The annual trip to Deauville was a great success for the lucky few who went. The race over was pleasant if a bit dull. It was straight close fetch with no sail changing or opportunities for tactical coups.

Jackdaw was the only sailing yacht from the club to make the crossing. Therefore we could not regain the team prize - but at least had the consolation of winning the Jean de Roany trophy for 1st RLYC boat. We also had the Commodore at the helm for a lot of the way

A dinner was held in the Normandie hotel.

Only two motor yachts came this year - Centime and Quayline II. The latter is Vicki Wyatt’s fine Nord West 420 just back from renovations back in Sweden. She generously held a party on board after the prizegiving (which had featured the Commodore’s speech expertly delivered en Francaise).

The motor yachts were then caught up in the French fishermen’s blockade allowing for more dinners!

(More on the in adjoining news item).

Also see pictures in the gallery