Dell Quay Sailing Club
Folly Rally Report 7 September 2021
Six boats made it to Folly Reach on the River Media, Isle of Wight on the 7th September 2021. Fairwind, with Sue and Barrie on board, were the first to arrive with Martin on Frith of Dell Quay. Parity (Dick & Richard) joined them shortly afterwards, followed by Mandalay (Sarah & Martin), Jacob Faithful (Esmond & Paul) and finally Firebird (Tim). The weather was exceptionally good with warm sunshine and a clear blue sky. With the wind in the East, most of us had a broad reach and later, a dead run to Cowes and the engine was required on the last leg from Horse Sand Fort to the small boat channel into Cowes.
However, Firebird did find some wind and made a fine picture sailing out from West Pole.
The Folly berthing team were there to greet us and provide mooring instructions and all boats were able to tie-up together on the mid river pontoon opposite the Folly Inn pub.
Dinner was enjoyed al-fresco in the recently refurbished seating area on the north side of the pub, where we all enjoyed an excellent meal with good service.
Three boats decided to make the most of the outing and sailed the following morning to Portsmouth Harbour. Gosport marina was full, as was Hasler, so we all eventually got into Port Solent. However, the wind was quite brisk (gusting 22+kts) and still easterly. With wind over a Spring tide the sea state was quite challenging. Jacob Faithful and Parity beat across the Solent to the Hampshire shore where the sea was a little calmer, but Firebird struggled in rough seas on the island side until eventually making it across to Gillkicker Point and on into the harbour. Despite a passing thunder storm just before dinner, we all enjoyed a meal at the Harvester pub.
The following day, the wind had eased to a Force 3-4 from the south. The sail back was perfect with a calm sea and strange visibility, which was clear up to about 50 feet and ten tenths cloud above. Parity tacked out towards the shipping channel and saw the (infamous) EverGiven pass by, having been released from the Suez canal. Gosh it’s big!
The Folly Inn is back to its former high standard after the recent lockdowns and well worth a visit.
Dick Hoare (Parity)
