Summary
The Association organises several events through the year, roughly categorised as:
- Training (aka Saturday Specials)
- Days Out, which can be any day of the week
- Rallies, usually at the weekend, but occasionally during the week (to avoid crowds)
Training (Saturday Specials)
These are whole day instructional courses with limited places on topics such as VHF, radar, engine maintenance, astro navigation, survival and first aid. These events are often linked to RYA certification schemes. These are arranged according to demand, there being usually one or two each season.
DaysOut
These can be events of almost any kind, usually involving a coach journey from Gerrards Cross, but sometimes with transport organised by the participants. In the past, we have had:
Thames Boatyard & Craftmans Workshop Tour
HMS Belfast
Thames Barrier
Rallies
Many of the members of GXSA are boat owners, including canoe, dinghy, narrow boat, motor launch, sailing boat owners amongst our number.
Rallies are usually based in the Solent. They are primarily social events, with like-minded individuals meeting for dinner, and visiting a local attraction on the Sunday morning.
Owners usually take their boats, or hitch a ride with one of the other boats that is attending. There is an active participation from non-owners, who can usaually be accommodated on another boat that is going. So far, we’ve managed to find berths for everybody who wanted to go along.
Some people prefer not to sail, and simply attend by car.
Common venues for GXSA rallies are:
- Bembridge
- Cowes
- Southampton
- Hamble
- Beaulieu
- Yarmouth
We have a clutch of favourite restaurants in each venue !!