Queen Anne’s Battery Winter News

We’d like to start off by saying a massive thank you to all our berth holders for keeping your boat with us this year. 2022 saw temperatures soaring and was recorded as one of the hottest summers on record giving many blue-sky days to go boating. It was great to look out over Plymouth Sound and see so many white sails and motorboats out on these occasions, making use of these balmy summer days.

We saw the 2022 sailing season kick off in early May with the Ostar & Twostar Ocean race to America, closely followed by the Round Britain & Ireland Race. Although attendance was down a little on previous years, it showed that despite the covid 19 pandemic and cancellation of previous races, people were keen to actively compete and take part once more.

Summer started off in earnest with the second year of the Green Tech Boat Show here on-site giving the academics, public and sailors alike a chance to see what’s new in the world of green technology. It’s amazing to see what has been brought together in what is a relative short period of time of development, with many local companies and Universities taking part.

In July we saw the return of the compact and bijou Hurley boats, along with the even more compact South West Gaffers rally return to QAB. This provided us with a great turn out from an 18 strong fleet, with some of the Gaffers dating back to 1909. It’s great to see these little boats lovingly restored and back to their former glory in such numbers.

The next big Ocean Race 'inshore' was the Lonely Rock Race, which again had a good turnout. For those who don’t know, the Lonely Rock Race has replaced the biannual Fastnet Race run by the RORC, which was moved to France. The Lonely Rock Race is run by the Royal Western Yacht Club here at QAB. They actively encourage a Corinthian class which, if you fancy a spot of ocean racing inshore, they are only too happy to discuss with you.

In July we started up with berth holders’ events once more, holding our post Wimbledon Pimms and Strawberries get together on the village green. This being followed in August with our traditional and much-loved Annual Hog Roast in the glorious blazing summer sun. Finishing with a Bank Holiday BBQ on the Friday, which saw wine for the ladies and beer for the gents being served with the complimentary burgers.

Mid-August saw the return of the National Fireworks Championships to Plymouth, with many of our berth holders taking advantage of the unique position we have to offer looking directly at the six displays over the two nights.

We look forward to the many events that we put on annually and plan to increase berth holder events during 2023, and look forward to seeing many of you there on those occasions. Please remember that we do advertise the events on the pontoon gates and via email if you have registered email consent with us. If not, be sure to log onto MYMDL and amend your preferences, or contact the marina office to avoid missing notification of next year’s events.

We look forward to seeing you at the marina soon!

QAB Team