Friday evening drinks in Yarmouth didn’t quite happen. Andy on Westray pulled out of the Rally as he had a mechanical problem.Kevin on Moondance was still in Port Solent working on his engine, Gail and Nick on Nick Nack were in Beaulieu following a lift and scrub in Cowes, and High Time and Shiraz were even later to arrive in Yarmouth than we were as we had to collect our third crew member, Grandson Ollie from Woking at lunchtime so we were quite late setting out.
But no matter, - at 6a.m. prompt on Saturday morning 29th June, whilst Aeolus, Spree and Magus were already in the Channel Isles, Astrid, High Time, Shiraz and Fantasea made sail for France, followed shortly by fast rib Sharky 2. With Nick Nack, at that point heading to Swanage. It was a very long day for most of us with 98 miles travelled but all eventually arrived safely in St Peter Port, entering Victoria Marina on Sunday Morning for a well earned rest, Moondance catching us up having come from Cherbourg overnight and Nick Nack arrived safely the following day. Sea conditions had been quite kind to us all, although minimal ‘sailing’ for most with calm winds and seas enjoyed. Rib Sharky 2 made it across the Channel in just 4 hours! Though I understand their homeward journey was a little more unsettling!
Once we were settled into the Marina, Pontoon drinks on the Sunday evening was well attended with various tales of salty journeys experienced on route. We were also joined by Mike Whitehead on Joya who was anchored in Havelet bay on voyage to Roscoff, and later we also bumped into Americans Club Members Warren and Judy who joined in with our rally towards the end of the week.
On Monday 1st, 10 of us took the ferry to Herm Island, for a scenic walk around the Island and a cafe lunch, whilst Doug, Jan, Paul and Mary sailed across by rib on Sharky 2 for a champagne picnic on the beach. Some people know how to live!!
Cathy Riley from Spree had sussed out the Island activities and so, for that evening, 7 of us then caught the bus to a local Island event in Saumarez Park which had country dancing, sea shanties and candy floss, so a fun time was had by all. Cathy being the reigning yacht Club’s Dancing Queen - and never missing an opportunity to dance.
Tuesday saw 14 of us taking a Coastal Walk to Fermain Bay with a well deserved lunch break at the beach cafe after tackling multiple steps along the way. All returned on foot to St Peter Port during the afternoon, whilst others did their own thing.
Wednesday would be a free day for all to whilst we took our 16 year old Grandson to the airport to return home for his Prom. With BYO pontoon drinks planned for the evening. As the day progressed the drizzle set in, so Astrid’s cockpit tent went up and 16 of us enjoyed early evening drinks , the ladies cozily in the Saloon whilst the men sat up in the sheltered cockpit. After dinner that evening, a few energetic souls then danced the night away to live music in the quayside pubs.
On Thursday morning 12 of us bussed up to Pembroke beach for an enjoyable walk across the headland to Beaucette marina where we all had a very pleasant lunch served by very attentive staff. 8 of us then bussed back to St Peter Port to prepare for the evening dinner while 4 hardy souls, Nick, Gail, Warren and Judy decided to walk back, which took a little longer
19 of us had booked in for the Club Dinner at Guernsey Yacht Club, 20 including Peggy, the Fantasea matriarch who sat and enjoyed the company. It was a fitting finale to a fun week. Events were very well supported by the ten yachts that had attended and we all had a lot of laughs; Aeolus, Astrid, Fantasea, High Time, Magus, Moondance, Nick Nack, Pleasure, Shiraz, Spree.