Chichester Marina based rally 22nd - 25th May 2015

The rally, based in Chichester Marina got off to a very uneventful start. Launching for those who came by trailer passed without incident and after drinks on one boat or other the group gathered in Chichester Yacht Club for the evening meal.  The collective included skippers and crew of Dabbers, Luggers, Coasters, Long Boat Cruisers, Shrimpers and Deben Lugger, a Lunne Whammel and a Red Fox 200 - all very welcome. Some were sleeping aboard, other camping in the field behind and some in caravans and motor homes on local sites.

Sharon, from Churchouse boats made me a lovely presentation for my birthday of a cartoon character, drawn by Bob Heasman of a remarkable likeness of Sharon and myself sailing Daislebee with L plates displayed

The blue and yellow flag indicates 'difficulty manoeuvring'

Saturday

With the tide taking us down to East Head most of the fleet headed that way for a leisurely lunch. There was a little drama as a Coaster arrived with its mast laid neatly along the cabin, and then tried its best to get neaped on the beach ..but with assistance from Richard Goldsmith I managed to get ashore and help them float and they headed out to the raft for final adjustments.
The fleet that sailed from Ashlett joined us having crept into harbour late the night before.

Alex's Deben Lugger

Possibly the youngest crew

Keep your lines ready

The weather was fine with a good wind and the fleet headed back to the marina for the BBQ. The band played and we were joined by some other boat owners who curiosity at our rag tag bunch had intrigued them.

Sunday

Another fine day which saw the fleet spread out with the Ashlett crowd planning to stay out in the harbour to get a good start the following day. Several of us negotiated the Thorney Channel and saw a couple of seals before rafting up for lunch.
I had a guest helm, Glenys Cowie, whose berth in Moksha was taken by Sharon GH.

Guest Helm

Douglas H

Monday

The Ashlett fleet departed en route to the Weymouth Festival...and the majority pulled out in preparation for the journey home. Peter, Tony and I sailed to Emsworth. En route I drifted up on of the rithes and did some seal watching.

At the Pontoon there was nearly a diplomatic incident with a large white yacht who wanted us to move so he could come alongside the deeper side of the pontoon. When we pointed out that the depth of water was the same on both sides he refused to believe us and resolutely parked his  40 foot yacht  in a 25 foot space at the end of the pontoon..

International incident over we adjourned for drinks and supper.

Tuesday

Peter and I crept up the the quay at Emsworth to get some provisions and collect Sharon who wanted more time on the water. Back at the pontoon bacon rolls and coffee were taken before we set off down the harbour. Another first for Sharon was achieved when we stuck our heads out to see, going as far and the Bar beacon - her first time in open water.

Returning to the marina I had an early night ready for hauling out the next dyt to take Daislebee to her new home.