South Coast Shrimper: Early May Bank Holiday rally

The rally got off to a good start with a cook in at the club house on the Thursday evening, while we waited for those who 'still have work commitments' to join us...(it's a nice feeling not to have).

Friday

We launched as soon as the tide permitted and once the departing fleet that consisted of Daislebee, D22 "Bolitho" with Stewart B, Shrimper "Moonfleet" with Robin and Ross, Coaster "Moksha" with Ian C, Coaster "Bon Amiee" with John and Sandy, Nick in D22 "Isabel" and Jim H in Gig "Hippo" had fully assembled we set off for Newtown Creek. The weather was good and the wind and tide kind and we were soon joining Marcus in "Sundance" an original Drifter, in two rafts where a convivial evening ensued.

Saturday

The next morning we departed Newtown setting sail for Ryde. The weather was glorious and although the wind was light and eventually gave way to nothing the tide was with us all the way.

Leaving Newtown Creek

For an extended version click here

On arrival at Ryde we found it very full but the advantage of being small showed itself as we tucked ourselves away. We were joined by Jeff in his much larger yacht and Adrian in his Coaster " Torridon" who had both sailed over from Chichester. Also along for the day was Bill and Wayne in their club's Skipper 18, having sailed from the Itchen at the top of Southampton Water.

Fish and chips was order of the day for most and another pleasant evening was had. (For those that visit Ryde the chip shop we like is thorough the gardens between the amusement area and the shower and toilet facilities, in Monkton St.)

Sunday

The next morning was another glorious day and several of us succumbed to the delights of the local cafe (also in Monkton St) The breakfast is good but the owner seemed surprised to have a lot of customers on a bright sunny bank holiday weekend.......

Once breakfast had settled the real business of the day got under way. the inaugural round of the Drascombe Crazy Golf tour.

Two teams of three and a four were drawn up...well, randomly put together really....

Marcus, Jim and Stewart eyeing the lie of the green
(ignore the guy on the roof ....he is a pirate)

Jim, Stewart and Adrian - a serious business

John taking it easy

Nick, Robin and Ross

The declared joint leaders after Round One were Stewart, Adrian and Marcus.

Round One leaders - Marcus, Stewart and Adrian

Once the water was in we had a quick rally photo before the main fleet set off for Gosport and a date with the Chinese in the High Street.

The rally crew

John and Sandy, Nick, Wayne and Bill had to depart for home ports will the rest of us set sail in light winds for Gosport - uneventful except for Jim's engine failing and having to tow him into harbour.

On arrival at Gosport things didn't go as planned - crisis...no room at the Chinese...still we made do ant the very excellent restaurant in the lightship at the marina ..a very good, if not more expensive alternative. We were joined by Simon, Sharon and Hannah.

Monday

We were blessed all weekend with lovely weather, wind was lacking but hot and sunny and Monday was no exception. Jim and I had a motor round the harbour looking at the sights including the new aircraft carrier.