Island Cruising Club activities in 2013

Island Cruising Club's former Mersey ferry Egremont © ICC

Many people will remember the fine sight of the two green Island Cruising Club wooden yachts, Provident and Hoshi, sailing into Salcombe or Dartmouth on a Friday or Sunday evening, not so long ago. Crews would then regale listeners in the ICC Salcombe clubhouse, or other bars, with stories of Channel crossings, voyages to Ireland, and Tall Ships races.

The days of wood and tar are now in the past, but the Island Cruising Club has re-launched itself as the Club for people with an interest in cruising, who want to sail as part of a Club. The founding principle of the ICC from 62 years ago, that you do not need to own a boat to sail with the ICC, still holds true. Members wishing to sail will be welcome on board the Club yacht, Island Spirit, a Delphia 37. She is used for Club sailing by members, and for a range of RYA courses from Competent Crew to Yachtmaster. Cruises are being arranged to Cornwall, the Scillies, and France in 2013.

Members have none of the hassle of finding moorings, buying equipment and sails or general boat maintenance. Members who are new to sailing, or rusty after a few (or more) years on land, can have training from RYA-qualified instructors, or just crew with more experienced members until it all makes sense. Once they have gained sufficient skill and qualifications, they may skipper the Club yacht at any time. Guests or friends may be introduced, and adults of all ages and experience are welcome, as are families.

Members may also use the Club's powerboat fleet of 2 large launches, Duncan and Shamrock or the Club's RIB Gemini for day or half day trips in the local area. Training will be provided for these vessels to RYA standards and again the cost of using the Club's boats is far less than owning your own.

The Island Cruising Club has its clubhouse on the former Mersey ferry Egremont, moored in the Bag in Salcombe Harbour. There is a lively bar on Saturday afternoons and a regular barbeque on Saturday evenings. There is no finer place in the South Hams to watch the sun set and the stars come out. A free launch service shuttles members between the ship and Whitestrand pontoon in the town on Saturdays, starting at 13.45 from Whitestrand. Visiting yachtsmen are welcome on Saturday afternoons, and may use the harbour taxi, or their own dinghy.

The Club's web site is www.islandcruisingclub.co.uk and details of the ICC's history, membership forms, and forthcoming events can be found there. Membership is only £50 per year, and there is no joining fee.