Cowes Shepard’s Shakedown Rally
13 boats attended the first rally of the season. A even split of 6 sail and 7 power almost reflecting the equal balance of boats in the club. Friday was a really nice sunny day with a light breeze. Ideal for power boats but leaving most of the sail boat pretending to be power. However we travelled, all boat were in and berthed by 5 pm, with some exemplary mooring and fitting into tight spaces. With bunting flying all that was left was pontoon drinks. The Sugar Bag pier with its outdoor tables was an ideal location as the sun set over the horizon so our crews moved further along pier seeking out the final rays of warmth before the sun finally set . Off to dinner then...
Saturday was another sunny day, crews split their times between long walks to Gurnards sailing club and back via the Island sailing club's garden, bike rides to Newport with lunch at the Bargeman’s Rest and other pub balconys tested, shopping trips through Cowes checking out the many new sail wear and specialty shops. The evening started with pontoon drinks followed by the rally dinner at Coast restaurant. With tables of 6’s and 8’s so as not to rush the staff. 26 crew members enjoyed a night of conversation and laughter, a very nice meal and the odd tipple.
High on the conversation list was the impending bad weather due on Monday. Decisions were reached, mutinies were quashed and plans made for an earlier departure on Sunday. Morning gave most skippers the opportunity to refresh their boat handling skills as they threaded their way through the tightly rafted flotilla of racing and training boats who had no option but to stay and face the weather. We on the other hand had a bumpy sail home through thick fog and a crowded Solent, together with a dredger moored in the waiting area to enter the lock again testing boat handling skills!
Thank you to all who attended and made it a good first rally and certainly gave us all the opportunity to test our skills and boats.
Mike & Hilary Saskia
Have fun and stay safe
Each skipper is responsible for the safety of their own boat and crew