20 boats 45 crew
This was a big rally with 21 boats signed up, probably one of the biggest rallies I have organised ever but a sign of things to come. I think lock-down and pandemic has persuaded everyone to get out as much as possible. The list changed slightly as one boat dropped out to be replaced by another and then an additional new member also arrived. Fortunately, over the three days with members coming and going, we never exceeded the 20 berths we had booked.
We rag and stick sailors have to make maximum use of the tide so a HW at 1435 gave a good time of 1335 to start which coincided nicely with a lock free flow at 1340. There was just enough wind to keep the sails full so we motor-sailed down the Solent to make best time. The problem with the tide and harbours like Beaulieu and Yarmouth (found on my first ever trip there) is that it is very easy to get swept past the entrance finding yourself way down tide. This time the boat was steered 40º off to keep the leading line on track. After that this is a nice gentle motor up the river following the withies though not the sort of river I would necessarily like to navigate in the dark.
Most Marina and Harbour Masters prefer to organise the berthing of visiting boats; that is why we have to give them boat details. It was left to us to implement the berthing. It was a good job that the designated assistant organiser, Peter Selley and his motor boat, was there early enough to take this in hand. Fortunately we were all on the extended fuelling pontoon now set aside for the most part as a visitors berth and 14 boats arrived for the Friday evening. High Time was put on the inside and, although they said the area had been dredged, she touched bottom at low water; something we must be careful of in the future. It seemed that no sooner had we arrived than an impromptu drinks session started with, of course, correct social distancing being observed. Probably amongst the most topic of conversation was the weather which was due to change for the worse on Monday, the day we were due to sail back. It appears always that plans A and B have to be changed to plan C or even D because of weather when out sailing. The proposed walk to Beaulieu Village for Sunday had to be moved to Saturday because everyone decided that it was wise policy to get back to Port Solent and leave Beaulieu about midday.
Saturday looked like there may be a few showers though mostly sunny. Nearly everyone elected for a walk of some kind with many stepping out the 2 miles to Beaulieu Village today, though the riverside path was closed off. Nobody was rained on. The club together had managed to secure 6 tables at the Master Builder again observing social distance with no more than 6 to a table and with staggered timings. It was something I could not organise as they “kind of” refused my request when going to see them. It must be Peters silver tongue. The dinner timings meant that we had to start the pontoon drinks and nibbles early and I think most people were so looking forward to early dinner that few nibbles were consumed but it was a good gathering. Amazing to watch little groups of people disappear every 15 minutes or so.
The ideal time to clear the bar and catch the tide back on Sunday was about midday which was when the marina preferred us to leave anyway and most had slipped by then. If you are interested, Shiraz measured a least water depth of 2.5 m over the bar at 1250. You do the secondary port calculations. We had a very pleasant sail back to Portsmouth only to find 2 locks full waiting for Port Solent so we went for a slow cruise up Fareham Creek until the queue died down and free flow started.
Apart from having to cut the rally short it was a very enjoyable weekend. My thanks to Peter for acting as assistant and to Adriana, Vortex, Bathia, High Time, Vivace, Never Enough, Cooper Buoy, Nicknack, Frankie B, Teau in the Water, Karolina, Bright Future, Gite, Saskia, Legato, Sundowner, Jango, Andiamo, Kimya (welcome to a new member) and Shiraz. It looks as if the next few rallies will be just as well attended so good luck. Now all I have to do is eat 30 scones, jam and cream. Life is so hard. Hugh