WEYMOUTH and Portland Cruising Association members who joined the Westcountry rally recently have met with different fortunes on their return journey.

John and Jane Atkinson in Eleanor had an enforced stay in the Helford River when their engine developed battery problems meaning they were unable to continue to the Scillies, but Jane said it was “not a bad place to end up” while John applied his limited knowledge in electrics to solve the problem.

Meanwhile, Chris and Tess Reid in Monterey struggled with loss of speed under engine.

The duo headed for Mylor where they decided to dry out against the harbour wall where they found evidence that a rope had been round the prop.

Now cleaned up they are having a leisurely trip back to Weymouth.

The cruising continues with Alan Mayall taking his boat, Osprey, to the Solent next week with stops planned in South Deep, Lymington and Hasler.

Phil Stringer will be accompanying him in Mistral and any other members interested in the trip should contact Alan for details.

The monthly day cruise this week has six boats signed up and a gentle sail to Lulworth is planned.