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Island Harbour mid-week rally (9 - 11 May 2023)

Published 20:56 on 23 May 2023

Island Harbour is a peaceful, tidal, locked marina in the Medina River, just up from the Folly Pub.

The forecast for the few days was rather unsettled, tending towards iffy, but regardless, Tonica and crew set off from Haslar Marina with the intention of arriving at Island Harbour for the free flow access around lunch time.

We had a gentle trundle up the Solent under slightly dull skies, but the showers stayed away. Upon arrival, Ed and Bernie from Alenka very kindly took our lines, which was especially useful as the end of the pontoon became very wobbly shades of some French marinas! Thereafter, Nemo, Morning Mist and Misty Moon came in and were safely installed as the lock gates closed and secured us all.

Jem set about hoisting the HYA flags and banners and soon, our pontoons looked very festive!

That evening, despite ignoring the rather large dark clouds gathering, the Pontoon drinks party did end up on board Morning Mist as the showers which had been forecast, arrived just in time to dilute the G n Ts! The fun time on board eventually moved spontaneously on to all the boats as the evenings Safari Suppers commenced. Some of us did a starter, some did a main dish and then dessert followed. We all moved at each course, which was great fun, and such an enjoyable way to see one another and the individual boats.

The following morning brought sunshine with a hint of precipitation, but the crews gathered and walked into Newport for lunch at The Bargemans Rest, choosing the river route which is a very well maintained, level pathway which meanders through the woodland next to the river (approx. 2 miles). The rain held off and in fact the sunshine was lovely and warm.

That evening the pontoon drinks was a chance to thank everyone for a lovely couple of days as wed all be leaving on free flow the next day.

Our return to Gosport was perfect with blue skies, bright warm sunshine and flat seas! Thanks everyone, we really enjoyed the rally.

Susie and Charles Reynolds
Tonica Fairline 3