Bucklers Hard Safari Supper
Roger Leaman (High Time)
When bookings closed on 15 June there were seven boats and fifteen diners signed up. A good number I thought, given that the Rock Your Boat festival in Bembridge harbour was on the same weekend. However, in the last week before the event two boats had to drop-out: one due to a date clash and the other (the day before the event) due to mechanical problems. This left five boats (Shiraz, Astrid, Andiamo, Teau in the Water and High Time) with a total of eleven diners. A quick update to the dining plan on Friday evening ensured that everyone would still get all three courses.
Saturday dawned sunny and warm, as per the forecast, with a light SE breeze and we locked out, after a short wait, at 1130. The passage to Bucklers Hard was a gentle downwind sail with some tidal assistance after Cowes; we arrived at the entrance to the Beaulieu River around 1445, followed closely by Andiamo who had waited outside for us to show them the way as it was their first visit to Bucklers Hard. When we reached the mid-river pontoon, Teau in the Water was already berthed on the west side, as advised by the harbourmaster, and we berthed behind them. However, our third reserved berth, behind High Time, was still occupied by a large motor cruiser but they were quickly persuaded to depart so that Andiamo could berth. Shiraz and finally Astrid arrived shortly after and rafted next to High Time and Andiamo. All boats were safely moored up by 1630.
The evening proceedings kicked off at 1800 with drinks and nibbles on High Time (see photo below) and the Safari Supper Starters were served, on Shiraz and Astrid, around 1930. Mains followed an hour or so later, served on Teau and Shiraz (thanks, Marian, for covering for the missing boat), and desserts (4 choices) were served to all on High Time with support from Andiamo. Finally, fresh brewed coffee (or tea) was served on Andiamo who had offered their “super coffee machine” for this purpose. Chat and laughter continued until well after midnight, but I don’t think we upset any of the other visitors.
Sunday was cloudy and humid with a light easterly breeze. HW Portsmouth at 1630 meant we couldn’t leave the Beaulieu River until noon or later. As we headed back to Portsmouth the light easterly gave us a F3/4 apparent wind so we sailed all the way with a few long tacks. Not unexpectedly, Port Solent lock was busy, so we had to queue for two lock cycles, just as the sea breeze was building – always a good test of boat-handling skills! Fortunately turn-around was quick near to high water and we finally reached our berth around 1630.
In summary, we had a good, if rather gentle, sail both ways with a peaceful and reasonably priced mooring in the river (including electricity), excellent ‘home-cooked’ food and good company. It’s difficult to be totally objective about your own event but it makes a welcome change from expensive marinas and disappointing restaurant meals, in my opinion. Maybe we’ll get a few more takers if we do it again next year.