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Report on Bembridge Walks and Wine Tasting Cruise

We woke early on the first morning of our cruise to the sound of the wind howling in the rigging and rain hammering on our decks. We were glad we had sailed over to Bembridge a day early to set things up, but now wondered how many boats would change their minds about joining us. In the end just two didn’t make it, Nick on Ursa Minor had engine trouble, while Iain on his Corribee, Wild Goose, sensibly decided to turn back when visibility went down to zero. 

As the rain continued to fall, drinks on the pontoon were out of the question, so we decided to hold the ‘pontoon party’ on Topsy. It was a bit of squeeze fitting 12 people into a 34 foot Maxi, but we managed, and the close proximity meant we quickly got to know each other.

Great weather for our walk

The following morning the sun shone as we boarded the ferry that took us across the harbour to the start of our four mile walk to Adgestone Vineyard. The path led us up past Bembridge Windmill where we enjoyed sweeping views right across the island, then down past the airport along the old sea wall and into the village of Brading.

After an excellent lunch in the vineyard garden some of the group opted for the wine tasting session – the blue sparkling wine raised some eyebrows! – while others toured the vineyard or wandered down the road to visit Brading Roman Villa. A few of us decided to head back via Sandown, where we enjoyed a cup of tea by the beach before catching the bus back to Bembridge. The day ended with a group BBQ in the marquee.

Relaxing at the vineyard

The sail back the next day couldn’t have been more different from the sail over: 8-12 knots of wind from the south meant a gentle beam reach in the sunshine. Dave and Sue on Salty Duck reported they were welcomed by a family of dolphins just before the West Pole, making a great ending to their cruise.

Many thanks to our deputies, Richard and Chris on Moody Blue, and to the rest of the boats that joined us: Salty Duck, Star Dancer, Time Out and Seabird.

Anita Hedges