Coordinator: Allan Howlett, Solent Branch Captain

I am trying to think of a better excuse for the poor weather. As someone once said’ it’s not the bad weather, but the wrong clothing’.

We did our best; the forecast was variable and as usual incorrect. We had an objective so we pressed on. We intended checking out the facilities at the Itchenor Sailing Club as a possible venue for our next AGM in February 2018.

We met at 10.30am as the rain started, four hours earlier than forecast. My wife Liz and I met up with Sheena and Martin our Branch Secretary and Treasurer respectively and Jody their supersonic Springer Spaniel, together with Nick and Anne, who berth Aquaholic, their M346, locally at Birdham Pool and are enjoying their second season as MOA members.

The rain slowly increased in density, the only one enjoying the rain was Jody racing through wet plants, jumping clear occasionally to see where she was. However we kept up a lively pace arriving at the Yacht Club and being met by the House Manager who showed us round.  The venue has excellent facilities, a large meeting room and a glazed dining area overlooking the river and anchorages.

As the rain continued to fall and the updated forecast was for more heavy rain we decided to cut short our walk at Itchenor abandon our trip to Bosham. Even if we could have found the ferryman so adjourned to nearby pub – The Ship.  Having set aside our dripping jackets, we sat in an almost empty pub eating some excellent sandwiches.  We returned to Chichester Marina having achieved our main objective and hoping for better luck next time.