The Bembridge BBQ Rally
Julie and Derek Kalinski put together a fantastic rally to Bembridge. Usually held in June, this year delayed due to Covid19. Being the August bank holiday weekend, the rally was held over 3 days Sat to Mon with the BBQ split into two groups.
Saturday's forecast was very windy so many of the power boats used the calmer waters of Friday to make their way to the harbour whilst our intrepid sailing members not put off by a little wind, funnelled over the bar and into the harbour on Saturday morning. The final two boats, not letting the weather or an impeller problem stop them, arrived on Sunday. With 17 boats in attendance there were many hands available for the tricky manoeuvring into the new finger pontoons now along Bembridge Duver marina.
With all the boats safely moored it was off for a little exploring, some walking alone the beach, some cycling to Ryde, bus rides to Sandown and the odd trip to The Vine in St Helens. Phone calls and emails when a restaurant or eatery was found to have spare tables, and the occasional trip by dinghy to the Crab shack for lobster or crab of course. Members were seen kayaking, paddle boarding and sometimes not on paddleboards (getting wet) in and around the boats once the water level had stopped harbour access. Saturday afternoon turned from partly sunny to a cold and windy evening as crew members scurried within bubbles to have drinks BYO along the pontoons with any boat that had a PSYC burgee flying (straight South)
Sunday was a slightly better day, the wind dropped to F5 gusting F6 our resilient crews wondered along the pontoons renewing acquaintances and meeting new members before heading off in all directions for more exploring before some afternoon quiet time leading to the evening BBQ’s. During this late afternoon siesta our new resident press gang discovered a boat from Port Solent enjoying a quiet beer, after a little conversation about the weather and boats the topic got onto the PSYC and membership, poor Ian and Sarah didn’t know what hit them one minute enjoying the Bembridge bank holiday, the next parting company with their hard earned cash for membership cards and a burgee. But they were invited to the BBQ to meet the rest of the gang.
Another couple again from Port Solent who just mentioned in passing the two BBQ groups in South Seas regalia, funny to have two clubs doing the same theme...... They are on our radar!
Both BBQ’s went off smoothly, members socially distancing with well spread tables and an orderly process followed for use of each of the BBQ’s. Lots of laughter and whooping as usual with some crews eating under canvass and others eating on their boats. Prizes given to the best dress or faked tan but lots of fun all round.
Monday came and gradually our boats drifted slowly out of the harbour and headed for their home port, another rally has been and gone, roll on Chichester.
Thanks To Julie and Derek for another fabulous event