Short and Sweet

By Kath Rayner

The July mid-week cruise started on the “Hottest Day of the Year” so, Doh, John Panting, Chris and I – and Tilli too of course, smothered ourselves in sun-tan lotion and set off, our destination being Bembridge, not a million miles away but a new destination for mid-week cruises. (For the observant ones, Tilli does need suntan cream; she burns on the pink bits of her nose).

We had plenty of time, as we couldn’t get into Bembridge until 17.00, and a good wind, so sailed out to the Nab Tower and then over towards the Isle of Wight and Bembridge.It was so good to sail with the wind and not having to worry about getting to our destination by a certain time. Lunch was had late, hove-to, just off the Bembridge ledge. We were all expecting to get roasted and suffer with the heat, but it was so pleasant with a good breeze. We just sat back and enjoyed the sail and the chat.

Bembridge was very busy. Much to our surprise we had to raft up fourth out. There were lots of Gin Palaces, a few Dutch, German and French boats, but it was the middle of summer. We are used to having the Solent and her marina’s to ourselves mid-week!

We were in company with Taransay Mhor, skippered by Sandi, with Val Dibble, Andrew and Anne-Marie Kazimirski as her crew. The plan was to barbeque, so we did, but by the time we started the cloud had come over. It was cold so we all had to get an extra layer on, and then it started to rain! Not what we expected on the “Hottest Day of the Year”! We were brave though and a good evening was had by all, with the best bit being Doh’s treat of champagne jelly as our dessert!

The following day was an early start, because of the tides, with the destination being the Folly pontoon for lunch. After passing the Forts we found some wind and had an excellent sail. Taransay Mhor had to head for Portsmouth as they had to get the last ferry from her mooring to the shore.

We spent a couple of hours over lunch then started our journey back to Chichester. Once again we were able to sail all the way back and eventually got back to our berth at about 19.00. Thanks everyone for a lovely mid-week cruise.