The Victoria Shadow Association

South Coast Rally to Northney Marina in Chichester Harbour

on Saturday, 15th September 2007

Since our own boat is now based on the East Coast, we needed a berth aboard one of the many Victoria Yachts bound for Chichester! Brian and Dawn were very kind and allowed us to join them on 'Moonfleet'.

An early start was required and at 7:30am we were waiting for Brian to collect us from the Keeping Trees pontoon, upstream of Buckler's Hard on the Beaulieu River. Once aboard, we prepared 'Moonfleet' for departure and then tucked into a fine breakfast before slipping from the buoy an hour, or so, later.

We did try to sail. There was just enough wind, but we wouldn't have reached Chichester in time. So, with great reluctance, we resorted to motoring, for a while.

Looking back towards Cowes we see Dawn helming, in a very fetching Victoria Shadow Association cap, and please note the splendid new ensign.

Dawn helms 'Moonfleet' in light airs

In such gentle conditions, Brian is able to relax in his very smart, cream-coloured Victoria Association cap. Notice how the peak keeps the sun out of his eyes.

(We have just two of these special caps left. Send £6 to the Secretary and one could be yours, but don't delay!)

By the time we reached the Chichester Bar, we were on the last of the flood tide, as it should be, and were faced with hundreds of craft, large and small, all leaving the harbour at once. It reminded me why I try never to sail in the Solent at a weekend.

Approaching Northney, particular care was paid to pilotage, as this is one corner of Chichester Harbour that is not so frequently visited. The marina's instructions for berthing, "charlie ten, port side to," were simple enough until, being helpful, "inside the hammerhead" was added and caused no end of confusion!

Brian can take things easy

Last, but certainly not least, is our South Coast Regional Organiser's own boat, 'Felicity'.

The final tally was six boats, in alphabetical order:

ALBERTINE

 CADENZA

 FELICITY

 JOSEPHINE

MOONFLEET

TESSERA

Roy Dawkins' Frances 26, 'Felicity'

At the appointed hour, we all gathered aboard 'Albertine' for a pre-dinner get together, as is customary.

'Albertine' was, in a way, back home, since her former owner, Barrie, used to keep her at Northney and now she was back with her current owners Jon and Lynda.

We were all very comfortable and it was only after several attempts that Roy was able to get our attention and advise us that we needed to move on to the marquee for our dinner!

Pre-dinner drinks and nibbles aboard 'Albertine'

At this stage in the proceedings, our official photographer, once again, let us down and failed to capture any proper images of the event. Something to do with having drunk too much red wine, no doubt!

Lynn, seen on the right, is one of Roy's crew and had previously attended one of our London Boat Show dinners. It was very nice to see her again.

Roy has announced his intention to stand down at the coming Annual General Meeting, after several years of arranging our South Coast socials and rallies. Since this is likely to be the last he organises, we thank him particularly for all his efforts.

Ken and Lynn in the marquee

Olive, Lucy and Elizabeth

The great man himself, Roy

We had all asked for more wind on our voyages to Chichester, which is not always wise. On Sunday, there was considerably more wind, but not from a particularly helpful direction! We had a fine beat back to the Beaulieu River and I understand that Roy and his crew had a fairly lumpy ride.

Thank you to all who came and supported the rally and to Roy himself, of course.