We left for Brighton on 16th June ready for the South East Cluster Rally, and sailed in company as some of the East Coast WOA members were on their way and stopped in at Sovereign for a few nights. We all had a lovely meal in the yacht club on Friday night followed by a pontoon party on Saturday night, then most of us headed West for Portsmouth and the WOA 50th celebrations. Some of the gang stayed in Littlehampton for a night or two but we carried straight on to Gosport for a couple of days. Had planned to join in the Ryde Rally on Wednesday, (E’s birthday) but alas he was unwell (food poisoning possibly – not guilty!!).
We managed to get over to Gunwharf Quays on Thursday 23rd June where we stayed for the duration of festivities. With raftings, and squeezings, we were packed in like sardines in there, and quite a bumpy place to be, but with a good view of Portsmouth waters and all the comings and goings. An excellent meal and evening at the Royal Maritime Club was enjoyed by all, some coming by car, rail and ferry to attend, including our friends in the Netherlands, Gerard, Gina, Tjerk, and Aafje – it was good to see them all again.
On Sunday some of us wandered along to the Still & West Pub in Old Portsmouth for a bite to eat, drink and share knowledge of the Solent and its waters. By Monday the majority of boats had left and we also left for Port Solent in the afternoon after manoeuvring out of a tight spot. We have left Hurkur in Port Solent nicely tucked up for a few days whilst we return home – weather is abysmal still so we aren’t missing anything.
Pontoon Party at Gunwhard and WOW the sun is shining!
Flags fluttering – a great display by the Westerly Yachts.