Despite the mixed weather at the end of August, a crystal clear morning coincided with high water on Saturday 28th August – with a light north westerly conditions were favourable for a sail on the estuary. The purpose of which was to witness the launching of the latest AOD (on the Axe). All seven AODs took part in a sail up the river, the largest gathering for more than 50 years.
Gannet No.23 took to the waters of the Axe for the first time, although having had her naming at Ashlett back in January, a drop of fizz was consumed to celebrate her first sail on the estuary. Resident photographers Jane Calvert & Pete Taylor took a splendid selection of pictures to mark the occasion, see above.
The previous day saw four of the AODs sailing on the Dart, No.s 1, 8, 22 & 23 headed down for the regatta activities. Again the sun obliged and a pleasant sail was had both up and down the Dart with an excellent lunch at RDYC who were very kind in allowing the small fleet to temporarily rest at their pontoon.
As the evenings start to draw in the AYC River Race series draws to a close leaving the annual River Race Dinner as next item on the agenda.
