Port Solent 9 September 2023

Port Solent Cruise Report Graham Wheeler (Cruise leader)
Date: 29th September 2023
Friday
Outward journey was in a force 4 wind over tide and a strong swell from the storm during the night, making the trip up to West Pole a bit uncomfortable due to a beam sea.
Once round West Pole, sea state less uncomfortable and we were able to make 12 to 14 knots. The wind was on a ‘port close reach’ for the rest of our route and once in the lee of the island conditions improved.
The run up to Port Solent (in the upper reaches of Portsmouth Harbour) is interesting, with good views Spinnacker Tower, Portchester Castle, navy ships ferries and cruise liners.

 

The advance party of Mam’selle, Nola and Himalia arrived around 12:30 and with the help of the Marina staff arranged for all the boats to be on one pontoon.
A little later we were joined by Seabiscuit and Callisto. Some cruise members walked to Portchester Castle and others participated in the now necessary dog walking. There are plenty of open green areas adjacent to the Marina to let them have a good run about, Sybil and Nelson took advantage of this.

 

Port Solent is a very welcoming, dog friendly marina with many restaurants, cinema, gym and shops.
In the late afternoon Mam’selle hosted a pontoon party which our RC Digby also attended. Perhaps he was there to ensure we were well behaved?
Jane did us proud, with a large selection of nibbles and drinks.

 

Fleet lined up on the left

Guess who the legs belong to?

Saturday
More walking and relaxing during the day with many stories of the winds of the day before. I thought only fishermen had these type of stories! Yesterday’s wind and waves were much more uncomfortable for those who left Chichester later. Oscar arrived with her crew of Nigel, Helene and Oscar the dog after a beautiful gentle cruise across a calm sea on Saturday morning.
Christine and Stephen gave a pre-dinner drinks party aboard their boat Callisto. A great way to start the evening. Many thanks to Christine and Stephen.
Jackie and David Thacker also joined us for dinner at a local restaurant where a good evening was enjoyed by all with good company and food. Jane Wheeler was also treated to a chorus of Happy Birthday.

 

 

 

Sunday
The Fleet returned to Chichester with Graham, Jane and Nelson aboard Himalia (a problem with Mam’selle who had to stay behind in Port Solent) courtesy of Neil and Joe, and accompanied by Callisto.
Another Force 4 producing another lumpy sea, but aboard the “SHIP” Himalia you would never know, apart from the occasional bit of sea spray.

Callisto punching her way home.

 

Two happy dogs

Conclusion

This was the last formal CYC Cruise of the season and considering the time of the year the weather was on our side for a change.
As cruise leader, I was lucky to be surrounded by such good friends on this cruise. We demonstrated we can laugh together, enjoy each others company and also support each other when needed. This is what “CYC Cruising Together” is all about.
P.S. Mam’selle was safely brought home after repairs, by Graham on Monday afternoon.