RIPTIDE – Howard & Nikki
JUS LYMIN’ – Paul, Lynne, Fran & JT
NICKNACK – Nick & Gail
MAGUS TAO – Peter, Pedro, Duncan & Sarah
BOOMERANG – Graham & Angela

Friday 16 May – Chichester Marina: The advance party gathered at Chichester Marina, where JUS LYMIN’ is berthed. NICKNACK was also in the marina, taking part in a wonderful charity sailing event for disabled children. RIPTIDE arrived later in the afternoon after a sunny lunch stop at East Head. The group caught up over a lively dinner at Chichester Yacht Club and shared plans for the weekend ahead.

Saturday 17 May – Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour: Next morning there was a queue to exit the small lock at Chichester Marina but all OOSC boats had escaped by noon for the gentle sail westward to Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour on the Beaulieu River. The weather held beautifully, sunshine and light winds made for a pleasant and relaxed passage.

Mid-journey drama struck when JUS LYMIN’ suffered a blocked fuel pipe off Calshot. Thankfully, SeaStart came to the rescue and had them swiftly back on course. At Buckler’s Hard the harbourmaster kindly arranged a separate berthing area for the OOSC fleet, making for a smooth and welcoming arrival.

The fleet was joined by MAGUS TAO, having sailed from Haslar Marina, and the crews gathered aboard RIPTIDE for pontoon drinks in the early evening. The convivial atmosphere delayed plans to dine at the local food van, so by the time we were ready to eat, the curry had sadly sold out! Fortunately, all boats were well-provisioned and crews could rustle up supper on board.

Sunday 18 May – Yarmouth Harbour: With the river at low tide, a morning walk into Beaulieu village for coffee proved a popular diversion. Departures began shortly after midday, with boats drifting leisurely downriver at five knots past the Lepe Red beacon, then setting a course across the Solent toward Yarmouth. En route, BOOMERANG (who had been moored at Gins Farm the night before on a separate rally) joined the fleet.

Once the boats were safely moored in Yarmouth, the crews enjoyed another round of pontoon drinks before heading to The Bugle Inn for dinner, where fourteen of us enjoyed a jolly evening of good food and great company.

Monday 19 May – Homeward Bound: BOOMERANG stayed on in Yarmouth for an extra night while the rest of the fleet set sail for home. We couldn’t have asked for better weather: warm sunshine, gentle breezes, and calm waters – a perfect weekend of sailing and socialising.

Thanks to everyone who joined the rally, and a special thanks to Howard and Nikki for organising such an enjoyable weekend. We look forward to seeing you on the water again soon!