West Cowes Rally 29th thru 31st May 2021
Published 01:00 on 10 Jun 2021
Given all the times I have been to Cowes, this was my first venture into West Cowes and the Yacht haven. Single handed and trying to avoid the myriad of boats who, like me, were not sure where to go, I sailed blindly past the HYC battle flag, clearly visible on Brian's boat, into the South Basin and towards the other set of white capped piles. Wrong ones. I looked around to see the HYC welcoming committee waving madly about 4 pontoons away at the other set of white topped piles.
Duly berthed, after a brief tussle with the tide, I was welcomed on board Trollinger, by Stewart, with a very welcome beer. It was good to have Lyn & Steve Holliman join us on the rally, their boat being in the Mediterranean. The ladies returned from their shopping spree and in due course everyone gathered in groups of six or less onto various boats for a pre-prandial drink. It was then time to get ready to make our way to the Island Sailing Club for a bevy before dinner, courtesy of Haslar Yacht Club, with the blessing of the Hon. Treasurer.
We divided into tables of 4 and 6, following the now familiar COVID-19 rules, to sit down to dinner with a menu choice of 4 each of starters and mains. I do not wish to dwell on the meal but those of us who attended were all very disappointed by the long waits and the poor quality of the fare. This was not the ISC that we know and love. It transpired that the club had only been open for one week prior to our arrival and they were suffering very severe staff shortages (along with many other establishments throughout the UK) and a lot of inexperience. It also transpired that due to a booking mix up the staff were also catering for an even larger party on the top deck. It is easy to be critical, especially when you don't know all the facts, and although we were all disappointed, we also felt very sorry for the ISC. Jenni Waite, who is a member of both clubs, felt extremely awkward and embarrassed on behalf of the ISC.
Now, I don't know about you, but in my book these things happen from time to time, and it is how they are dealt with after the event that is important. Stewart, our Events Officer, received a very nicely worded apologetic email from the ISC club assistant manager, David Flanders, offering us a 15% discount on our next visit. I, in turn, received a very apologetic telephone call from the ISC Commodore, Helen Lashford, this Friday afternoon, for which I am most appreciative and I told her I would pass on her apologies on behalf of the ISC.
Please be aware that the ISC has opened up its marquee and 'back' garden to a pizza company, so it is occupied by the general public who have access to the gents' toilet and cloakroom. Foolishly, I left my jacket there, but it had been taken by the time I came to leave.
There is no doubt that the glorious weather put everyone in a good mood for the whole weekend and on Sunday we broke into groups exploring Cowes and the island by bus and on foot. New hostelries were discovered along with new and different shops in Cowes and the Island's Gallybagger cheese made quite a lot of new friends, including me, but particularly Leon, who was so enthusiastic about it, I thought he was on commission. I am pleased to say that the Cowes Ale House (near Sainsbury's) is in good health, as is its range of beers. The Woodvale Hotel, at Gurnard, was also a new discovery for some.
After the exertions of the day and the sheer pleasure of being able to get out and about in glorious weather, most if not all of us had dinner on board followed by a relatively early night!
The following day brought equally glorious weather and a leisurely departure. Time to top up on Gallybagger cheese; and I can commend highly, Mr. Velzian's culinary expertise as a breakfast cook. Delicious black pudding, by the way.
Pretty much every member on the rally was deployed (press-ganged??) by Jem in order to pull Blue Moon from out of its inside berth and reverse between 5 boats to clear water. It was a scene reminiscent of the Onedin Line expertly organised by skipper Jonathan. So, there we were, all lined up, armed with long brushes ready to fend off should the need arise, which, of course it didn't. Jem led the applause at the end!
It was a shame that a number of our regular ralliers could not attend as a result of recent injuries and operations and quarantining prior to an op., and house moves. We wish them all a speedy recovery.
Thank you to everyone for a really fun rally and I look forward to seeing you all again in the not too distant. Thanks to the Island Sailing Club for hosting us and to the staff of Cowes Yacht Haven for their friendly assistance and for keeping us all together.
A bientot!
David Whitehead
Hoedear
4th June 2021
Related
- Cowes Rally 29th May 2021 (29 - 31 May 2021)
Last updated 13:22 on 25 October 2023