Yachts Cruise Report: Weymouth and Back

Our rally started with a trip to the Dan Bran pontoon in Lymington, which for nearly a week had become almost a second home to CYC. On Tuesday and Wednesday Steve Martin’s cruise occupied the berths before departing for home, leaving two or three of their members to join the Weymouth and Back cruise on Thursday. On Friday the CYC Motor Section was due to fill our places but one of their boats, Callisto arrived early so they joined us on the pontoon for drinks with their crew, Peter Lansdale, an ex-commodore of CYC, and his wife. We were delighted to welcome two newish members of the Yacht Section, James and Philippa on Perfectly Fine, and Bella and Paul on Jasper. We were privileged to have two Rear Commodores amongst our number, Nick Cole and Tim Walker, as well as the CYC Club Secretary, David Pearce. And we also celebrated two birthdays.

The next day we set off in light airs and up went the cruising chutes and gennakers, but the wind couldn’t make up its mind and changed direction at Hurst Narrows, so those of us who hadn’t bothered to play with toys fared very well (Dawn Chorus keep their Cruising Chute in the loft at home so no danger of a wine glass there!). We were careful to avoid the newly formed sandbank off Hurst which is not marked at all. Some were lucky to spot dolphins crossing Poole Bay. We had an excellent sail down to the main Swashway at Poole but had to put up with heavy rain on arrival at Poole Quay Boat Haven – we think this must be one of the most expensive marinas in the area.

On Saturday the morning dawned sunny with a north east wind – ideal for the next leg to Weymouth, with flat seas. The deputies on Good Day Sunshine were promoted to cruise leaders when Dawn Chorus had to call out Sea Start to look at their engine and didn’t know if they could continue. However, the engineer came quickly and sorted the problem; we cannot recommend Sea Start too highly. This meant Dawn Chorus could follow on a little later, so Good Day Sunshine’s promotion was short lived. It goes to show how important it is to have a deputy. The wind was lighter than forecast so we had time to enjoy the fabulous scenery of Old Harry and the Jurassic coast.

On arrival in Weymouth we rafted out on the harbour master’s pontoon. Ursa Minor had engine overheating problems but managed to skilfully sail into the harbour. We were disappointed that the electricity had not yet been installed on the new pontoon. Weymouth was very busy on shore being a lovely sunny Saturday, but there weren’t many visiting yachts. The harbour was dominated by a replica Spanish Galleon which was open to visitors before leaving for Southend. Some of us enjoyed fish and chips from Bennetts in the evening.

On our second day in Weymouth the entertainment was provided by Ursa Minor who had lost a flag halyard aloft. Helped by Tim, Nick managed to retrieve it. Canopus and Avalon left us late morning to sail round Portland Bill to Dartmouth and the West Country. Philip Brown led a walk up to the Nothe where we had fabulous views across Portland Harbour and along the Jurassic coast. Then we walked along the old railway line to the RSPB nature reserve. We finished the walk on Weymouth beach which was full of families and we felt like real holiday makers as we had an ice cream or coffee. The evening was spent at the Ship in the garden for drinks and later for a meal.

A rude awakening was necessary the following morning for an early start to sail across Lulworth Range to St Albans before the army started firing at 9.30am.  One or two reefs were needed since the wind was gusting up to F6 at times.  Yet again Ursa Minor had difficulties with their engine and Good Day Sunshine towed them up Poole harbour to the marina.  Oh, the duties of a deputy never end!  The engine problem was found to be a broken impeller.  Jasper took the tripper boat to Brownsea Island in the afternoon whilst others snoozed or caught up with retail therapy.  The marina had berthed us all together so crews were able to socialise easily.

On Tuesday we had another fairly early start to catch the tide through Hurst narrows, especially for Aquadisiac who had to walk their two dogs first thing. As we came out through the narrow entrance of Poole harbour we had to avoid the chain ferry which has right of way, and then the cross channel ferry, Barfleur, posed another obstacle to be avoided. Light winds from the north east meant some of us were helped by the iron topsail, but the purists managed to sail all the way. The harbour masters were helpful in getting us all squeezed into a corner in Yarmouth, and were heard to say that the CYC boats know what they are doing, using a rope on the centre cleat as the first warp to secure the yacht. Now it was Arcadia’s turn to get a halyard wrapped around the mast. Nick Cole kindly went aloft and sorted things out.

The final evening of the rally was spent having drinks on the balcony of the Royal Solent Yacht Club, where the results of the quiz were announced. Well done to the winner, Sandra Gore on Arcadia. Other prizes were awarded to Philip Brown, a first class deputy, who was given a clip to secure his hat since he had lost his overboard en route. And Nick McCarthy was awarded the joker prize of a leaflet and application form to join Sea Start!

Finally we had our rally dinner at the Bugle pub where we were ensconced in our own room to enjoy a fine meal together.

Thanks to all the sailors for their company: April Folly,  Aquadisiac, Arcadia, Good Day Sunshine, Jasper, Perfectly Fine, Ursa Minor and also Avalon and Canopus.

Helen & Graeme Jupp

Dawn Chorus