MTYC Club Meet and Masquerade Ball 1st – 3rd Sept 2023

MTYC Club Meet and Masquerade Ball 1st – 3rd Sept 202

​Following the success of the combined club cruise to W India dock with Middle Thames Yacht Club last weekend, they kindly invited us to join them for a short weekend break at their clubhouse on the lock island at Sunbury, and their Summer Masquerade Ball on the Saturday evening.  Four boats from Albany accepted the invitation: Enterprise, Laird Tommy, Ginista and Blue Dimension.  Enterprise and Laird Tommy cruised down on the Friday and moored to MTYC’s visitor berths alongside the clubhouse.  Unfortunately Enterprise, with Chris at the helm , experienced a sudden gust of wind just as she was manoeuvring in reverse into the tight space.  This resulted in a slow speed collision with one of MTYC’s club boats and the resultant loss to the depths of said boat’s auxiliary outboard!  Chris “fessed-up” and the owner was duly informed.  It transpired that the outboard was extremely elderly and due for replacement.  Negotiations followed, and an amicable cash settlement was agreed, with both parties remaining on good terms.

​MTYC had indicated that there would be a BBQ that evening. Chris and Lin and John and Geraldine were ready and waiting; and waiting, and waiting …!  Unfortunately, nobody from MTYC turned up!  Somehow or other an elderly disposable BBQ was unearthed, and the crews of Laird Tommy and Enterprise managed to cook a meal and amuse themselves.
Ginista and Blue Dimension set out together from PH on Saturday.  Their departure coincided with the Dunkirk Little Ships rally at PH.  The Little Ships made a great sight, dressed overall and with the veterans sporting their chests full of medals.  The weather was ideal, with warm September sunshine.  Long may these living pieces of history be lovingly maintained and used!
Ginista and Blue Dimension moored safely alongside MTYC’s clubhouse and Ginista’s new crew member, Donatello the Italian Greyhound puppy, was introduced to everyone.  He spent the next few hours blissfully asleep on Russ’ lap!

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​The Ball started with a very good sit-down meal.  Kelvin (MTYC Commodore) welcomed everyone and was helped out with a short grace by Tony (distantly remembered from Round Table days). The evening continued with dancing to a very talented male Karaoke singer.  Needless to say, given the age profile of those present, he relied heavily on 50’s, 60’s and 70’s music.  All in all, the evening was a great success.

​Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, and the Albany crews and MTYC members enjoyed a leisurely morning, culminating in a splendid “full Monty” fry-up brunch. After which the Albany boats departed for PH.

Many thanks are due to MTYC (especially Kevin and Dennis) for their generous hospitality.
As always, thanks to those Albany members who attended for their splendid company.
A suggestion was raised that some Albany crews might like to take on dual membership with MTYC which would mean we could use their facilities in the future for similar weekends.  Tony will liaise with Kelvin to discuss this further.  Watch this space!