International Rally 2016

[jmcc500]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has registered for the International Rally at Heeg next year and received confirmation of some sort? I think I registered earlier this week but have not had any confirmation, and haven’t had a response to a query I submitted at the weekend.

Thanks,

James

[jmcc500]

Sorted! Apparently the application got filed in Spam, now registered 🙂

[Swiebertje]

If in doubt, call or email Joke Peers, she is managing the registrations. Her credentials are on the Dutch web site. In Dubio is already fully booked, but there are still some cabins available on the other barge.

[jmcc500]

The International Rally is getting closer and I was just after some tips from those who had been on previous events as to what to expect, what prep would be advised and what kit we should take.

I am currently planning to take wetsuit / spray top / wetsuit boots etc to cover off any bad weather, waterproof over trousers and jacket for wet but warm conditions, shorts and t-shirts for nice weather. Obviously life jacket, hut, sunglasses etc.

Boat prep will be fairly minimal as the boat will only be 10 months old by the time we go. Hopefully  few sails over the coming weeks will highlight any issues.

Should we take our outboard and/or rear locker? I am tempted to leave them both to save weight and complexity, but maybe they would be useful?

I am planning to leave the boom-up cover behind in order to save weight – will be trailed under a flat cover and left uncovered during the week.

I will be giving the trailer a once over, greasing and so on, and am considering changing up from 8″ to 10″ wheels as I have read some worrying stories of limited durability of smaller tyres.

If you know any other tips/things to look out for please let me know.

Thanks,

James

[Swiebertje]

Should we take our outboard and/or rear locker? I am tempted to leave them both to save weight and complexity, but maybe they would be useful?

Well, if you are staying on the barge you will have a nice warm bed and a shower. So everything you may need can stay in your cabin. All you need to take is your lunch bag. On the other hand there are many towns  with pubs, shops and restaurants along the route. The area is sort of like the Norfolk Broads. It is easy sailing in luxury, unless of course you are, like me, joining the land based rally.  That is a different story. We are staying in a town with only five pubs and seven restaurants, that is roughing it!

Often the goal for the day is a pub in some other town to have lunch.

You could bring an outboard but all you really need is a paddle to get to the next pub fast.

I will be giving the trailer a once over, greasing and so on, and am considering changing up from 8? to 10? wheels as I have read some worrying stories of limited durability of smaller tyres.

Good idea but note that the splash guards need to be replaced as well and possibly the splash guard’s mounting brackets too.

If you know any other tips/things to look out for please let me know.

An 10 year old Single Malt for those lonely evenings perhaps?

All fun aside, the area is easy sailing and you are never far away from shelter. The most exiting thing is waiting for a bridge to open. It is safe sailing for everyone, regardless of equipment or experience. We have support vessels sailing along that will give you a tow if need be. And if they are not around any of the other fifty thousand yachts will give you a tow or other assistance.

The lakes are old peat pits and are shallow. If the bottom wouldn’t be so muddy you could probably stand up to you waist in half the lake. This means the water will heat up fast when the sun is out and by July it will have reached a pleasant swimming temperature. Though you may need to take a shower after a swim in some places, it is just peat and there are no known health hazards if you jump out for a swim. Hence wet suits are not really necessary.

BTW do not wear a life jacket on a Wayferer, ever! They are dangerous! Use a swimming aid instead.
I once had a crew with a life jacket and after a capsize he couldn’t do anything anymore but float on his back. After I righted the boat he couldn’t even climb in again due to the life jacket. A life jacket is a health hazard on a boat like a Wayfarer.

The area is littered with small mooring spots with mooring posts, a lawn, a waste bin and a toilet so you wouldn’t even need to bring an anchor. Bridges open so there is no need to lower the mast. And should you have forgotten an important piece of equipment: every town has a chandler.

There are some reports of Dutch rallies past here: http://www.wayfarer-international.org/WIC/International.Rallies/IR_index.html

 

[jmcc500]

Hi Swiebertje,

Many thanks for the comprehensive reply. I grew up sailing on the Norfolk Broads so it all sounds familiar, though bridges that get out of your way will be a nice change from having to lower and raise your mast!

I did mean buoyancy aid, not life jacket! Thanks for the reminder though.

We’re really looking forward to the rally – hope that us travelling on the barges will get to see the land based crowd at some point?

Cheers,

James

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