This text originally appeared as part of a longer article in Dinghy Cruising #260 describing the Dinghy Cruising Association’s (DCA) Traeth Bach Rally in 2023. All photos by the crew of Curlew.
Our First Dinghy Cruising Association Rally
The Traeth Bach rally was our first DCA meeting, and what an excellent weekend we had! The sun shone, the steam engines puffed from Porthmadog, and four little boats sailed (while a fifth paddled round the headland) from the Llech campsite across the estuary to Borth-y-Gest, a journey of 4 km. In our West Wight Scow “Curlew” we were fortunate enough with our shallow draft to “skim” across the tops of the drying sandbanks between the Afon Glaslyn and Afon Dwyryd.
The wind was fair and from the north-east so we eschewed the “deep” water channel and managed the outward leg in one tack. Brilliant sailing, with a happy and relaxed crew enjoying the surroundings and glorious weather. For the return leg the wind died and as the tide began to turn and we struggled with the oars under some strong currents, two of our fellow boats came up and offered us a tow. No sooner had we thrown the line across when my crew shouted “we’re sailing, let go” - the wind was back and we all returned to the slip with just enough time to recover the boats on a falling tide.
Learning to cast the lead
My sincere and heartfelt thanks to all our fellow DCA’ers who not only made us feel most welcome but who were on the lookout and readily offered us a spot of help when we needed it.
The next day, whilst some of the group paddled upstream, we sailed and paddled across to Portmeirion, dropping anchor in the harbour to get a closer view at some of the picture-perfect buildings. We also used the trip to practice casting the lead - which became a favourite activity for our youngest crew member (7) - although his readings of “less than a metre” did make skipper sweat a little at times.
For the homeward leg we took the opportunity of slack water to improve our sculling - taking time to get our weight distribution right and placing our smallest and lightest member of the crew at the helm to help steady our course. With the occasional puff of wind and the oars working well we made a best speed over ground of 3 knots, again returning just as the tide was turning after midday. To celebrate our successful adventures we took the afternoon to ride a steam train and have an ice cream. We’re already looking forward to our next DCA rally!