Thursday, February 5, 2009
 

 

 

 

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Photos: John Webb
MIDWEEK MILESTONE 250
rise'n'shine
CRUISE INFO

Midweek cruises remain one of the most popular dates in the Cruising calendar, and this week's celebrated the milestone of the 250th.

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So it was back to the Folly Inn on the Medina River which has become one of the most favoured venues for the group who sail each Wednesday.

 

The idea was conceived by Rex and Joyce Woodgate back in 2002 and they have now organised no less than 250 midweek outings. Cruising members sail to a yacht or sailing club or local hostelry within easy reach of Southampton Water and with ready access from the water

 

Therefore there were few surprises to find them back at the Folly Inn for a special celebration, at which they were joined by the present Commodore, Colin Lewis, and two past commodores, Doug Worgan and Peter Whatley.

 

.History has it that The Folly originated from a barge that ran aground whilst selling illegal liquor in the 1700s. Fact or not, its cuisine and location on the banks of the Medina has made it a favourite for visiting yachtsman, and the Royal Southampton cruisers, with a large open plan restaurant, quick meal service and a spacious outside eating area.

 

The Commodore presented rex with a special plaque to commemorate the occasion . . . and a case of champagne.

 

The inspiration for the midweek cruise series was down to Rex Woodgate and it has become so popular that the Wednesday cruises are now a regular part of the Club's sailing calendar, and the 250th event was attended by more than 45 sailors.


Rex,retired head of North American operations for the car company, Aston Martin, and his wife, Joyce have been organising the Wednesday cruises since the autumn of 2002, giving members a chance to take a leisurely midweek trip for a lunch out, somewhere by the water.

 

Each Wednesday a small armada sets sail, mainly crewed by the “leisured classes,” or those who can take a day off!
Rex arranges a venue easy to reach by water and he maintains an email list of participants and informs them on Tuesday of the venue selected. He will also find crewing places for non boat owning members.