Having had a great weather forecast 
for the preceding five days the good old British climate threw us a mild curved ball a couple of hours before the ‘Grand Lock Opening‘ inaugurating PSYC’s first ever Pop- Up Tender Rally when the rain started to come down. Not heavy but definitely “bottom wetting” in strength.
However a fine sturdy group assembled on time at 18:00 when the rally leader called ch80 to request the first ever armada style lock thru. During the wait for the lock several moose calls were needed to keep the armada at ‘close quarters’ , having a remarkably strong effect. The gates opened , more moose calls followed as eight intrepid tenders, two pirates hats and a parrot entered the lock.
The initial 14 tenders pre booked were winnowed down a touch due to a few outboard engine non starters and some taking the car to avoid the wet derrière.
Lock etiquette was exemplary and as we passed thru those on the dock side waved and shouted ‘encouragement’ I think. Scenes reminiscent of the aircraft carrier leaving port.
Navigation to Trafalgar Wharf was spot on ( except a certain cruise ship captain who clearly used his local ‘Pilots License’ to good effect) . Plenty of space within the inner harbour and outer pontoon soon saw us all swiftly in the bar where good service and a good food selection threw away the rain clouds to welcome the sun and the live entertainment.
Bottoms dried, flagons were filled and the Spanish knew that an armada still awaits them in Portsmouth in case they ever have that silly idea again.
Knowledgeable Skippers kept a close eye on the tide and all moved their craft before the sill closed the inner harbour without mishap.
A number of Social Members with some from Oyster Quay joined the group with a solid 40 or so turnout. Some first time rally attendees Dave and Claire ( Sea Dream ) and Andy Mullen joined the adventure.
21:45 came and the main group made there way to the lock as night came in. A jovial atmosphere in the lock prevailed as a very low water entrance meant we had a fabulous water level view of the lock opening cascade for quite some time.
All tenders returned to their mother ships 
and your rally leader finished the night “on terrace”at Reef Knot’s berth enjoying some remarkable Australian Rum. Highly recommend I must say.
Thank you to all attendees both social and boat members who made a fabulous evening for our first ever Pop-Up Tender Rally.
Watch out for more PUTR events on the PSYC site and in you email inboxes.