A FLEET of 24 yachts with their crews visited Dart­mouth last week on the first stage of the Hallberg-Rassy Owners Association 2016 summer rally.

The boats came from as far afield as Harwich and Falmouth, one from Belg­ium, one from Jersey and several from the south coast and Solent area.

They were all berthed in Darthaven Marina for three days, although some had arrived in the area the previous week.

During their stay the crews enjoyed a visit to the Britannia Royal Naval College, organised by the Britannia Association, followed by a dinner at the Royal Dart Yacht Club, Kingswear, thanks to the hospitality of the RDYC Commodore Clive Bennett and the club in its 150th anniversary year.

The following day, groups walked the South West Coast Path to Coleton Fishacre, stopping for a rest, coffee and briefing at the National Coastwatch Instit­ution lookout station at Froward Point.

The association presented a donation of £160 to NCI station manager Stuart Rostron in recognition of the valuable work the charity does for the protection of coastal sailors.

After lunch in the National Trust cafe at Coleton Fishacre, the opportunity was taken to visit the house and gardens.

Some members still felt energetic enough to walk back to Kingswear while others returned by minibus.

HROA Commodore Nigel Kingsley, said: ‘We were delighted to be able to come to Dartmouth for the first visit of our rally this year and to take advantage of the many interesting activities the area has to offer. We had a wonderful stay. Thanks to Darthaven Marina for making us feel so welcome.’

The fleet left Dartmouth on Thursday for the next leg of their cruise, to Salcombe. Plans for the rest of the trip include stops at Plymouth, Fowey and Falmouth, after which the boats will continue independently to their eventual summer cruising grounds, or return home.

Hallberg-Rassy is a type of sailing yacht, designed and built in Sweden and owned and sailed all over the world. The HROA is based in UK, although it does have several overseas members, and represents over 300 boats of all sizes from 29ft to 53ft.

Anyone who owns one of these fine boats is eligible to become a member of the association, which offers rallies such as this one, shore based activities out of season, discounts with marine suppliers and an active website and discussion forum for exchange of technical information. For more details, see www.hroa.co.uk.