After a couple of failed attempts due to rough weather last year, the club finally managed to get out to the wreck of the Salsette in Lyme Bay aboard charter boat Ruby-J of West Bay Diving (www.westbaydiving.com).
We couldn't have asked for better surface conditions... warm sun, clear skys and a flat sea. However, underwater conditions weren't as favourable due to the early arrival of the seasonal plankton bloom a week or so earlier meaning that the wreck was dark and gloomy with visibility severely restricted.
After diving, the team stopped for a bit of fishing on the way back to West Bay with Garrath showing everyone how it's done. Best catch of the day was his cod which is rumoured to have made a tasty supper.
Have a look at the 2011 gallery for more photos from this trip.
The Salsette is one of the biggest wrecks in the area and a single dive cannot do it justice so look out for another expedition planned for sometime in autumn 2011 (minimum criteria: SAA Club Diver qualification & over 18 years old).
Edit: "Ruby J" has been charted for a return to the Salsette on Wednesday 24th August 2011 (neap tide).
See Garrath for details. Spaces are limited so a deposit is required ASAP to secure a spot on the boat.
The Christmas dinner was held at restaurant Joules located in the basement of Clarence Court Hotel, Cheltenham. Everyone agreed that this was a really fun evening and a great venue (see their website 
Between Christmas and New Year a couple of hardy club members ventured to the inland dive site of Cromhall Quay. With all the snow and a bit of ice on the water, this was "fun" and good experience at diving in very cold water conditions.
