Maryport Cruise July 6th/7th/8th 2024
After radio checks on Channel 72 Bayard (Atlanta Viking 800), Misty (Moody 31 mk2), Moonrise (Westerly Fulmar), Riant (Romilly) and Tryfan (Sadler 29) slipped their moorings at Kippford around 1015 on Saturday 6th July for the outward leg of the planned Maryport cruise. The forecast was for F3-F4 north westerly winds rising in the evening. For the return trip it was predicted winds would be of similar strength and back ie come from the south west or west. The two motorboats Zen Voyager (Sealine 330) and Mr Solitude (Fairline Cornish) set off approximately two hours after the yachts
The yachts proceeded in line ahead as far as Hestan where Misty peeled off to accompany the gathering fleet of RNLI craft preparing to make an entrance for the Kippford RNLI open day. The remaining four boats enjoyed an excellent sail for the next two to three hours. On approaching Maryport the wind increased. This resulted in rapidly developing overfalls just at the entrance of Maryport harbour for the final half hour. One skipper described how he ‘surfed’ into the marina! He also remarked that the outer harbour is big enough for single handed yachtsmen to sail straight in and immediately drop the sails. Moonrise reported a fast passage in winds that really suited a bigger yacht although one younger member of crew was seasick after being below for too long. The two motorboats arrived at about the same time as the yachts and made an uneventful entry.
All mariners met aboard Moonrise for a well earned glass of champagne before venturing ashore. Several venues were sampled. The Labour Club and Sailors Return proved good watering holes whilst the Maryport Tandoori was worth a visit. Special mention was made of the meals at the Golden Lion. Crews enjoyed the friendliness of the marina and town.
The following morning the yachts set sail when the flap gate permitted. Zen Voyager opted to stay for a further night at the marina. Initially winds were on the nose and progress was a little slow. Later on, however, the wind came from the west and strengthened. A smallest yacht (Riant) described it as an exciting, if somewhat rough, passage to Kippford. Moonrise crossed Solway in no time at all. Tryfan planned to route north west after Maryport towards Kirkcudbright. With the wind changing direction and increasing to 25-30 knots she spent a night moored off Little Ross. Her crew had a beautiful sail under a blue sky to Kippford the next morning. They felt it was almost as if they were in the Med!
All boats had returned safely to their moorings by the 8th July. .A good time, it appears, was had by all. However our Kirkcudbright colleagues were very much missed as the tide and timing for their outwards leg made it difficult to complete the cruise in the weekend. We will plan better for next year.’
Neil Munro, member SYC and KSC