Page 16 - Yachter Autumn 2021

16 CRUISING REPORTS
THE NOVICES’ STORY: BACK TO THE FUTURE ON OUR FIRST RSYC CRUISE
Having raced, dinghies and offshore, and sail cruised for many years under
the flag of other clubs, and now with our dutch steel Spiegelkotter motor boat, Tomorrow III, my wife Jo and I were much looking forward to joining our first RSYC cruise to Bembridge over the first weekend in May.This was our first outing with the club since we changed the boat’s ensign and burgee to cruise under RSYC colours. Our previous involvement with the club had been limited to attendance at a few social events at Ocean Village and AGMs – although living on the east bank of the Beaulieu River, and under the cover of reciprocal memberships, we had been regular visitors to Gins, since 1970!
We had logged on to the Cruisers lockdown Zoom sessions over last winter, so we had been introduced online to a number of those who would be attending.Thankfully, Maggie and Laurie graciously demystified the arrangements for us. Enquiries revealed that we should also be flying the special RSYC Cruising flag on the rally – so dimensions were checked, and out came Jo’s sewing machine.After rummaging in her collection of materials, an impressive flag emerged, and was ready for the rally.
Weather reports were ominous, with overcast and chilly conditions, then storm force winds predicted for the Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday. However the tides
made the Friday and Saturday very do- able, so we brought forward our two night booking to Friday and Saturday.
Once the RSYC cruisers were all in harbour, we explored, looking for the tell-tale cruising flags to identify boats and then owners, and to introduce ourselves. Laurie had managed to modify the ‘normal’ arrangements for the very abnormal semi- lockdown constraints – and it was most enjoyable to meet new cruising friends
– when hosted aboard and in our forays ashore, coffee under the dockside tent, walking out to the shore to look out on St Helen’s Fort, and then to watch Anton as he flew his kite from the Duver dunes. It
is easy to take for granted all the work that goes into organising cruising rallies – but as a participant, it is evident and greatly appreciated.
So why was this ‘back to the future’ for us? Well, I lived in Bembridge as a child
and learned to sail at the BHYC, so I
have a really deep love for this wonderful area of the Isle of Wight, which we often visit. Moored in the much improved and hospitable Bembridge Marina, there are no more special views in Solent harbours than southwards across the harbour towards the Brading Haven and Bembridge sailing clubs,