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