| Solent Rally |
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I used to think that August Bank Holiday weekends were best spent at home or in the local pub. Well no longer. The Solent Rally has added a new dimension for me. Well two actually. The first was that I had somewhere to travel to and park the boat, whilst enjoying the company of other club members in the manner that only RAFYC rallies provides. And at two destinations to boot, with a fun race in between. O.K. marinas with lock gates may not be ideal, but they are a good option on busy bank holiday weekends.
We even managed a pontoon party on the lawn at the inshore end of Chichester Marina. Well, traditions need to be observed.
The rally team model next years Insignia range Dinner at the Chichester Yacht Club on a busy Bank Holiday was excellent and enjoyed by all.
Solent dinner at CYC Alex Rosie presents Paul Oliver on tour with Support
The sailing was absolutely scintillating in both directions, with the race on Sunday back from West Pole to Norris, just west of Osborne Bay, tipping the balance for fun and excitement in a stiff breeze.
Leda of Hamble at the start off West Pole Not all skippers felt able to take moorings at the Island Harbour Marina due to the Neap Tides, choosing to moor at The Folly Inn pontoons. I suspect there were a few mini celebrations held down river before all rally goers met for supper at the Island Harbour Bistro. It was a long and happy evening, and was very encouraging to see so many new members on the rally, particularly at Island Harbour. I hope all of you who came along for the first time enjoyed the experience, met new friends and go on to enjoy many more club rallies. This leads me on to the second new dimension.Horses and sailing don't mix too well and with Marilyn engaged elsewhere on equine duties, Alex Rosie, a new member, came with me as crew on his first club rally. We had met at happy hour a couple of weeks earlier and decided that we could get along well enough to sail together. It was a great success. It enabled us both to go on the rally and meet other members. This added dimension is something which was not only practical, but enhanced both of our sailing experiences. It's great to share good times with new members and allow them to enjoy the experience of events the club does so well. A motor sail back from Cowes under balmy conditions on Bank Holiday Monday, gave us a relaxed passage back to the Hamble. Alex returned to married duties and I enjoyed a quick drink in the sunshine on the club terrace with Chris & Rachel from Firefly. It's what bank holidays are for. Marilyn returned much later after a nose to tail drive through the New Forest. Enough said!! |
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