So, perhaps Friday, (2 May 2025) was not the best day to run an offshore yacht race…
…as owners and crew awoke at circa 05h00 they were greeted by total silence, not a whisper of wind…
At the Safety Briefing the previous evening, Dieppe Dash Team saved something as an addendum, racing boat owners and crew gathered closer to learn of a stupid idea, If, yes the Big If, if the wind is too light to start an offshore race, the following morning Baradal would signal boats to motor toward Dieppe until sufficient wind to effectively and fairly make sail was found.
At 09h10 somewhere mid channel, the Dieppe Dash Race was On..! …by 22h32 all boats had arrived at Port de Dieppe – Phew..!
In the background, from early morning Fog had been filling in the picturesque sky, down to sea level, the light blue sky slowly gave way to a colour a mix of poached smoke and Polar Bear’s Breath..!
Meanwhile, undeterred by all this racing atmospherics fuss, Cruising boats continued to make passage for Dieppe.
Many boats arrived at Dieppe under sail including 8/13 racing boats, with some Cruising and Racing boats choosing to motor toward the bar (including one boat who turned back to pick-up a passport).
It was good to see so many British boats in Port de Dieppe Marina, and it was so very pleasing to see British Sailors enjoying time in France. A special thank you from Anne-Marie Dolidier, President of Cercle de la Voile de Dieppe (Yacht Club) for the cordial atmosphere, a thank you I am sure would be endorsed by monsieur Cyril CAUCHY, the New Chief Operating Officer of Port de Dieppe who spoke so highly of the cooperation between Dieppe Dash and Port de Dieppe.
…and it is all down to you, the boat owners and crew who make Dieppe Dash the fun event it has become.
In all…
- some 30 boats made the passage to Dieppe
- 29 boats made the return passage
- 1 boat still in Dieppe for mechanical repairs.
- All persons alive and safe to enjoy a summer of sailing, perhaps we will see you next year?
