Our first ever rally was a 4 day trip held 18 - 21 November 1993 with the destination of Ocean Village and 46 taking part. Our Autumn Rallies have continued in a 4 day format, with destinations covering the south coast from Chichester to Poole. For special anniversaries we have dined on HMS Victory, at the top of Spinnaker Tower and they even let us into the Royal Yacht Squadron. From 1995 - 2018 there was always a fancy dress theme, with a trophy for the winning crew or individual, although this has waned recently.
In 1995 the first Spring Rally was organised and 24 intrepid sailors crossed the channel with dinner at the First & Last Restaurant in Braye Harbour. In 2004, the duration was increased from 4 to 5 days and, in 2016, to 7 days. Cross channel destinations have stretched from Honfleur in the east to Guernsey in the west and all points between. On several occasions we've ventured further west along the English coast but never had kind weather. Although, on a few occasions, boats have chosen not to cross the channel, we have always returned the charter boats on time.
In 2001 we introduced 'Hot Hot Hot'. 12 crew on 2 boats sailed from Primosten in Croatia for a week. More of a holiday on water, sailing as our own flotilla, visiting beautiful places and eating & drinking well, the trip quickly became an integral part of the HOEOCA calendar. We've visited Croatia, Greece and Turkey several times as well as Corsica, Elba, Majorca, Malta, Montenegro, Sardinia and Sicily. Also the BVIs and Phuket as well as a 'Flat, Flat, Flat' to Holland.
Rally History 1993 - 2024
