The snow moved further south and stayed far longer than usual this winter disrupting the mid-week rallies, so it was pleasing that not only 37 members signed up for the first of our frostbite rallies but that the weather remained sufficiently amiable for five yachts to make the passage up river to Marchwood’s pontoon.
Now this was not necessarily the short hop from Ocean village for all, Selene is moored in Portsmouth, but their navigation is more direct and sure than some of those who came by car.
The office had warned that although the pontoons were in place the link to the shore had been removed for dredging. Hence it was a great relief when they all arrived safe and dry in MYC’s clubhouse by using a dinghy and Peter Whatley’s rope to pull them themselves back and forth.
I’m not sure if this idea was inspired by the news that the Cowes floating bridge was out of action or nostalgia for the old Itchen ferry but for Saturday evening Aquarius Ventures, Ear to Eternity, Laurella Jo, Selene and Pyxis were masters of probably the only chain ferry working in Southampton Water.
After an excellent dinner the evening finished with an icebreaker exercise. With six new members present it was a good opportunity for established and new members to talk and continue the process of getting to know each other. All that remained was for the ferry to return the crews to their boats for a Sunday return to base. All told a promising start to 2010.
Brian Hinde
Captain of Cruising