This year, Philip Meadowcroft has negotiated a truly excellent package with Salcombe’s Harbour authorities and the Yacht Club, such that the 2008 West Country Cruise will offer a truly magnificent weekend of lazy pottering around this amazingly scenic piece of water and equally mouth watering culinary experiences at various locations ashore. Many of the area’s attractions are eloquently described on: http://www.salcombe-online.co.uk/salcombe-guide.html, including your accommodation guide.

So let’s start with the sailing. Please let me know a.s.a.p your intentions to join the cruise and you will be allocated one of the ‘reserved’ spaces at Batson Boat Park from Friday through to Sunday. A cheque for £15 payable to South Hams District Council should be sent to me please at: Higher Hannaford Farm, Poundsgate, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 7NX. There will be no harbour licence fee payable. We can thank Philip for this amazing deal!

We shall convene at 10.30am for the briefing on Saturday. Please have your boats rigged and ready to go. Bring a packed lunch so we can be flexible in terms of our destination. High water is at 1317. We shall have a choice of sailing within the estuary to Kingsbridge or if the weather allows, seaward and along the coast. I have written to the Island Cruising Club to enquire whether they will host the cream tea this year. Have no fear however, the scones will be available somewhere, sometime that afternoon. We should be back at Batson by 5.30pm.

On Sunday, we shall have a similar start time and enjoy some sailing in the estuary arriving at South Pool for some lunch. I suggest however that you bring sandwiches again so that we can be as flexible as possible.

Evening entertainment. Philip and Jill have very kindly offered to host a BBQ on Friday evening at their home: Channel View, Grenville Road, Salcombe TQ8 8BJ Tel: 01548 842949
A bottle and a contribution to the BBQ would, I am sure be appreciated. I suspect doors open from about 7.00pm.

On Saturday night, the Salcombe Yacht Club will be providing the meal. For those who have not sampled their excellent catering, it is to be highly recommended. The cost about £11 per head – real value for money and a delightful place to wind down after a large cream tea!

As usual, everyone who participates will be responsible for their own dinghy and crew and be competent to handle their Wanderer in the weather and tidal conditions prevailing over the weekend.

Please contact me as soon as possible me on: davejilld@hotmail.com or tel: 01364631322. Thank you. David Davies