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Yarmouth mid-week Rally, 18-20 June 2024

Published 09:18 on 24 Jul 2024

The rally to Yarmouth this year was originally planned to provide a Solent-based event for those who didn't want to or could not make the cross-Channel rally being planned in the same week. And it was just as well because in the event almost everyone who had booked on either rally turned up at Yarmouth and we all had a great time.

Nemo enjoyed a nice drift across to Yarmouth with the tide and a following wind and when we got outside the harbour the crew practised mooring to a buoy in readiness for future rallies. Eventually we went in and moored up, the harbour patrol boat being as helpful as ever in guiding us to our spot. We then started to say hello to everyone and there were plenty of Club members there enjoying the pleasant weather.

After a quick trip into town for some provisions and a cheeky drink, we got ready for the first pontoon party where it was lovely to see old acquaintances catching up with each other again in the sunshine. The crew of Nemo then made its way to dinner at On The Rocks.

The next morning, whilst passing Blue Moon, our esteemed Commodore Jonathan suggested that he and Celeste were soon going to catch the 'Island Breezer', an open-top, hop-on, hop-off bus service, to The Needles a great idea but Nemo's crew insisted I first serve the bacon sarnies I had promised them for breakfast! We were joined at the bus stop by Trudi and Dick Allen-Shalless so all of us "old folks" set off enjoying the beautiful views and fresh air of the West Wight.

Some got off at Freshwater, others carried on to The Needles and Needles Battery with its breath-taking scenery and dramatic coastline. A cup of tea and a toasted sandwich from the on-site café then it was hop back on to the bus and head back to Yarmouth. Ken and Mary Ryan on Forget Me Knot and Brian and Hilary Masters on Misty Moon had arrived by the time we got back so we then had 14 boats and 35 people that's got to be some sort of record attendance!

That evening's pontoon party was just as good with lots of smiling faces and more sunshine. Soon we all set off for the Royal Solent Yacht Club for our evening meal with more lovely views of Yarmouth Pier and a gorgeous sunset. The staff at RSYC are always friendly and look after us very well and we had a great evening with lovely company and nice food. All was well!

Like many we decided to leave early to catch the tide, Nemo's next destination being Newtown Creek, with others heading home to Haslar. Overall this was a splendid rally and special thanks must go to Stephen Burder as Lead Boat for arranging with the Yarmouth Harbour staff for all the extra boats that kept joining.

Well done Stephen, we had a great time.

Jem Nicholls