During early September the AYC officially opened its redeveloped Clubhouse. How appropriate that an AYC cadet from some 50 years ago, who is now the Chairman of the RYA, should return to Axmouth to conduct the official opening! Chris Preston started his sailing career from Axmouth beach, ably supported by his parents Bill and Honor, … Read more

Once again, the weather was less than cooperative for the AOD regatta at Axe, programmed over the first weekend in August. Strong south westerlies prevailed with rain, so the event was cancelled; almost. The regatta has been plagued by poor weather over the years, no matter whether programmed in June, July or August. Not to … Read more

After an inevitable year out, it was great to see Fowey Classics back on the calendar this year. Once again a few of the AODs headed west to join in the fun. By coincidence it was the three originals, No.s 1, 6 & 8 that signed up for the classics; with a combined fleet age … Read more

AOD No.6 Swallow returned to Peter William’s yard at Bodinnick, just prior to lockdown for substantial repair work. Her ageing elm bottom boards had become brittle and it was a job keeping her afloat without constant bailing. So, Peter replaced four new elm planks each side including the garboard, and additionally on the turn of the … Read more

Over the weekend of 5/6th September Bosham Sailing Club held its annual Classic Boat Revival, a five-race regatta. This year four AODs took part in attendance with their support boat Walkabout III. Once again B.S.C. managed to provide perfect conditions in Chichester Harbour, with moderate north-westerlies on the Saturday and lighter northerlies on the Sunday. … Read more

Having previously celebrated the AOD regattas on a five yearly basis, last year it was decided to the run the regatta annually. The weekend of 14th-16th June was chosen, with high expectations of good weather. The two previous (60th & 65th) had been run in late July, both incurred un-seasonally strong south-westerlies curtailing any sailing … Read more

Five Axmouth based AODS – No.s 1, 8, 21, 22 & 24 joined the two Beaulieu based AODs No. 6 & 23 for a late summer weekend of ‘messing about in boats’ on the Beaulieu River (Sept 15th/16th). Once again we are indebted to the RSYC in allowing the fleet to launch and berth at … Read more

The weekend of 1st/2nd September provided ideal conditions for the Bosham Classic Boat Revival regatta, a light/moderate south easterly,  with factor 50 wall to wall sunshine, perfect sailing conditions for traditional dinghies. This was the first time that the AODs had ventured east to this classic regatta. No.1 Whimbrel and No.6 Swallow were towed around by sea … Read more

The last weekend of July saw all eight AODs gather on the Axe estuary for the 65th Anniversary Regatta. Expectations were high, with a full programme of activities both on the estuary and the sea – especially since the summer has proved to be an exceptionally settled one. Unfortunately the 27th – 29th July proved … Read more

On Saturday 14th April the River Axe witnessed the launching of a brand new AOD. The AYC slipway was rigged with flags, bubbly was set up on the pontoon and right on queue, the sea mist cleared, leaving a lovely sunny afternoon for the official launching of AOD No.24. The new AOD was lowered into … Read more