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Additional Event Archived Event Reports | PSYC Hamble Rally (Swanick & Universal) 5th - 7th September 2025
The rally kicked off with a pontoon party in the shadow of AMMONITE proudly flying the Club flag. Arrivals were timely and judging by the lateness of the hour when the last of the stalwarts departed, the serial was a success. Saturday dawned bright and clear heralding ideal conditions for the walk to the ‘Jolly Sailor’ pub of Howard’s Way fame. We set off from Universal’s ‘Mermaid Café’ – as cracking operation - and rendezvoused with the Swanick contingent en-route. One of the pub’s outside areas accommodated us all in comfort with plenty’s of refreshments and victuals to meet all needs. We wandered off independently, again in wonderful sunshine, for a lazy afternoon before fronting up at Universal’s ‘Riverside Social’ restaurant for a superb dinner. The size of the group meant we were split between the upper mezzanine level and a select few ‘below stairs.’ It worked well. The food, staff and ambience were great with the wine and conversation flowing in equal measure.
We had a maximum of 15 boats and judging by the smiles and warm words, a good time was had by all! Bembridge Bank Holiday Rally Report 22nd - 26th August - Deep Blu Bembridge Bank Holiday Rally Report 22nd - 26th August - Deep Blu A near perfect forecast for the Bembridge Bank Holiday four night rally was just the perfect start to a wonderful rally packed full with “stuff to do” 40 or so vessels were pre booked over the weekend, an outstanding club record, indeed for a yacht club in The Solent. Brilliant turnout all round, well done all. Friday saw most arrivals although your author and a few others berthed from Wednesday onwards with the very helpful berthing team headed by Tom and the Harbour Master Jack on hand to greet most of us. They had 120 boat movements that day and I must say seeing many of you lined up heading to the marina was like seeing the landing path at Heathrow on a “busy”, and it was quite a sight from the pontoon! Glad I was already along side.
There was a frisson of excitement without a doubt felt by those booked for Karting on the following day, who would beat who and how ! All to be revealed. Saturday and another perfect day. Some chose to walk the beautiful area. As mid day arrived the coach took 39 of us including the 26 drivers to Wight Karting for two 15 minute timed races, racing both against each other and the clock. My goodness, to see the raw racing spirits and blood flow of the competitors, and the crowd, was a sight indeed. We all had great racing gear provided, a superb and fast track and excellent modern go karts to race. A lovely terrace overlooked the track and we saw very compeitive racing with super marshalling for the two sets of three individual events. With a nice bar and cafe to hand and excellent staff PSYC racers raced away big time. Great to watch and participate in. ️
Your author feels the need to apologise to The Commodores wonderful grandson who it seems I drove off the track. Not a good career move on my behalf! However I did manage to give that aspiring young diver Lewis Hamilton some good pointers in that direction (see the photo in the gallery) and I hope he will use them on a certain Mr Verstappen next time out.
Monday and many took to the sea to return but a solid handful stayed and went to the beach at The Point. What a great idea with two saunas, ice bath, food and drink plus comfy chairs, bean bags and tables and a splendid small beach at high tide. Your author both swam and took to the sauna and ice bath. Highly recommended. Tuesday and the final departures in a SW Force 6 rounded out a wonderful and record breaking Bank Holiday Weekend. Sarah and I would like to thank you all who made the weekend special. It’s the members who make the club! Our thanks to the crews and skippers of: Shepards End of Cowes Week Rally
Three canine friends, two very well behaved children and an extremely well behaved grandmother expanded out contingent and seemingly a great time was had by all. Following the customary welcome drinks and nibbles on and around Aeolus, the majority enjoyed great fare and Cowes hospitality at The Duke of York pub – very close to Shepards. Live music was everywhere (at least 10 venues across the town) and queues of party-goers were everywhere.
16 walkers plus dogs undertook a guided walk through Cowes High Street, Victoria Parade and Sea Front, taking refreshments at the half way point. Many opted to retrace steps along the virtually flat terrain, whilst the hardy foursome took the shorter, but steeper return route via the Zig Zag path, Baring Road, Northwood House and back to the High Street and the Marina.
Thankfully, most of the racers were keen to return to their home ports and many left Shepards quite early on Sunday morning, leaving the way for the cruisers to make a comfortable, calm passage back to Portsmouth on the morning flood tide or onward journeys for those extending their stay. |
The
weather ‘gods’ were kind for the weekend given the preceding week was
less than ideal for outdoor activity. The ebb tide caught one or two by
surprise but generally speaking ‘parking’ went well. The bulk of the
membership were accommodated at Universal Marina with a select few at
Swanick. It’s about a 15-minute walk alongside the river between the two
with zero lighting for those transiting after dark!
Sunday
saw a number of boats electing to leave early due to concerns about the
weather and tides. This meant a VERY select band gathered at 0930 for
the walk to Swanick’s Brick Museum. To say the visit exceeded
expectations sums it up rather well. Bricks may not strike the reader as
being the most interesting of items, however, our guide brought the
subject alive and the process, beginning at the end of the 19th
century and operating until the late ‘70’s was fascinating. Altogether a
very worthwhile and well hosted visit. We were back onboard for about
1230 with all boats underway just after 1300. The trip back was
unemotional with plenty to see along the way with the Sunday sailing
activities in platforms to suit all tastes.
Friday
night and the BBQ’s were lit , tables laid out with member's taking
advantage of Sam’s Bar started a great evening with The Son of Black
Beard ☠️ entertaining us all to two great sets and some favourite sea
shanties to boot. Dancing, chatting, eating and chewing the cud, what’s
not to like.
Well
done to the top three and fastest lady. It was Mark Reed - King Hi who
took the top spot on the podium and bottle of well deserved bubbly. 
Sunday
and another perfect day. The last few arrivals including Colin’s cat
on Skoolie Too made their berths ready for the free form Sunday Luncheon
on the various terraces of the Bembridge Sailing Club which
accommodated all 70 of us with ease. Good service and a simple but solid
lunch with the sun on our backs, simply spot on. The water taxi did
great trade with their good service. Nice team too. .jpg)
PSYC
assembled a great turnout eventually - despite the engine gremlins –
the fleet comprised 7 sailing boats (Hai Kuo, Highland Lady, Amelie,
Moonshadow, Westray, Scooby and Aeolus) and 6 power vessels (Skye Raye,
Thomas Hardy, Blitz, Moon Shine, Happy Place and Deep Blu). Shepards
Marina was chaos as Friday racers were returning or short staying while
our fleet was assembling. Some boats were asked to move 3 times as other
skippers changed their plans and the dockmasters did their best to
accommodate everyone’s wishes. The chopping and changing was too much
for some while others overcame mechanical challenges and Sea Air
unfortunately limped back to base with more serious issues preventing
Nicky and Richard from attending..jpg)
We
were treated to a spectacular (and free) firework display at 21:30 with
our boats providing superb view points. At 23:30 there was a further
light show over Northwood Park – though many of us had crashed to bed by
that time - but our youth contingent apparently enjoyed the second
show..jpg)
Finally,
the climax of the rally was pre-dinner drinks on the balcony and dinner
at The Island Sailing Club. We were very well looked after.