Barbeque and Juniors weekend, 24th, 25th and 26th August 2003

A tale of 29 People, 9 Boats, 2 Ports and a Barbeque.

August bank holiday weekend! We had better chose a marina that we can book up, "how about The Folly and Yarmouth"

"Sounds good, are the tides OK"

"It's a long way back to Chichester."

A quick check of the almanac confirmed they were. (Or were they?) "How many boats did you book for"

"8 boats, do you think that will be enough? "

"There is a club meeting three weeks prior to the event, we should have a good idea by then."

The club meeting arrived and we only had 3 boats on our list, a few days and lots of phone calls later and we were looking at 4,6, 8, or was it 9 boats. Various calls to the marinas and lots of changes later and we had 8 boats arranged.

A sunny light wind sail interrupted by periods of motoring against the tide, preceded our arrival at The Folly in the early afternoon. We were pleased to see 'Ashdown Sailing Club' proudly displayed on the reservation board of The Folly pontoon. Pelagian had arrived first staking our claim, and within minutes there were 6 boats rafted together. We were pleased to welcome Mike and Donna Sheehan in their boat Swiftnick, new members of the Ashdown Sailing club, as they neatly rafted alongside Layla. Robin in Opalesence arrived last and had to moor outside a large motor cruiser which made life interesting as their dog struggled to get a grip when clambering ashore over the spotless slippery decks.

The heat from the sun was increasing and a cold beer was calling, before long we were all gathered in the shade of The Folly's beer garden overlooking the river. The majority of people were eating aboard and we retired to our boats for a meal in the evening sun. It was not long however before we had found our way back to the pub for a drink, as the evening livened up we returned to the boats. Walking back out to the pontoon, we thought we had had one too many as it appeared that Pelagian was sinking, the freeboard at her stern had been reduced to about 6 inches and her bow was showing more than a lady's should. Fortunately this was not an emergency situation due to an influx of water, but more an influx of people, 13 of them, to be precise were sitting in her cockpit, totally unaware of the boats stance. Minis and telephone boxes come to mind.

Fizzgig was in need of some extra miles and must have felt that the trip from Chi to The Folly was too short, lets go via Cherbourg said John. This seemed like a good idea at the time, and with a few extra crew Fizzgig went to Cherbourg to accompany a friend's boat Cehlih Mhor on the return trip. Both boats joining us after dark. Fizzgig had still not done enough miles, and was first to depart in the morning to accompany Cehlih Mhor to Southampton. She would bring the crew on to Yarmouth for the Barbeque in the evening. Sea Holly was first of the remaining boats to leave; being rafted on the outside took the opportunity to sail off the mooring. A leisurely sail in light winds to Yarmouth with all boats avoiding the temptation to take part in the powerboat racing outside Cowes. A fair tide saw the island coast quickly pass by and Yarmouth was in sight bringing an end to the days sailing far too quickly.

We were greeted by a HARBOUR FULL sign and were glad for a booking with Harold Hayes boatyard. Berthing was interesting with more boats than open water and a tide running. Space to manoeuvre was not in abundance, but all managed to fit in well. Eliona having to hold off while the boatyard rearranged a few of yachts. The sun was shining, a trip ashore allowed us to buy some ice, and chill out with a Gin & Tonic before the Barbeque on the beach.

Then rowing skills were tested, unless you had an outboard Pelagian! As we used our dinghies, instead of our feet to reach the beach. Surprisingly we were almost alone and with enough people to hold a sailing club dinner we took over 3 Barbeque areas, a great deal of swapping of yarns and sampling of supplies went on all evening until well after dark. On the row back it was noticeable that the quality of pilotage from the beach to the boats had deteriorated somewhat.

An invitation to Two of Diamonds, a boat owned by Robins friend followed where we squeezed round the table for coffee, brandy and conversation finishing the evening off well. An early start was necessary for the Chi boats to catch the tide. On Gliding Kestrel we decided a mega breakfast was needed as we had loads of food to use up. Our sail back lasted a couple of hours before the engine was needed to push a foul tide. Who checked the tides! Is that high or low tide Sandi? Well it was all right this time last year.

Well, all turned out right in the end, we had a lovely time and enjoyed getting so many people and boats together for a fun weekend.

Sandi and Colin Shiret, Gliding Kestrel.