Emsworth Cruise August 2022

EMSWORTH CRUISE

12 – 14 AUGUST 2020

Cruise Leaders Gavin and Caroline Crick.  

We have been boating for many years but have never been to Emsworth by boat, a big adventure.  Gavin set up the what’s app group and sent out very comprehensive information regarding the tides and entry into Emsworth Harbour.  This is a small rural marina with excellent facilities, as this was a very local event some decided to just attend the social functions and others ventured by boat.  There were four boats in total, two arriving on Friday Arkaig and Herbie and we arrived on Saturday, unfortunately Vorsicht was unable to make it.  Gavin and Caroline, as cruise leaders, organised the pontoon party, although their boat is in Emsworth they invited us to their lovely house and garden and  eighteen of us were very well entertained by our hosts.    Think this must a be first, a pontoon party in a garden.  At a7 o’clock, we left the garden for a leisurely walk to Emsworth Sailing Club where we enjoyed a really super meal and excellent service.

Saturday was a day of leisure; however, Gavin is involved with the Oyster boat Terror.  She is the last remaining Victorian sailing boat dating from around the late C19, where she worked the prosperous Emsworth Oyster Trade.  Gavin was able to organise an exclusive trip on Terror.  So intrepid sailors, Claire & Digby, Heather and Gavin set sail on her around Emsworth Harbour.  A great time was had with each being able to take turns in steering her.  Whilst it was hot!! there was the odd freaky breeze which took Heather by surprise and blew her hat off into wild blue yonder, never to be seen again.  For those not on Terror there were other things to do, the Brooks Meadow Nature Reserve, a walk around Thorney Island as well as a number of other walks and Emsworth Museum.

Saturday for those of on the boats and those wishing to drive, a meal was organised at The Deck Restaurant in Emsworth Harbour.  This is quite a well-known fish restaurant where nine of us dined extremely well.  

Sunday dawned, another hot day, where the two boats, remaining departed around 12.30.

A really super weekend, wall to wall sunshine, well organised, great comradery and not far from home what more could you ask for.