The Westerly Owners' Association - South Coast Group

Newtown Informal Meet - 22nd July 2009

The forecast was dismal (again). Heavy rain and force 5/6 SW winds - and this was exactly what materialised on the day. Three boats made it to Newtown River - Busiris, Dunlin and Moonstorm, assembling off Fish House Point at the North end of Clamerkin Lake just before noon.

Unfortunately, the organisers, Geoff and Sue, were unable to make it due to the hazardous wind conditions at their berth. Busiris had arrived the previous afternoon, and was safely tucked-up inside. Dunlin had just completed their first ever night passage, arriving at 4 am, and anchoring just outside the entrance.

Skippers share a BFG (Black Forest Gateau)

Dunlin and Moonstorm

Once Dunlin was alongside Busiris, and with Moonstorm anchored close by, everyone gathered in the cockpit of Busiris for a picnic lunch, put together from our pooled resources – sandwiches, salad, gateau, and finally cheese, biscuits and cake, accompanied by some rather pleasant wines. The rain held off and the sun shone throughout; the wind also began to moderate as the afternoon progressed.

Both Dunlin and Moonstorm were staying for the night, but Busiris had to leave before the tide got too low. Having successfully negotiated the shallow patches at the entrance to the eastern arm, and the approach channel, we took advantage of the first of the spring flood for a very pleasant and fast sail back to the Hamble, in the fresh following breeze.

Once into the river, the breeze became very light, but it seemed such a shame to spoil the peace with the engine, so we continued under sail up to Bursledon on the flood. A very relaxing end to a successful trip.

This was the second of our new midweek events, and it was pleasing to get a turnout, in light of the dismal forecast. We hope to be running more of these informal meets in the future.