to meet for dinner later that evening, when 14 of us had an excellent meal in a local restaurant. A couple of the other boats had brought food for the evening meal with them so didn’t join us. On Sunday morning some of the flotilla left for home through the seven o’clock lock and the rest came through at seven thirty but again unfortunately we had to motor all the way due to lack of wind. However a great time was had by all.
The Rye Harbour Boat Owners Association was formed in 1962 by a group of Rye Mariners as a pressure group to make a stand in Parliament against the Harbour of Rye Bill which proposed a lock be installed across the river Rother adjacent to the Harbour Master’s office. We were successful and the Bill was not passed. We are affiliated to the RYA and have representation on the Harbour of Rye Advisory Board. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in the Harbour of Rye but it is not necessary to have a boat to be a member.
For further information regarding the Rye Harbour Boat Owners Association please contact Sue Bronsdon on 01797 223560.
Email. susietoo@hotmail.co.uk
Photo: Martin Carter