While most of us were stuffing ourselves with Christmas goodies, the committee of the Law Society Yacht Club has been working hard on its 2023 programme of events. The season casts off on 21 April with a weekend on the Solent aboard the 1908 Brixham sailing trawler Golden Vanity. It should be an excellent chance to experience the world of traditional gaff-rigged sailing: no winches, but five sails to play with.

Fingals cave, Staffa

Then, on 27 May, the club goes north to one of the world’s great cruising grounds: the Inner Hebrides. Gazette news editor Michael Cross will be skippering a Westerly Oceanmaster, embarking on a week-long cruise from Oban. Highlights, weather permitting, will include the island of Staffa with its unique geological formation, Fingal’s Cave (pictured), and the Isle of Mull’s colourful capital, Tobermory. Wildlife sightings are expected to include puffins, minke whales and red deer, along with the usual sea life.

Meanwhile, for racing enthusiasts, the annual grudge match against The Bar Yacht Club, in classic Mermaid keelboats off the Isle of Wight, will take place in June.

All three trips have a couple of spaces available. The club welcomes sailors of all abilities, from beginners to master mariners: you definitely do not need to own a boat!

For more information and details of costs, please contact secretary Finbarr Leahy: secretary@lawsocyc.org.uk.

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