Update 1 August 2011 

Saturday 30 July saw the first X-Yachts Owners Rally gathering in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and six X-Yachts joined us in making the trip over to the island.

Saturday's conditions were perfect for a gentle sail westwards down the Solent in a pleasant 10 knot breeze and glorious sunshine, perfect conditions for X-Yacht sailing!  The afternoon began with a competitive sail between the two X-46s, Peter Howland with Max Hubbard crewing aboard Ulixes, and David and Sue Carratt aboard Blue Vortex.

Upon arrival at Yarmouth Harbour the owners and crews were greeted with afternoon tea aboard Steve Derbyshire’s X-37, Xtra, which included some delicious home made cake from Clive Drury-White and his crew from Quickstep.  Peter invited everyone aboard Ulixes for pre-dinner drinks and a glass of wine or two was enjoyed whilst the sun set in the distance.  Dinner was held in the famous Salty’s Restaurant renowned for its local fish dishes and excellent atmosphere, where an excellent meal and some great sailing stories were shared. After dinner David and Sue Carratt invited everybody back for a nightcap on board Blue Vortex.

Sunday was another fabulous day for sailing with a gentle morning breeze from the south east.  The X-Yachts and their crews enjoyed a gentle sail down the Solent back towards their home ports with some owners choosing to watch the start of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race from the Royal Yacht Squadron start line.

The X-Yachts Owners Association would like to thank all X-Yacht owners and their crews for attending the weekend and we look forward to welcoming you on the next rally which we hope to hold in early autumn. We would be grateful for feedback on the weekend and if any owner has a suggestion for the destination of the next rally, please contact Guy Jackson at gj@x-yachtsgb.com or +44 (0) 23 8045 3377.