The alternative Dart Rally - 19th / 26th June

Plans changed and changed again and then changed again. Originally sailing to the Dart, leaving Chichester on the 19th - then Adrian kindly offered to trail Daislebee down for me, whilst I pulled his boat, Torridon, and then the weather and reports from those already on the Dart resulted in Adrian, Richard and I spending a week in the Solent where we determined to try and knock off a few first for me, as I had travelled as widely as the other two and it was a good opportunity for them to show me around.
Sunday was spent in the marina as the wind was F6 and above and not good for getting out. Monday saw us down the harbour in slate grey skies but moderate wind and best of all dry.

Adrian and Richard leaving harbour

We headed for Ryde, a first for me and after a very pleasant sail arrived without too much of an incident, although Adrian nearly made friends with one of the forts.

Tied up in Ryde

We visited the flesh pots of Ryde - introducing Adrian to a Chinese banquet and crispy duck ....

The next day, after shopping and lunch,  we set out for Cowes and Newport. Although I've been there before I had never travelled up the river by boat, so another first.

Egret off Ryde

We had to keep close inshore to get the lee of East Cowes point - the water further off shore was quite rough and the wind was head on the whole way. Although we set off in grey skies by the time we were tied up at Newport the sun was shining brightly although the wind was still very strong.

Tied up in Newport IOW

The following day I paid a visit to the Classic Boat museum. Not much of a museum fan usually but this was fascinating, especially the boat, a little bigger than a gig that was dropped to airmen who had been shot down and ditched in the water. 

In the afternoon we made our way down to Shepards Wharf in Cowes to give ourselves more options the following day.

Thursday saw us leaving Cowes for a good sail back east to Bembridge - watching out for Ryde Sands and in Adrian's case the two large white, tall, long, big, easily seen Wootton Ferries ... ask him .......

Fishing Smack off Osbourne Bay

Bembridge saw us at Duver marina where the following day we walked around the harbour, visiting the chandlers and the pub, where Richard proceeded to embarrass a bar maid struggling out of his jumper and revealing rather too much of himself.....

After lunch we planned to leave for Southsea, where we had promised ourselves a curry at the marina based restaurant. Steve Maynard called to say he was on his way over and we thought about changing plans but with the Island race the next day we thought it best to stick to the plan. So after a quick hello, goodbye we set sail for Southsea. Great wind and a swift passage. The curry was good as well.

Saturday had us up early - well for A and R anyway, as we had to clear the sill by 09.30. A good sail back to Chichester with a raft up for lunch and then home to the marina until next time.... Wednesday that will be then ... good fun this retirement lark.

 A good week with several first and the promise of more to come next week - let's have some good weather ... please