Page 14 - Yachter Spring/Summer 2021

14 CRUISING REPORTS
ANOTHER MAYFLOWER
STORY: 2020
In Summer 2016, the American Ambassador hosted the launch of Mayflower 400 to commemorate the anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower to America. I jumped at the chance to attend and joined the many and varied interest groups from around the country offering and sharing bright ideas, to bring this iconic event to fruition in 2020.
The Ambassador’s residence was filled with groups: one planning to build a replica of the ship; many hoping to establish relations with communities in America; representations from Scrooby inYorkshire,Leiden in Holland, London, Plymouth, Dartmouth and Southampton.
I wanted to establish a link with the yachting communities on the South
Coast to unite Southampton, Dartmouth and Plymouth through Maritime clubs, associations, corporations, and other interests with a Parade of Sail followed by a Flotilla Rally. The representative from Southampton dismissed these initiatives with plans suggesting a football match between the Saints and Plymouth Argyle.
Interest started to take shape with the M400 in Plymouth and Dartmouth, who were more receptive to the idea. Both
ports put together programmes of events for schools and visitors which had been given financial support. At the Commodore’s Cocktail Party, I had the opportunity to bring this to the attention of the then Mayor of Southampton, who put me in touch with their M400 team.
Meetings with SCC (Southampton County Council), RNVRYC (Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve Yacht Club), MDL Marinas,ABP (Association of British Ports), NOC (National Oceanography Centre) and others followed to generate ideas for M400 out of Southampton. Our mission evolved to ensure a significance for the next 400 years. Maritime Conservancy was prominent in the media with awareness of plastic and other pollutants endangering the oceans. In discussion with the National Oceanography Centre and Marine Business
Technology Centre, we hoped to use the flotilla to track levels of pollution along the South Coast for their research.
On behalf of the RSYC Trust, Graham Tracey wanted to offer opportunities for Young Carers to share in this event. He took charge of the Parade of Sail while I
set up the Flotilla Rally to Dartmouth and Plymouth. The dates were set to coincide with the actual departures of the Mayflower and Speedwell from Southampton on August