Friday 27th August hailed the beginning of this year’s August Bank Holiday, and the date upon which the PSYC converged from various departure points to gather at Poole Quay Boat Haven. The final restricted number of 22 boats diminished to 19 on the day, made up of 7 Sail and 12 Motor. Those crews who could spare the time had a 2 night stopover in Lymington en route and thus the yachts incorporated various passage plans to juggle the tide, particularly through Hurst narrows…. 2 boats enjoying morning coffee anchored off Keyhaven! Given the lack of wind and calm sea, most yachts chose to motorsail and together with the predictability of motorboating from Lymington or from Port Solent, the result was equally predictable…. Pontoon drinks promptly at 6pm as is customary! Saturday started on a disappointing note in that the long standing and eagerly anticipated tour of the RNLI National Training College had been cancelled because such tours had not been reinstated post covid. That said, the RNLI HQ was indeed the chosen venue for our Saturday Dinner with 42 members and guests in attendance. Pre-dinner drinks were taken to table or even better taken outdoors on to the open terrace overlooking the Harbour in what was a lovely atmosphere on a pleasant evening. The meal itself comprised of three delicious courses served in the very spacious private dining room; the resultant feedback to me confirming unanimous agreement of an excellent evening. There having been virtually no uptake on the idea of an organised trip, Sunday was spent in the customary way with groups or individuals choosing from the variety that Poole offers: a trip to Brownsea, a fair walk to Sandbanks, cycle rides, taking in the town itself, or even surveying the scenes on the Town Quay from the peace and relaxation of the cockpit area or sundeck - what a life! A good proportion of our number chose to conclude their visit by participating in a Greek meal at a restaurant actually owned and run by a genuine Greek! Again a successful meal with varied dishes was much appreciated. You all know the phrase “All good things...” and so it was that Monday 30th dawned with sights firmly set on the return to Port Solent (& elsewhere). A somewhat lumpy sea together with an unfavourable wind direction opposing the favourable tide resulted in most of the yachts sailing part way and a combination of motorsailing or motoring the rest. By mid to late afternoon, everyone was safely tucked up alongside their home berth, reminiscing upon what had been a great 4 days (and for many, a great 6 days). Watch this space folks! - Plans are already in progress to repeat similar next season, probably 1 day less duration but hopefully WITH the RNLI tour. A rally is never a rally without the participation and social interaction of all present. My personal thanks to each and every one of you who made the August Bank Holiday one to remember with fondness and camaraderie. Stay safe. Peter & Carolyn.
Have fun and stay safe
Each skipper is responsible for the safety of their own boat and crew