The weather forecast for the 2007 East Coast Rally was not very encouraging with torrential rain expected, but luck proved to be on our side and the sun managed to find Bradwell for at least part of the time.

For those travelling by road or arriving by sea, the weather proved a bit of a challenge with the torrential rain making progress by road difficult and strong winds and rain making the journey by sea rather challenging.

The Rally was held over the weekend of 21st and 22nd July and was attended by 30 members and friends. Eight boats came along although none were over 30'. Unfortunately, none of the larger boats were able to make it this year. The largest boat at the Rally was Marc Bessems' steel Van de Stadt 28 AURORA which he brought over from Belgium. Tim Metcalfe brought his Kingfisher 26 CHOPSTICKS, and Philip Corridan brought his Trident 24 LAMINA, a rather backward beast complete with Swing-Wing rig and electric motor propulsion, which was formerly named 'Blunderbus' and owned by the late Don Howard who was a regular at the Rally.

Ron Evans brought his Newbridge Venturer TIGER LILY which he had refurbished to a very high standard and, unusually, fitted with a bow thruster. Robin brought his Macgregor BUNNY and Rodney Whitworth his Stag 28 PLATO which at the moment is fitted with a Bermudan rig.

Two Hunter Liberty's came to the Rally. John Dinnan's is fitted with a Junk rig whilst Bob Ager's still has the original cat rig. It was interesting to see these two boats sailing together.

Patrick Smith was due to come in his Colvic 25 FUSTILUG but unfortunately had to cancel at the last minute due to an unforeseen mechanical problem.

As usual we met at the Bradwell Marina club house and, after some lunch, joined the boats and headed out onto the Blackwater. There was a moderately strong wind blowing which gave rise to some brisk but still enjoyable sailing. The rain just about managed to stay away.

In the evening we retired to the Bradwell Quay Yacht Club for a buffet dinner and talk by yours truly on the building of my boat MALLIEMAC. The same talk as I gave at Warsash but with updated photographs including some of David Tyler's TYSTIE for comparison.

Sunday was a much better day with plenty of sunshine but less wind. We had an early start as we needed to get to Brightlingsea for lunch at the Colne Yacht Club. All the boats managed to get away in good time and the sight of the Junk yachts sailing in company was a real pleasure.

The Colne Yacht Club always provides us with an excellent lunch and despite losing their chef only days before the Rally, managed to do us proud once again with a lovely roast beef lunch or choice from the bar menu.

After lunch and a good chat we set off back to Bradwell. With some of the yachts not going back as it was the wrong direction for home, we still had enough boats to ensure everyone else got back to Bradwell by sea. Unfortunately the wind decided to leave us and with time pressing to reach Bradwell with sufficient water to get into the marina, we ended up motoring.

Back at Bradwell, those that had to leave said their farewells. A few of us helped Robin get BUNNY out of the water and back on her trailer ready for the journey home and later we all met in the Greene Man for dinner and drinks and a good old chat that only good food and good company can provide.

Monday morning arrived with a return to the cloudy weather and rain. We were very lucky this year given the dreadful summer we have been having. I hope everyone enjoyed the 2007 East Coast Rally. (Find out about the 2008 East Coast Rally dates here).

This rally report and related photos have been taken
from the Junk Rig Association Newsletter 49.