East Cowes end of season rally 12/13 October 2019

Published 01:00 on 18 Oct 2019

Well there we were two weeks to go, 42 members and guests signed up to join our 'sister club', Medina Yacht Club for their end of summer party at the Island Sailing Club. Buffet dinner, wine on the table and entertainment.

And then the weather intervened. Instead of waiting for Godot, we were now waiting for Lorenzo, or at least its tail end. Unlike Godot, it turned up.

As we watched the weather over the ensuing days as the rally date approached, the prospect of rain all weekend and high winds didn't fill many with much enthusiasm. One of our members decided to paint the front room rather than attend the rally; correction, his wife decided he should paint the front room.

In the end 12 stalwarts braved the elements and attended the dinner. There was virtually no wind going across to Cowes on the Saturday but there was a steady supply of rain; that fine rain that doesn't seem too bad at first but seems to get everywhere.

A leisurely afternoon preceded an early ferry to the ISC where we held our indoor pontoon party ahead of the main event. We had been advised that dress was smart casual but increasing numbers of MYC turned up in evening dress; but no matter it didn't seem to worry anyone and as fellow boaters everyone recognised that boats and evening dress do not make a great partnership. We all enjoyed the evening; the food was good, the company was good, the wine was good, and the band got everyone dancing. Our sincere thanks to the Medina Yacht Club for their kind invitation, to the ISC for their hospitality and to East Cowes for arranging everything and for allowing us free berthing. Dave, on the ferry, was very accommodating and took us back in two groups.

Sunday morning dawned with the forecast wind; southerly force 5 to 6. We all left early to catch the tide back to Gosport and in our case on El Finisterra, bacon butties on the way! A beam sea and 1 ½ m waves had us rolling a bit in a semi displacement hull at 8 knots. Having moored up at Haslar the wind died away and I vaguely recall a shaft of sunlight but then maybe I was hallucinating again.

David Whitehead (Commodore)

Related

• East Cowes End Of Season Rally October 2019 (12 - 13 October 2019)

Last updated 13:22 on 25 October 2023