Haslar Rally Yarmouth and Poole
Published 14:09 on 1 Aug 2026
On the 28th 31st August, Haslar Yacht Club rallied to Yarmouth and Poole and Yarmouth. We were blessed with wall to wall sunshine.
On the Tuesday night the boats all met in Yarmouth where we were rafted up together. Members enjoyed an interesting upwind sail (or motor) to Yarmouth, starting with no wind so yachts and power were under motor. As we approached the western Solent, the wind steadily filled in providing a lively sail to finish the journey. We were welcomed to Yarmouth by the helpful harbour staff. There were no formal dining arrangements but that did not stop members gathering on the pontoon for the usual pontoon party. With no formal dining arrangements, members were reluctant to depart.
We were also pleased to welcome new members aboard Tringa who joined us for the evening.
Wednesday morning the rally left Yarmouth to arrive at the entrance to Poole Harbour to ensure arrival at Poole bridge for the 14.30 lift. Initially the winds were very light and the fleet motored. About an hour from the entrance to Poole, the wind filled in resulting in a great sail for the final part of the trip.
The entrance to Cobbs Quay is not complicated, just time consuming. There are two bridges to navigate and no waiting pontoon at either side, although there is a waiting pontoon between the bridges. In the morning the sequence prioritises outgoing traffic and after 14.30 inbound traffic. We were lucky, as there were 7 boats waiting to go through, Bridge Control changed the order so we only had to wait about 15/20 minutes between the bridges rather than 45 minutes.
Cobbs Quay was a very quiet marina within easy walk or bus ride of Poole Harbour. We were all given our own finger pontoons, although some were tighter than others. The water around Cobbs Quay is very shallow. In the evening we had the usual pontoon party at the stern of Vin Rouge and then all retired to the on-site restaurant, Cobbs Quay Kitchen, for a very pleasant meal.
The following day being a "rest day" members did their own explorations. Brian had arranged a trip to the RNLI college and others chose to follow a self-guided walk around Poole.
In the evening, members met ashore in the BBQ area where tables and chairs were provided for a very successful sharing supper, I don't think anyone went hungry!!
The following morning most members were up early to catch the tide back to Gosport. Vin Rouge and Ocean Spirit decided to depart later. Lines were slipped by the early birds at 07:00. The route to the bridges was challenging as we were leaving virtually on low water. Magenta certainly went aground. Once out in the main channel we had to wait for the sails bridge to open first at 07.30 followed 15/20 minutes later by Poole Bridge.
Once through the bridges and Poole Harbour, the fleet turned left for home. For once, the wind was in the right direction and I think everyone had a cracking sail back to Gosport. Magenta departed the fleet at Lymington.
Huge thanks to Brian for all his planning and organisation during the rally and to Jem for all the initial booking of the venues.
For lots more pictures, please look in the gallery here.
Trudi Allen-Shalless
Related
- Yarmouth and Poole Rally 2026 (28 - 31 July)
Last updated 17:49 on 7 August 2026