Cowes Yacht Haven Rally 19/20th April 2022
Our first rally of 2022 was led by Esmond Pope and took us to Cowes Yacht Haven in West Cowes.
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Firebird heading out of Chichester Harbour

 
Jacob Faithful, Fairwind, Firebird and Windchat left Chichester in a light NW wind.
 
We all managed to sail beyond Portsmouth when the wind dropped and some needed engine assistance. The sky also darkened but luckily we only had a few drops of rain.
By 4pm we had all arrived and were safely berthed in the south basin where we were entertained by young sailors climbing up the rigging of TS Royalist to tend to the sails.
After drinks on Jacob Faithful we made our way to the Island Sailing Club for a very enjoyable meal in excellent surroundings with fine views over the Solent.
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TS Royalist

Leaving Cowes for the return trip brought brighter weather but of course, the wind had veered to the NE. We enjoyed a good sail to beyond the Forts, the wind was then on the nose and had freshened which made things more trying and the entrance to Chichester was a little boisterous. It was indeed a good ‘shake down’ sail on the way back! Esmond Pope – Jacob Faithful.
 
Our next rally is to Beaulieu on Tuesday 3 May, followed by Bembridge on Saturday 14 May. The Spring Cruise (one week) sets off on Tuesday 19 May and there is an informal rally to Newtown River on Tuesday May 31.
The full cruising programme is available on the website where you can sign up for a Rally. Do come and join us, you will be most welcome.