The Westerly Owners' Association - South Coast Group

RSYC Gins Rally, on the Beaulieu River, May 7-8

We set off in fine weather from Portsmouth on Saturday 7 May with winds from the south west F3-5 and with a mix of sailing and motorsailing headed for the Beaulieu River. We whizzed across the zone of exclusion practising collision avoidance at Cowes and anchored in Thorness Bay for lunch. Once refreshed we then headed onto Gins clubhouse and upon calling the RSYC Bosun berthed alongside other Westerly owners on the walk ashore pontoon. Further Westerlys were guided onto the river pontoon and a warm welcome greeted all.

Drizzle came over us into the evening but with some 12 boats and 31 owners meeting up in the clubhouse bar for pre-dinner drinks we were soon chatting amongst friends and newcomers alike with little thoughts to the worsening weather. We were joined by RSYC members with about 70 guests altogether.

After consuming a hearty meal of Roasted Belly of Pork followed by Baked Toffee and Praline Cheesecake washed down by equal quantities of wines and beers we were entertained by a young jazz band, Shrunk in the Wash! Gradually all attention was on these players who showed their remarkable talent and enthusiasm, the lead singer with a voice like silk, rich and smooth and lead keyboard player fully engrossed in the music. The tempo picked up and with a mix of swing and jazz, people started to dance with an eclectic mix of styles that would have impressed Len Goodman and the judges of ‘Strictly’!

We couldn’t hear the downpour until we stepped out onto the veranda at the end of the evening and had to run to the boats (so difficult in high heels, stilettos jammed between boards not a pretty sight!).

Following a late breakfast (no questions please!) we set sail for home, overcast but dry, winds F3-5 but fresher and more consistent than the day before.

Thanks to all who enjoyed the fun.

Boats attending: Musketeer, Thalmia, Dunlin, Sophia, Jemina, Moonstorm, Celtic Storm, Equinox, Jacuna, Coco-de-Mer, Pippa Rose, Tunnel Vision

Join us for our next event on 1-2 October at Bembridge?

Rally organiser: Sue Gibson