DESPITE the change in weather, six boats signed up for the Weymouth and Portland Cruising Association Westcountry cruise.

After leaving in reasonable winds the fleet was hit by rain squalls and 25-knot winds after rounding Portland Bill.

Madeleine suffered some minor damage but was able to continue and Eleanor opted to motorsail to keep on course until the wind settled again.

The first stop was Torquay and with the changeable forecast boats arrived at different times.

Cruise organisers John and Jane Atkinson in Eleanor were first to arrive with others following over the next 24 hours for a three day stopover before moving onto Dartmouth and Dittisham with the next stop being Plymouth.

Meanwhile, back in Weymouth, Jim Long said goodbye to his boat Adelaide which he has owned for over 20 years.

Although only 24-feet in length, Adelaide has supported the WPCA cruises for many years, sailing extensively along the south coast in both directions and cross-Channel to France and the Channel Islands.

Long will no doubt continue to sail by crewing for other members but Adelaide will be missed as part of the fleet.