Weymouth Wanderings 9-16 July
Published 15:12 on 25 Jul 2025
A summers sunny afternoon on Wednesday July 9th and 12 yachts set out to gather in Yarmouth at the start of the cruise with high hopes for a good week. The weather was looking good with the third heatwave of the summer predicted, the sun cream was packed. Tides were right and the destinations booked but what would the wind do? Although there was little wind in the morning, a sea breeze developed giving some good sailing conditions, albeit a beat. We met for a pontoon party where sailing plans and routing for the following day were discussed.
We awoke on Thursday 10th to a sunny, warm morning for the 40nm passage to Weymouth. For Remiga and About Time this was both a new destination and the longest passage they had undertaken. Everyone has their favourite route, some leaving the Solent via the Needles Channel and others preferring the North passage and following a more inland route. Next decision was inner or outer passage around St Albans head. With no one best way each skipper made their own choice. All unanimously agreed one thing, best avoid the live firing at Lulworth Range! As the previous day the wind got up in the late morning affording the opportunity for another good sail. The views of the Jurassic coast did not disappoint, as stunning as ever. By early evening everyone was safely rafted up in Weymouth harbour, where we were joined by Dancing Deva and Sounio. In the evening we took over the top floor of the Ship Inn for a group meal where with much chat and good food the hours slipped by.
Friday 11th was a day off from sailing to enjoy the delights of this quintessential seaside town, and keeping cool as the thermometer rose to 25C plus, hot for Brits. James and Philippa headed off by bus to Portland to walk and explore. For 7 of us the call of the sea for a swim couldnt be resisted, Weymouth beach was busy, but being so large there was still plenty of room. The only issue was that the sand beach shelves so gently down it involved quite a wade out to sea to be able to swim. We and a few others enjoyed some freshly cooked fish & chips taken back to the boat, delicious.
Saturday 12th, it was back to sailing with an early start for the passage to Poole. After beating into westerly winds to get to Weymouth, the wind turned Easterly, so another beat, typical. We said goodbye and safe passage to Blue Pearl who were heading to Alderney. Being Saturday the firing range was not active and again the fleet divided, with some taking the inshore route round St Albans and as it turned out the wiser ones who went further offshore and were rewarded with a very favourable tide. Those of us who took the inshore route got caught in a wind shadow after the headland, but we were rewarded with lovely close up views of the cliffs around St Albans Head. Whatever, it was a beautiful day to be out on the water and by lunchtime after some more good sailing we were all berthed at Poole Quay, where we were joined by Lowenna. With the roving supper in the evening domestic chores of food preparation and some boat cleaning occupied the afternoon before we met for pontoon drinks before handing out the envelopes of where folk were going for their starters. A very enjoyable evening ensued as each couple met 2 different couples on each course, after each course we all wandered the marina looking for the next course, having quick passing chats with diners also on the move. The hours spun by very quickly, a great sign of a good evening.
Sunday 13th was a day off from sailing. There was a vintage event going on in the town with music, stalls and some classic cars and bikes. Brownsea Island was an attraction for some and being Finals Day at Wimbledon there was some TV watching. With our eyes as ever on the weather, we were pleased that the wind was due to go round the South West overnight but not so good as it was forecast to increase considerably in strength during the late morning. The decision was made to leave earlier than originally planned to hopefully get to Lymington before it really blew.
So on Monday 14th, alarms had gone off early and we were all away for what was a brisk, lumpy, uncomfortable for some, sail to Lymington. Entering the Solent through Hurst by way of the North Channel was the favoured option. Berthing on the Dan Bran Pontoon was challenging with a by now strong wind blowing us off so it was all hands plus the harbour rib to get everyone safely berthed. We gathered in the evening for what was planned as the end of cruise meal in the Mayflower Pub. Another great evening with lots of lively chat, we were well looked after by the crew and the food was good too. By this stage everyone had made the decision that they did not want the cruise to end by heading back the following day, so would stay another night, well that and the 30 knot winds predicted tipped the balance. Fortunately Lymington were able to accommodate us for another night. Not sure how many times we all made the long walk to shore, it never gets any shorter!
We had some rain overnight but Tuesday 15th was a dry if very windy day. Some wandered to town, others explored the salt marshes towards Keyhaven. Looking out to sea there were not many boats moving other than the ferries. Some of us met for a final final drink at the Mayflower in the evening. Kerry and John, Philip and Sue stayed on to show their skills at the pubs weekly quiz. The honour of CYC was upheld with our clever quartet winning the quiz. Well done.
So finally we dispersed on the morning of Tuesday 16th. Thanks to all participants, we thoroughly enjoyed the week in your company, seeing you all enjoy yourselves was the payback that made it all worthwhile.
And finally, congratulations to Laura on Time Out, who having made her first trip to Weymouth with Mark announced proudly that she had sailed The North West passage to enter The Solent, now that would be a great achievement in a Beneteau 25.7.
John & Jane Gosnell
First Light
