Many thanks to Tony Wood for looking after the rally for me - wish I could have made it.
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Report by Tony Wood
Photos by Andy Cooper
Thursday 01
I arrived early, to beat the holiday traffic,
at Chichester Marina to launch coaster Martha. The weather was sunny, if a tad
cool, with a NE wind. I was joined by Peter Tiplady and by early afternoon we were
both ready to roll. We decided to have a lazy afternoon sail and to overnight
in Mengham Rithe. Nice sunset and a quiet evening telling sea stories.
Friday 02
Peter and I had a
lie in, followed by a leisurely breakfast. We then set sail for the Itchenor
Pontoon to meet and greet the arriving Drascombers. A brisk sail down saw us
arriving at about midday. Throughout the afternoon we were joined by Marcus,
Nick, Richard and Adrian. An early evening planning meeting was called,
bolstered by fugal use of OSH (Old Speckled Hen) lubricant. The committee
decided on setting a sail plan for Bembridge the following day. BBQs lit and,
frying pans at the ready, supper was created.
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| Life Boat station at Bembridge |
A phone call to the
later launching Ashlett crew and they were very happy to go with the cunning
plan. Especially as it saved them a long flog against into a strong spring
tide. So, the Ashlett crew set out to overnight at Sheppard’s (Cowes) and to
join at Bembridge. The Itchenor half of the rally settled down to a evening of
lively debate on Duck Poo pontoon .
 |
| In depth discussion |
The
Cowes crew later retired to the local hostelry to enjoy an evening of Prayer
and Dancing.
Saturday 03
By general consent
we decided on a 1000 sail from Itchenor. So at precisely 0900 !!, in true
Drascombe tradition, everyone, apart Adrian who was having a late breakfast,
sailed for Bembridge. It was with a falling wind that many of us found ourselves
becalmed and having to motor. However late afternoon saw a rising sea breeze
from the South. So much for the NE forecast. This gave at least a good sail
into Bembridge. We all rafted up and dried out on the beach closest to the
Pilot Inn.
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| Rafted on the beach at Bembridge |
There was then a
great call for sundowners. This was accomplished though the production of Gin
bottles salvaged from various Drascombe Hulls. It was also the start of the
“Great Gin Debate”. Is the taste of Gin determined by: the cost; the
condiments; the distillery or did it all taste the same when mixed with tonic.
After a long debate and many tastings there was no definitive answer and it was
decided to adjourn the debate to a future date whilst we carried out further
research.
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| Gin discussion |
The only damper on
the day is that post the privatisation of the Harbour at Bembridge there is now
a fee to park on the beach. The Bembridge fee taker took £9 off each of us
after a long squabble. Some members were distinctly unhappy about this charge.
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| Pay to lie on a beach!!!!! |
Sunday 04
The
following day the group again split into two factions; most voted to stay at
Bembridge enjoying the walking, scenic views and an evening meal at the Pilot Inn.
Nick and I formed the breakaway party spending the day sailing. Downwind in a
good 3-4 we made Chichester and tucked ourselves away in Hayling SC Creek. We
had evening meal on board with a small beer in the SC.
I
have to say the beaches at Bembridge do take some beating even at £9 a shot. The
crew on the beach especially enjoyed Peter’s dingy handling technique
demonstration.
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| Beach at Bembridge |
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| Peter's impromptu swim |
This
created much mirth and leg pulling in the Pilot Inn that evening
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| Discussion about Peter's breast stroke |
Monday 05
The
Rally dispersed at lunch time, the Ashlett Crew sailing directly to Ashlett.
The Chichester crew enjoying a close hauled trip back to home waters. Nick and
I escaped from Hayling Island to return and recover our Drascombes. The weather,
had in general, been a little cool but very sunny. Several of us will still be
peeling our faces come the next Rally. Thanks to all that attended and I hope
you all enjoyed it as much as me. See you at the next Rally unless I get ……………
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| The gun |
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