UNSEASONABLE storms threatened to scupper the first rally of Chipping Norton Yacht Club’s Ionian section earlier this month.

Speaking from his yacht Nota Bene, which was moored in Spilia Bay, off the Greek island of Meganissi, Tony Stuart, the head of the section and organiser of the rally, said high winds had brought chaos to many of the harbours and anchorages along Greece’s west coast for several days.

“Boats were dragging their anchors,” he said.

“There was a large swell and it was not at all what we have come to expect of the Ionian Sea.

“At one point it looked as if we may have to reschedule the event but all our members made it to the start and, despite some pretty lively seas, we were able to go ahead as planned.”

Sixteen people took part in the three-day rally, which included a beach party at Port Leone.

Member Clare Dudley, who lives in Shipton-under-Wychwood, skippered a yacht with an all-female crew of eight.

“The girls loved every minute of the adventure.” she said.

“There was one moment of drama when we pulled up the anchor in Sivota and found a dead tree wrapped around the chain.

“That took a bit of sorting out but the girls coped splendidly.”

Section members will not have to wait long for their next adventures afloat, with another rally planned for September, but this time it will be held closer to home, in the Solent.