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Cruise Report
Cornish Crabber Club - Solent Rally 2018
Saturday was one of our two layover days, giving crews the opportunity to meet up, compare boats, fettle and faff, and generally get into the rallying spirit. Nobody was over concerned when the RNLI Inshore rib set off at great speed down the river during the morning of Saturday. A little more concern was expressed a few minutes later when the rib was seen coming back up the river towing a Shrimper 21 back to Lymington. On closer inspection, and a chat with the crew, it was established that this was not one of the Rally fleet, but one on its own with a failed engine, which was quickly put right by a local engineer. We were all much entertained by the largest fleet of Optimist dinghies I'd ever seen, competing against themselves, and against the enormous Lymington Yarmouth ferries. Many crews watched a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night coming from the opposite side of the river. Allegedly this had something to do with commemorating the 50th anniversary of Donald Cambell's accident on Coniston water some 50 years ago.
Sunday saw the Rally move on to Universal Marina on the Hamble, well organised by Graham Woodward, whose Crabber 26 Sally Lightfoot is permanently berthed there. Light airs combined with some "iron topsail" assistance found us arriving at the entrance to the Hamble River in the late afternoon/ early evening, along with all those many boats who had set sail earlier in the day. It was like Piccadilly Circus during the rush hour on water! Large powerboats jockeying for position against a fleet of spinnaker flying racing hulls. Crabbers and Shrimpers holding their own, and refusing to be pushed out of the way, by some of the larger less courteous vessels. To the best of my knowledge everyone reached their berths without incident, with the exception of John Lowe's C26 Lady Mary, visiting from Dartmouth for the second year running!
Lady Mary had a spluttering engine issue. She reached her berth, and that was as far as she was going to go for the next two days. A diagnosis revealed that spare parts were required from Yanmar. Unfortunately these took longer to arrive than was originally advised. This resulted in Lady Mary being held back for an extra day, while the rest of the fleet had already made passage to Bembridge on the Monday. Bembridge Harbour was as welcoming as ever. The fleet made a very pretty sight berthed up either side of the long pontoon. The Brading Haven Yacht Club catered for us all admirably with cocktails on the terrace before an excellent dinner in the Clubhouse. The next day was a customary rest day in Bembridge as crews either went on Island tours or stayed behind enjoying the glorious sunshine. The second evening was spent enjoying a diy BBQ using the Harbour facilities, and was much enjoyed by all.
Sunday saw the Rally move on to Universal Marina on the Hamble, well organised by Graham Woodward, whose Crabber 26 Sally Lightfoot is permanently berthed there. Light airs combined with some "iron topsail" assistance found us arriving at the entrance to the Hamble River in the late afternoon/ early evening, along with all those many boats who had set sail earlier in the day. It was like Piccadilly Circus during the rush hour on water! Large powerboats jockeying for position against a fleet of spinnaker flying racing hulls. Crabbers and Shrimpers holding their own, and refusing to be pushed out of the way, by some of the larger less courteous vessels. To the best of my knowledge everyone reached their berths without incident, with the exception of John Lowe's C26 Lady Mary, visiting from Dartmouth for the second year running!
Lady Mary had a spluttering engine issue. She reached her berth, and that was as far as she was going to go for the next two days. A diagnosis revealed that spare parts were required from Yanmar. Unfortunately these took longer to arrive than was originally advised. This resulted in Lady Mary being held back for an extra day, while the rest of the fleet had already made passage to Bembridge on the Monday. Bembridge Harbour was as welcoming as ever. The fleet made a very pretty sight berthed up either side of the long pontoon. The Brading Haven Yacht Club catered for us all admirably with cocktails on the terrace before an excellent dinner in the Clubhouse. The next day was a customary rest day in Bembridge as crews either went on Island tours or stayed behind enjoying the glorious sunshine. The second evening was spent enjoying a diy BBQ using the Harbour facilities, and was much enjoyed by all.
