Western Cruise 26th August to 2nd September
Friday 26th August was the start of this year’s West Country Cruise, the first stop being the Dan Ban Pontoon, Lymington. We were much smaller than the initially registered group, with just 4 sail and 3 power vessels. After drinks on the pontoon, we all headed off to either eat on board or at The Mayflower nearby. Plans were made about the time to leave next day for Portland, except for Enterprise which left us for Newtown Creek. We were expecting light easterly winds so it was important to be with the tide.
Strangely, all the sailing boats arrived within minutes despite having left at different times and gone by slightly different routes. Again, we were 7 boats (now 4 power and 3 sail) as Coya joined us directly from Port Solent that day. Shiraz were the lucky ones having a large pod of dolphins escort then across Weymouth Bay. Drinks on the pontoon gave us all a chance to meet “new to rally” members and a chance for everyone to discuss what to do the next day.
Morning came after a long night of “water slopping” on all the vessels as increasing wind made sleep difficult. One group headed for a bus to Portland Bill, others taking the chance to enjoy a more relaxed day around the marina. We missed the first bus back walking around the lighthouse and watching seals on the rocks below. We had plenty of time to kill so called at the pub to watch the Cowes/Torquay/Cowes race vessels returning, going extremely fast in choppy water. The pub provided a chap to sing to us, well, mainly to Val, as he noted she was wearing her Bublé concert T shirt! As we still had a long wait for the bus so walked to Southwell to catch it.
Guess what, we had drinks on the pontoon before heading to “The Boat That Rocks” marina eaterie where they had a live band playing just outside our windows. I think we all enjoyed the meal, music and good company.
Next day, a few pottered about locally, some walked into Weymouth and some of us caught the bus there. We explored the sights and a group ended up in the Weymouth Sailing Club who were very welcoming for drinks hot and cold. As they didn’t do food, they recommended one of the local Wetherspoons(!) and yes, we did go there for a reasonable snack before heading off to the seafront. Nearly all of us met up by the “Clock” at 9pm to watch the fireworks which were fantastic, then it was a very quick dash for the bus back to the marina.
The weather forecast showed strong easterlies to get us all to Brixham, but continuing for several days after making it difficult for everyone to get home in a timely and comfortable manner. The unanimous decision was made to cancel Brixham, which was a shame, but sensible. Nick and I started for Poole the following day, well reefed to deal with 6-hour sail with F4 – F6 on the nose and huge waves between St Albans Head and Poole Bay. Riptide and Kimya stayed until later that day, when there was a brief lull sufficient to enable their return to Port Solent. The remainder of us headed home on Friday or Saturday.
I think we all enjoyed the time away, but sad not to get to Brixham – but there is always next year!
A big thank you from Nicknack to all on, Coya, Enterprise, Kimya, Riptide, Pikorua Shiraz and Valiant for your company.
Nick & Gail
