Island Harbour

As so often this summer, the weather gods were not so kind to us.There had been a good forecast for most of the week- then everything changed just a fewdays before the cruise so that we were now treated to an amber weather warning for thunderstorms. Some boats and their crew could go a day earlier before
the adverse weather was to arrive. Otherwise, the forecast was for force 4 gusting to 24 knots from ESE and 1 to 1.5 waves. The later part of Friday
looked more promising after the thunderstorms had passed but was constrained by the entry times to Island Harbour.

The staff at Island Harbour could not have been more helpful, giving advice for free flow and being generally supportive and positive about our continually evolving plans. In the end, the smaller boats took the view that the conditions were too harsh, but that did not mean the end of the cruise! With two boats already at Island Harbour, plus a camper van, Wizard braved the ESE and slammed her way over the Langstone bar before being able to enjoy a following wind to Cowes on Friday to be treated by lots of helping hands for the lines and a much-needed cup of tea! Time then to relax and prepare for the evening BBQ!

On Saturday, the Crews dispersed to explore Whippingham, Newport, Cowes and Osbourne House before the arrival of Excailber and a fantastic evening meal at The Folly, who did us proud despite claiming no knowledge our booking.
By Sunday, all thunderstorms were in the distant past, with sunshine and calm seas the order of the day as we departed. Thank you to Heather for organising the cruise and coordinating Island Harbour and The Folly with all the changes and updates.