Canoes races, dinghy races and even an umbrella race...won by yours truly (an inflatable powered by a large umbrella - directional stability nil....) were all run during the high tide period before people adjourned for cream teas and preparation for the festivities of the evening.
A hog roast and three bands saw some dancing late into the night.
Sunday
The next day the Drascombe contingent set off to Newtown Creek to spend the night before continuing on to Poole.
Some precarious rafting was observed which lead to much shouted comment across the quiet anchorage...
We set out mid morning to catch the tide through the Needles, taking the Needles channel to try and get a good angle into Studland Bay, I'm not sure it worked that well but it must still rate as one of the best crossings we've had, good wind, mainly sunny and reasonably smooth seas.
The raft grew of Studland but it was then decided we should be further in towards the shore...I'm sure the skipper on the nearby yacht who filmed the mass movement of 8 or 9 boats still rafted together as they motored across the bay with Stewart stood on the middle boat shouting directions, will be the subject of several pub conversations.
Tuesday
The fleet made their way on the flood into the harbour with several of us going round to Cleavel Point to recce the venue for next years planned Drascamp (more of that later). After a days free sailing and visits to the Haven marina and Wetherspoons we gathered south of Brownsea Island for the night.
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| Just to late to join the raft...... |
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| Sunset behind Brownsea |
Wednesday
Rain threatened and then held off long enough to make a break back out to Studland before it closed in again. Adrian and I shared a few beers while we put the world to rights and then after a short siesta I was summoned ashore by Brad and Bob. The water was low enough to wade ashore across the sandy bottom, but I took my dinghy with me, pulling her far up the beach just in case.
The rain kept coming but snug in the pub we had a nice meal and joined in banter with the locals, assisted by two young ladies,who were camping nearby and were drying out underwear on the radiators.
All in all this detained us longer that we planned and on return to the beach found the tide was right up to the high water mark...where was the dinghy.
Thankfully with a light wind and rising tide she had moved a few hundred yards down the beach so we recovered her and got back to our boats. More refreshment was taken on board Bolitho, and the main entertainment of the evening was trying to get Adrian back to his boat without one or all falling in. We managed..just...
Thursday
Next day involved trying to find Adrian's glasses which he thought he had dropped overboard. Much studious wading and even the services of a passing snorkeller were roped in...only for him to find them on his centreboard case where he had left them.
The fleet departed hoping to see some activity from the Bournemouth Air Show but cloud was too low and we arrived at Christchurch after a good sail in the strong westerly.
Friday
A bright windy day saw us setting off for the Needles and heading into Keyhaven where we met Barry and Pauline and adjourned to their house for a BBQ and some music. A very nice evening.
Saturday
A good sail to Newtown for a quick lunch and then a romp across to Keyhaven to haul out brought the cruise to an end.
Another great week.
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