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Where have we been.... Shakedown Rally - Easter 2024 The weather forecast proved to be a big challenge for the Shakedown Rally. Originally 28 boats signed up with a wait list. With 30 knot winds forecast on the Friday, throughout the week a number of power boats pulled out of the rally, and then a number of yachts decided to postpone until Saturday. Astrid ventured out of Port Solent on free flow. We enjoyed a roller coaster ride in turbulent waters until we got into the deeper water of the Solent when the sea state gradually eased. A few others also ventured out and we all arrived in Cowes without incident. The majority arrived the following day under sunny skies and a much more temperate forecast, ending up with 22 boats at the rally. Because of the delayed arrivals, we were a select 15 at pre-dinner drinks on Friday evening, we really needed a few more takers for the cake and fizz, but the marina staff didn’t complain! and then, 11 of us stayed on to enjoy a faith supper together on the veranda. The trip to the Folly in tenders was aborted on Saturday as again, most boats were still under wayto Cowes, so, with CYH permission, a few of us returned to the veranda to enjoy a buffet lunch and cake leftover from the night before while some people enjoyed a visit to Osborne house and others did their own thing. Pre dinner drinks on Saturday evening was much better attended, with 14 people also joining in the Easter Bonnet parade, the prize being won by Jane Kelvey who lit us all up with her creation. Gail won the 7 Wonders of the Isle of Wight quiz. 32 of us then went for dinner at Island Sailing Club, who fed us and looked after us beautifully. Sunday was a free day, and 11 of us strolled up to the Lifeboat Pub, via the Chain ferry for an enjoyable Sunday Roast while others again did their own thing. Having the bad weather on Friday, it was a bonus being a bank holiday weekend, which gave us all an extra day to enjoy in Cowes - always a nice place to be, and everyone headed back to their moorings on Monday morning to await the next rally. Julie & Derek - Astrid | Where have we been.... BEMBRIDGE 6-8 Sept The popularity of Bembridge Harbour as a rally venue was shown again, when the event filled up within a few hours of registration opening, with a complement of 5 power, 6 sail and 23 ralliers. A very windy forecast for the opening day lead to four skippers deciding to arrive a day early. But the MetMan got it wrong and we had a very lumpy crossing. Conversely, on the Wednesday The Solent was like a mill pond, which delighted some but not the yachties. We were one person down early on - a covid related casualty – and then Happy Place had to retreat to base due to engine troubles. But everyone else, suitably freshened up, joined the hosts for a 6.30pm PIMMS RECEPTION by the marquee, prepared by Carole. Our numbers were swelled, having earlier spotted a recently-joined member coming by, independent of the rally, and he and his two friends were made most welcome during the evening. So much so, that they too are going to re-join the Club and go to rallies. The impressive new bbq equipment was then fired up to prepare a BYO MEAL and noisy conversation flowed all around, with the mild evening and high water adding to the ambiance. Darkness came and we were still at it, aided by the lighting set up by the office staff. The following morning, in very hot conditions, fifteen hardy souls set off on THE ST HELENS DUVER COASTAL WALK. Even at exactly low tide, being close to neaps meant that the water was not quite far enough out to be able to stay on the sand all the way and a testy scramble across slippery rocks faced us at one point. Some however took a short inland detour, whilst one took off her shoes and socks and mingled with the horses in the shallows and we all met up on the far side to continue to Seagrove Bay. After a steady uphill trek, we arrived at The Vine Inn, on St Helens Green and lingered for very welcome refreshment. The group then returned to the harbour, choosing either to cross The Duver or via The Causeway to a well-earned rest. For the evening RALLY MEAL, we all returned to The Vine Inn for pub grub, having spread table reservations to avoid having to pre-order meals. Some opted to walk and the remainder boarded hastily re-arranged pre-booked return transport. [Don’t ask!!] Pleasingly, Happy Place had checked in during the afternoon, having received miraculously prompt service and was able to be with us. On departure day, with a falling morning tide, three crews left early, more waited for the bar to clear and two were extending their stay. During the afternoon, Mike was greeted by a 92 year-old gentleman who had noticed the club logo on his shirt and said he had been a member in the mid 1990’s. He later came down the pontoon, excitedly picking out the club burgees and reminiscing – he remembered Tony Firth. A further surprise was the opportunity to witness HMS Queen Elizabeth leaving Portsmouth Harbour in the early evening and then The Waverley passing by on her travels. Thanks to everyone* for your good conversation, cheerfulness and harmony and to the committee members present, for ‘being there’. And, of course to the berthing staff, who were helpful and polite and a credit to the Harbour Office. Let’s do it again next year and hope for equally sunny weather. Richard and Carole [Thomas Hardy] *Saskia, Gite, Shiraz, High Time, Lucca, Vivace, Happy Place, Legato, Paxi Moon, Pikorua |