Cruise Report: Gunpowder and Explosions

With the weather looking good for the long weekend, some sunshine, light winds and not too much rain, 15 boats set off from their home ports on Saturday morning. The winds were light but as the day went on a good south-easterly breeze developed and most were able to sail all or part of the way. Even one or two cruising chutes were sighted!

Most arrived at Marchwood in the early afternoon and were ably assisted with berthing by Mark, OOD. The sun was shining but the wind did increase a bit giving one or two berthing challenges. On cue once most were settled, two tug boats were spotted heading for the large container ship berthed opposite. We then enjoyed the spectacle of the tugs manoeuvring the ship off the berth and turning it. Enjoyed by many, with lots of photos taken. Later in the afternoon several cruise ships left their berths. We managed to find a sunny but sheltered spot for the pontoon party before heading to the club for our pre-arranged evening meal. A good meal was washed down with the very competitively priced drinks. Towards the end of the meal a plot was hatched for the next day’s passage to Gosport – a fun race, buoy to buoy. Who would still be up for this in the morning?

Sunday morning dawned, dry but very overcast. As ever there were nocturnal disturbances due to various shipping movements which some got out to watch. It was still a south-easterly so it would be tacking all the way. The plan was for those who wished to depart about 11am to get the best tidal conditions, everyone taking their own times at the start and finish mark. Steve Cray, previous Racing  Secretary, was brought out of retirement and agreed to work out the results on handicap. Nine boats took part and certainly honed their tacking skills, most recording about three dozen tacks between Marchwood and Browndown. The weather remained overcast with the odd shower. We arrived variously at Gosport during the late afternoon.  Most berthed in Gosport Marina but some chose to take advantage of a free berth at Royal Clarence. At 6.30 we assembled at the Great Wall Chinese restaurant for our evening meal at the end of which the race results were announced. Honours went to Philip and Sue Brown on Good Day Sunshine with Richard and Clare Serna worthy runners up on their recently acquired Haraka. Philip did in his victory speech give credit to Good Day Sunshine’s self tacking!

For most on Monday morning it was a fairly early start to return to home berths. The wind had turned south westerly so a pleasant sail back. Thanks to everyone for coming and making it a fun weekend. And special thanks to our deputies John and Pat Purslow for their help and support.

Jane & John Gosnell

First Light