Eight yachts (Adriana, Astrid, Bright Future, Falaise, Ismana, Jango, Legato, Nicknack and one powerboat (Moonlight Shadow) participated in the Dan Bran Rally this April hosted by Jenefer and Charles from Falaise. The majority arrived in time for pontoon drinks on the Friday evening. Emma and Ian Bourne joined too as their trip west had been curtailed due to the weather and Marian Nightingale also came along. All had a great catch up particularly those who had not seen each other since last year.

Blue skies and sunshine greeted all arriving in Lymington although as soon as the sun disappeared in the evenings it turned chilly. On the Saturday, Jenefer had arranged an RNLI lifejacket clinic and tour of the Lymington RNLI boat house for all. The added entertainment was Falaise’s old liferaft being inflated and some of the group experimenting what it is like to sit in a liferaft. The lifejacket clinic was very well-received however it resulted in a few trips to the local chandlery and a big expenditure for some of the group. Better safe (and broke) than sorry! Pontoon drinks were hosted by Falaise again on Saturday before heading to The Haven. Dinner was much enjoyed by all with good service and food. Sunday dawned with blue sky and sunshine for a third day in a row. Unfortunately four of the boats had to depart that morning due to work or other commitments. Jenefer and Charles led a walk via the marshes to The Fisherman’s Rest for a tasty Sunday roast lunch. All remaining boats departed Dan Bran on Monday morning. We would like to express our thanks to Jane Kelvey who provided great support for our first rally.

Jenefer & Charles, Falaise

Rally Leaders: Karen & David Jump - Jango

WhatsApp communications got off to a shaky start as after several attempts my phone was blocked for spamming (who knew…?).   Karen saved the day by using her own phone and we all breathed a sigh of relief.  (My apologies to all for being a right spammer!) 

Despite the forecast for strong winds those who had signed up for the Rally weeks before were undeterred and in the end we had 17 yachts attending. 

The welcome (BYO) drinks on the CYH Veranda decorated by the Bunting Boys (you know who you are) was enlivened by a wonderous display of Easter Bonnets. Congratulations to Alison Edwards and Victoria Hibberd our joint winners of the Best Bonnet award. 

Saturday winds put paid to the dinghy rally to the Folly Inn but the visit to the Classic Boat Museum was well attended and a spectacular display of unique and historic boats including the first solo Atlantic rowing boat and WW2 airborne Air Sea Rescue boat not to mention an extraordinary but dangerous gyro boat driven by a windmill instead of a sail.

Sunday was basically a free day and members enjoyed their choices of the many attractions that the Isle of Wight has to offer such as walks, the heritage steam train line, the Sailors Church (it was Easter after all) and of course shopping. 

On Monday all boats made it safely back to home ports despite having to contend with an unexpectedly lumpy sea.

Finally our thanks and appreciation to the CYH berthing master and his team for the cheerful and efficient way in which they managed us and also to the Island Sailing Club who hosted us as old friends and for whom nothing was too much trouble.

Yes it has been a very successful shakedown rally and we look forward to a great season of fun and enjoyment.

Best wishes to all from your Shakedown Rally Leaders,
David & Karen Jump (JANGO).

Winter Talk 1 - HMS Edinburgh Gold
18th January 2026