Solent Cruise | 2 - 5 September 2022

We slept aboard on our moorings then set off under motor in a gentle breeze on the nose. Some tried to sail but resorted to engine to get through Hurst with the fair tide. Once in the Solent we all had a gentle amble to the Hamble under sail where we were berthed in pairs. Seraphim with Quetzal with a quartet of medical men aboard and Gadston Lass with Shogun with Nick and Phil as crew.

On Saturday we all sailed to Portsmouth in a decent breeze by various routes. The doctors fought the tide to get to Beaulieu (£20 to tie up for a 60 min walk ashore) while the rest sailed round the Solent, working the tide and avoiding the HM's launch and its bee baa siren clearing the channel for a large tanker. We all took note of HMS Prince Of Wales carrier anchored in Stokes Bay.

Entering the marina at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth needed the permission of the QHM to cross the main shipping channel and once across we were greeted by the friendly and competent young marina team. This is a small marina in the heart of a very popular large shopping complex close to HMS Victory and other historic vessels. Quiet it is not but the universal vote was to come for 3 nights on a future visit to take advantage of all the sites.

After watching the HMS POW coming into her berth we all walked the short step to The Old Customs House for a cruise supper. A muddle over the booking was quickly and amicably resolved and the evening was a very happy affair.

The following day we had a gentle sail to the efficient Cowes Yacht Haven and all got together for a tipple on Seraphim followed by a pizza at the Island Sailing Club. That night produced a sharp downpour with dramatic lightning but this passed leaving a quiet morning for an early start with the tide for the sail to Portland. The wind freshened as we reached the Needles and backed to east of south giving great sailing, despite a very heavy shower, in what a member described as a brilliant finale to the cruise.

That's what you get when sailing with CCSC Cruisers.

Penmanship: Mike Conroy (Seraphim)
Pics: Guy Dickenson (Quetzal)