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Kraken

From: Dublin Bay

Registered: 2011-02-24

Posts: 333

South Coast Late Summer Rally to The Hamble, September 2019

Three Frances 26s, Ella (Richard Brown), Panache (Andy Gleadle) and Felicity (Roy Dawkins and Liam) joined three Victoria 30s (Widgeon (Tim and Dee Clarke), Aziza (Chris McNally and Polly) and Wynn (Richard and Meryl Saunders) at Mercury Yacht Harbour on the Hamble River during the afternoon of Saturday 14th September.  Here we were joined by Jon and Lynda Spencer in their newly acquired Landau 20 motor cruiser, Skylark.  After a week of very changeable weather the weekend looked to be set fair with some lovely warm sunny weather but a distinct lack of wind!

We gathered on Wynn for tea and a selection of cakes which, judging by their rapid disappearance, were enjoyed by all!  Jon and I were then joined aboard Skylark by John Cade, who had arrived by car, for a committee meeting.  By the time our meeting was over everyone was enjoying a pontoon party arranged by Dee Clarke, who treated us to Pimms and a selection of tasty treats whilst we chatted together in the evening sunshine.

We later retired to the Gaff Rigger restaurant based in the marina where we were joined by Peter and Jenny Cosker for an evening meal.  The restaurant was busy but the service was very good and the food well received.

After a lovely day with clear skies the temperature fell rapidly overnight and we awoke to a misty morning.  Eventually this cleared and the sun broke through again by the time we were thinking of leaving.

The final picture, taken by Lynda, shows Roy, one of our elder statesmen at a mere 92, at the helm of Felicity as they make their way back down river in the morning sunshine.

Thanks to everyone who came along especially to Dee for arranging the rally and the pontoon party and to Meryl for making the cakes.

Our next South Coast event will be at Warsash in the New Year.

Richard Saunders
VSA South Coast Organiser