Easter Cruise Report

Despite the best efforts of Storm Nelson, 27 hardy CYC sailors were not deterred from taking part in the Yacht Section Easter Cruise and enjoyed some good sailing over the weekend. We did, however, delay the start until Saturday, as the forecasts for Good Friday stubbornly contained F6/7, and instead held the first group meal of the weekend at the Club.

Saturday was a gloriously sunny day with light winds providing a gentle start to the season for a sail round to Port Hamble. Unfortunately, the wind died away as we approached Southampton Water, though a couple of boats did deploy their cruising chute/spinnaker. The sun continued to shine, though it was cold, for an early evening pontoon party. The day was finished off with a meal at the Cardamom Lounge in Hamble-le-Rice.

As is usually the case, Easter Sunday was a completely different day! Overcast, the odd shower and easterly winds of F4/5 meant a brisk beat back to Gunwharf Quays. Some shops were open allowing a little retail therapy for those inclined. The final meal at the Spice Island pub was followed by a wet walk back to boats in torrential rain, which had fortunately subsided by morning and those returning to Chichester had a lovely sail back in company.

For most boats this was a shakedown cruise and many snags were identified, with some resolved at the time and others needing more serious intervention.

Thank you to Arcadia, Blaze Away, Bugsy 2, First Light, Good Day Sunshine, Hermit 2, Hightime, Kerry Dancer, Lowenna, Misty Blue, Pim and Silver Shamrock for a very enjoyable, sociable weekend.

Carole Middleton and Robert Spencer, Raven.