Dinghy Dash from Swanwick Marina - 27-29 August 2022
Published 14:33 on 6 Sep 2022
This was Haslar's latest and very successful rally.
Magenta set off from Premier Gosport on the Friday in sunshine and variable winds and made a valiant but futile attempt to sail to Swanwick deciding to put the mackerel lines out instead which was far more successful.
Saturday saw Magenta joined in Swanwick by one more boat from Premier Gosport and another six from Haslar five of whom were moored up very snugly together on the fuel pontoon in a very exclusive enclave. The weather again was sunny with light and variable winds so mackerel lines were successfully deployed again. On Saturday evening an impromptu pontoon party was held in the vicinity of Misty Moon before we all retired to The Old Ship Inn for a very delicious supper. Can recommend this pub!
Sunday dawned sunny again but with a bit more breeze than we had had so far. The excitement was rising for the DINGHY DASH to the pub, the reason we had all come!! We were joined for the dash by Shibumi. Three kayaks (containing Jem, Anne and Trudi accompanied by Dick in the dinghy) set off up river before the main party. The tide played the game and obligingly flowed in the direction of the pub however the wind was not so helpful and so as ever when going anywhere the kayaks had wind on the nose. Once under the bridges the river became wonderfully quiet and surprisingly wide. The wind against tide set up (for kayaks) a bit of a chop which was unexpected. The further up the river we went it narrowed and became more tranquil with fabulous bird life egrets, herons, coots and ducks. At the top of the river it forks right to go to the pub and the last ΒΌ of a mile was like something out of the Amazon. The river became extremely narrow and twisty, it all looks so different from water level.
Finally the pub was reached but no sign of the following six dinghy pack. Landing was not quite as easy as we had all expected as the old landing stage had been removed for safety reasons meaning we all had to land on the muddy river bank which caused much hilarity. Obviously so much safer to land on slippery mud than on a landing stage! The sensible ones had suitable jelly shoes, others not so and got very muddy feet. The following pack arrived after the kayakers had started to slake their thirst at the bar. With the slightly higher water it was easier for the dinghies to land.
Once everyone was safely ashore we all retired to the pub for lunch. The 'Horse & Jockey' pub at Curbridge did us proud, the food was again delicious and was served swiftly. Once we had all had lunch the tide had very helpfully turned so it was time to return to the dinghies. The relaunch was slightly complicated by a very large rib having arrived and pushed all the dinghies to one side. However we all helped each other and the relaunch was achieved without anyone slipping in the mud. The return trip was a bit quicker with wind and tide in the same direction. The river was much busier with kayaks, paddle boards and dinghies so it was not as tranquil as the trip up but nevertheless it was very enjoyable.
Upon return, dinghies, kayaks and feet were washed and preparations were made for the pontoon supper. This was held again alongside Misty Moon. A long table was set up and a fantastic banquet was laid out. There was more than enough to feed us all, delicious main courses both meat and vegetarian, salads, breads and desserts. Fantastic efforts by all involved but it would not have happened without the incredible organisation of Jem and Brian.
Sunday dawned again sunny but with a brisk wind so it was finally possible to get the sails out and actually use them to return to our home berths.
Many thanks again to Jem and Brian for all their hard work and to everyone who came and entered into the fun with their food contributions, friendliness and laughter. Brilliant weekend!
Many more photos can be found in the gallery.
Trudi Allen-Shalless
Related
- Dinghy Dash from Swanwick Marina (27 - 29 August 2022)
Last updated 13:22 on 25 October 2023