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For owners and admirers of all boats built by Cornish Crabbers
Cruise Report
Cornish Crabber Club - Solent Rally 2014
June 16th - 22nd
June 16th - 22nd
One of the advantages of sailing in company is the photo opportunities that present themselves. So it was good to see so many people making the effort of taking pictures of other boats sailing. A selection of those photographs accompany this report.
We all berthed in Poole Quay Boat Haven close to Poole town and its lively shore-side activities. This was to be a two night stop with a visit and tour of the RNLI College plus a fish and chip evening. The RNLI tour was first class, and it brought home to us how much work goes in to training the volunteers who risk everything to save those in trouble at sea. The highlight of the tour must have been the visit to the Lifeboat Simulator. A number of our party felt quite queasy while being tricked into thinking that they were on a rescue mission in stormy seas! The fish and chip supper at the Lakeside Restaurant proved to be first class.
As we left Poole on the 19th June for Beaulieu, the fleet was increased in size by the addition of the Crabber Mk2 Sea Wind belonging to Andrew and Caroline Turner, the Crabber 24 Inyanga, owned by Peter Clay, the Crabber 22 Mellow, of William Pelly, the Crabber MkI Kallisto, of Ray Canaven, and finally Mike Shearman’s Shrimper Triplet. Simon D’Arcy on Equinox left us here and sailed straight back to Chichester. The day began fine with absolutely no wind at all. We all left Poole Quay before 0900hrs and motored out of Poole Harbour, carefully avoiding the chain ferry at the entrance, and again made for the East Looe Channel. The very light airs strengthened as the morning progressed. The sound of Crabber engines gradually died away until we were all sailing, again with a very favourable wind. We all made good time to Beaulieu Marina assisted by the Easterly flood arriving mid-afternoon... We were joined later in the day by Stuart Leon on the MkI Crabber Narwhal who joined the rally direct from Bosham. Well known yachting journalist Tom Cunliffe was spotted chatting to Tim and Liz Dodwell whilst at the same time casting an approving eye ( I hope ) over our fleet!
The highlight of the Beaulieu visit was undoubtedly the BBQ where we were “serenaded” by the wonderful Portsmouth Shantymen. The sun shone until late in the evening. Thanks must go to Steve Mitchell, another Crabber 24 owner, sadly not participating this year, for his provision of the most original portable bbq holder known to man - a ladder laid out horizontally, enabling people to rest their portable barbecues between the rungs. There was quite a production line in evidence as bangers, burgers and steaks sizzled furiously alongside the river while the Shantymen sang with gusto!
The Committee had organised a raffle in order to reward the Portsmouth Shantymen for their efforts. Thanks to the generosity of Swanwick Marina, Force Four Chandlery, Cornish Crabbers LLP and several individual club members, together with the sales prowess of Nigel and Sue Anderson and the generosity of all present, the raffle was a great success.
One or two crew members were forgiven for being absent halfway through the evening. They had decided that watching England play football was more entertaining than the BBQ. They clearly made the wrong decision! After much food and drink we all retired to our boats in preparation for the next stage of the rally. Some continued with the odd glass of scotch aboard their boats.
The Committee had organised a raffle in order to reward the Portsmouth Shantymen for their efforts. Thanks to the generosity of Swanwick Marina, Force Four Chandlery, Cornish Crabbers LLP and several individual club members, together with the sales prowess of Nigel and Sue Anderson and the generosity of all present, the raffle was a great success.
One or two crew members were forgiven for being absent halfway through the evening. They had decided that watching England play football was more entertaining than the BBQ. They clearly made the wrong decision! After much food and drink we all retired to our boats in preparation for the next stage of the rally. Some continued with the odd glass of scotch aboard their boats.
