Coordinators: Sheena and Martin Boyce

As the rally approached Autumn made an appearance and a changeable weather forecast became the norm.  Gale force winds midweek delayed a small advance party who had initially hoped to convene en-route to Lymington in the River Beaulieu.

By Friday lunchtime, six boats had berthed at the Dan Bran pontoon and enjoyed an afternoon at leisure.  Whilst the crews of Halyards, Moon Shadow, Magic Mood and White Whisper joined Imogen for a walk to the Dancing Cows Distillery and Brewery, to enjoy a tour and tasting event, the crew of Second Affaire opted to attend the Solent Music Festival.

Moidart arrived from Poole Friday evening and the majority of the other boats (Svecia, Scirocco, Aquaholic, Solar Eclipse and Paddington IV) arrived, in sunshine, with the help of the ebb tide.  Ocean Strider, Ossian and Sebby timed their arrivals to coincide with the heaviest downpour we encountered during the rally and we were joined, during the weekend by the crews of Hourglass and Diatom who berth in Lymington.  A lighthearted quiz comprising “birders questions” and “brainteasers” was handed out to crews on arrival and there was plenty of time to enjoy a walk around Lymington with many of the earlier arrivals taking time to check out what the Lymington market had to offer.

With the temperature expected to fall as the day went on we enjoyed homemade cake and hot drinks on the pontoon before taking time out ahead of dinner.  Rob and Sue Brown (Second Affaire) scored highly in the quiz and were awarded a bottle of prosecco during the “cake party”.

We all enjoyed our Saturday evening meal at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club – the team looked after us very well and there was plenty of time to catch up with old friends and make some new friends.

Sunday saw some boats leaving as early as 5am to catch the last of early morning easterly flow.  The majority of boats opted for a more leisurely start to the day – a choice that allowed extra time to socialise and enjoy even more cake – on this occasion birthday cake!

Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the weekend such fun.

Sheena and Martin Boyce