Rallies
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Rallies are held across the UK and overseas. They range from day sails and short camp cruises in sheltered waters, to coastal expeditions over a couple of weeks. They are always an occasion for socialising, making new friends, comparing notes and boats and lots of picnics! You can sail in company or you can sail alone - the DCA does not over organise; join in as much or as little as you wish. At some rallies people all launch from the same place; at others they launch at different locations and meet up at a designated spot.
Coronavirus caused the cancellation of all rallies in 2020 but fortunately did not curtail the programme in 2021. So provided there are no lockdown or travel restrictions, rallies will go ahead as planned in 2022. It is important, however, that members remain mindful of their own safety in terms of social distancing. |
Lunch break at Loch Lomond
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The DCA does not run a safety boat. Dinghy cruising on exposed tidal waters is for experienced sailors only. Individual sailors must decide whether they and their boat can handle the expected conditions. Always check marine weather forecasts and local conditions before you sail, and remember there is no shame in deciding not to sail if you think conditions are more than you or your boat can manage.
All members are welcome at rallies, with or without their own boat. Depending on the location, members cruise not just in sailing dinghies but also in rowing boats, kayaks and canoes, and there are often opportunities to crew for others. Members should always contact the organiser of the rally in advance, to make their intention to participate known, especially if looking for crewing opportunities, and thus ensure that they are kept informed of plans and any changes that may occur.
Although rallies are for DCA members, if you are thinking of joining the Association and wish to meet some of us and sample a rally please email the Regional Secretaries, specifying which rally you are interested in attending and giving details of your boat and sailing experience. The relevant Regional Secretary will put you in touch with the rally organiser if s/he thinks it is a suitable occasion for you to attend. You will be responsible for your own safety just as members are and expected to have third party boat insurance.
Rally programmes are agreed among members early in the year at meetings or through discussion on the Forum or by email. The finalised programmes are always included in the Dinghy Cruising journal sent to all members and are posted in the Forum as well as here on the website on the following rally pages. It is important to remember that these are always subject to changes and members planning to attend a rally are advised to check with the person hosting the rally or look for updates on the Forum.
Although rallies are for DCA members, if you are thinking of joining the Association and wish to meet some of us and sample a rally please email the Regional Secretaries, specifying which rally you are interested in attending and giving details of your boat and sailing experience. The relevant Regional Secretary will put you in touch with the rally organiser if s/he thinks it is a suitable occasion for you to attend. You will be responsible for your own safety just as members are and expected to have third party boat insurance.
Rally programmes are agreed among members early in the year at meetings or through discussion on the Forum or by email. The finalised programmes are always included in the Dinghy Cruising journal sent to all members and are posted in the Forum as well as here on the website on the following rally pages. It is important to remember that these are always subject to changes and members planning to attend a rally are advised to check with the person hosting the rally or look for updates on the Forum.
Members have organised themselves into the following groups to facilitate the planning process:
Most groups have a volunteer Regional Secretary to coordinate discussions.
- England: South Coast; South West; East; North East; North West - including North Wales
- South Wales
- North of Scotland
- South of Scotland
- Ireland - including Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
- France
- Netherlands
- North America - including Canada and the USA
Most groups have a volunteer Regional Secretary to coordinate discussions.
Pop up Rallies
If any member of the DCA is planning to go sailing and thinks it would be good to have company, they are welcome to make a post on the Forum giving details of when and where they plan to launch, what the proposed route and duration would be and how they can be contacted by anyone interested to join them. This can be accompanied by a post on the Facebook page with a note saying, for example, 'Pop up rally this weekend in the North West region' - for further information please login to the DCA Forum.
Non DCA raids and festivals that may be of interest:
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