Cross Channel - 28th June onwards

Friday evening drinks in Yarmouth didn’t quite happen.  Andy on Westray pulled out of the Rally as he had a mechanical problem.Kevin on Moondance was still in Port Solent working on his engine, Gail and Nick on Nick Nack were in Beaulieu following a lift and scrub in Cowes, and High Time and Shiraz were even later to arrive in Yarmouth than we were as we had to collect our third crew member, Grandson Ollie from Woking at lunchtime so we were quite late setting out.

But no matter, - at 6a.m. prompt on Saturday morning 29th June, whilst Aeolus, Spree and Magus were already in the Channel Isles, Astrid, High Time, Shiraz and Fantasea made sail for France, followed shortly by fast rib Sharky 2. With Nick Nack, at that point heading to Swanage.  It was a very long day for most of us with 98 miles travelled but all eventually arrived safely in St Peter Port, entering Victoria Marina on Sunday Morning for a well earned rest, Moondance catching us up having come from Cherbourg overnight and Nick Nack arrived safely the following day.  Sea conditions had been quite kind to us all, although minimal ‘sailing’ for most with calm winds and seas enjoyed. Rib Sharky 2 made it across the Channel in just 4 hours! Though I understand their homeward journey was a little more unsettling!

Once we were settled into the Marina, Pontoon drinks on the Sunday evening was well attended with various tales of salty journeys experienced on route. We were also joined by Mike Whitehead on Joya who was anchored in Havelet bay on voyage to Roscoff, and later we also bumped into Americans Club Members Warren and Judy who joined in with our rally towards the end of the week.

On Monday 1st, 10 of us took the ferry to Herm Island, for a scenic walk around the Island and a cafe lunch, whilst Doug, Jan, Paul and Mary sailed across by rib on Sharky 2 for a champagne picnic on the beach.  Some people know how to live!!

Cathy Riley from Spree had sussed out the Island activities and so, for that evening, 7 of us then caught the bus to a local Island event in Saumarez Park which had country dancing, sea shanties and candy floss, so a fun time was had by all. Cathy being the reigning yacht Club’s Dancing Queen - and never missing an opportunity to dance.

Tuesday saw 14 of us taking a Coastal Walk to Fermain Bay with a well deserved lunch break at the beach cafe after tackling multiple steps along the way.  All returned on foot to St Peter Port during the afternoon, whilst others did their own thing.

Wednesday would be a free day for all to whilst we took our 16 year old Grandson to the airport to return home for his Prom.  With BYO pontoon drinks planned for the evening. As the day progressed the drizzle set in, so Astrid’s cockpit tent went up and 16 of us enjoyed early evening drinks , the ladies cozily in the Saloon whilst the men sat up in the sheltered cockpit. After dinner that evening, a few energetic souls then danced the night away to live music in the quayside pubs.

On Thursday morning 12 of us bussed up to Pembroke beach for an enjoyable walk across the headland to Beaucette marina where we all had a very pleasant lunch served by very attentive staff.  8 of us then bussed back to St Peter Port to prepare for the evening dinner while 4 hardy souls, Nick, Gail, Warren and Judy decided to walk back, which took a little longer

19 of us had booked in for the Club Dinner at Guernsey Yacht Club, 20 including Peggy, the Fantasea matriarch who sat and enjoyed the company.  It was a fitting finale to a fun week.  Events were very well supported by the ten yachts that had attended and we all had a lot of laughs; Aeolus, Astrid, Fantasea, High Time, Magus, Moondance, Nick Nack, Pleasure, Shiraz, Spree.

Cowes -5th -7th July

Friday 

The weather was not promising for our rally to Cowes this weekend but undeterred by reports of a gusty force 7 and driving rain, No Faffing and her crew made the crossing from Portsmouth to Cowed with some trepidation. The conditions were indeed as challenging as predicted but both vessel and crew rose to the challenge, arriving in Cowes around lunchtime, slightly damp and with our burgee in tatters! A hearty lunch of burgers and chips at Pontoon View was very welcome. No Faffing was joined Highland Lady and her crew, who were already berthed at Cowes Yacht Haven following their journey in similarly windy conditions (but no rain!) the previous evening on their way back from Poole. Pontoon drinks on Friday evening were hosted aboard No Faffing, where both crews enjoyed some home-baked cheese straws and chocolate chip cookies. This was followed by an excellent meal and wine at the Cowes Tandoori. While the exhausted crew of No Faffing retired for the night, the crew of Highland Lady stayed out to dance the night away!

Saturday 

On Saturday No Faffing and Highland Lady were joined by Liberty and all three crews spent a very pleasant afternoon in the marina, finding various places to watch the tennis at Wimbledon, the Formula 1 qualifying races and England’s victory over Switzerland in the Euro 2024 football quarter final. Despite the very un-summery weather, all three crews were able to enjoy a jug of Pimm’s and a bottle of prosecco with some light snacks aboard No Faffing before heading into Cowes for dinner. Six of us dined at Murray’s Seafood Restaurant, where four courses of exquisite seafood were enjoyed, including oysters, a superb fish soup, surd ‘n’ turf, various catches of the day and some scrumptious desserts, all fo course accompanied by several bottles of wine.

Sunday 

Highland Lady and her crew were first to depart on Sunday, shortly followed by No Faffing. Liberty and her crew opted to remain in Cowes for an additional night, returning home on Monday. The return journey was considerably less windy but with heavy and continuous rain, a soggy time was had by all. Although happy to get home, I believe all three crews enjoyed everything this rally had to offer despite the fickle attitude of the Great British summer towards our seafaring endeavours!

Steph & Steve - No Faffing