Dinghy Cruise to Bosham Saturday 10th May 2025

A beautiful sunny day, a good stiff breeze and the objective of refreshments at Bosham were the conditions facing the Dinghy Cruiser fleet on Saturday 10th May.

2 boats and 5 sailors this time, plus the doughty safety boat crew that is always so welcome on our cruises! Ronan's Wayfarer & Matt's GP14 were rigged and ready to depart at 9.40am. The aim, to make it to Bosham before high tide, take on board victuals and return to DQ.

The helms and crews varied in experience, and logged hours, but it is this opportunity to mix that is so special. The chance to learn and share is so valuable, and makes each cruise different. Sailing with variety of people in a variety of boats always presents a range of opportunities; learning new skills, picking up hints and tips about how to sail in different conditions. Furthermore, while not explicitly competitive, arrival first at any location, can lead to a sense of accomplishment!

The wind, from the East, was blowing at somewhere around 15 knots; a speed which lends a little more spice to your sailing experience in a dinghy. But it made for a lovely run down the channel to the Fairway marker and and easy turn up the Bosham Channel.

Some interesting choices had to be made in how to negotiate mooring up, but both boats were made secure and we repaired the Anchor Bleu to recharge. The patrol boat crew had had it easyso far!

After realizing that we may be left with less water at DQ as the tide ebbed, we left Bosham and returned down the channel. And then it was the turn into the Itchenor Reach where the fun started. The strong Easterly and ebb tide made for some challenging work for helms & crews as they battled back up to DQ. Eventually, reluctantly, one boat put the safety boat to work and was towed. However the other made steady, relentless progress against the elements and sailed right back into DQ! A great achievement!

So another successful Dinghy Cruise, the second of the year. The first, to Itchenor with lighter winds, was very different.

And that's what we love about cruising: having an objective, planning a passage, working with the elements and getting home safely! We would love to see more members - and friends and family - out on cruises. And whether you are a racer, or slow-pacer, novice sailor or salty sea dog, cruising will have something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you.

Next cruise: Saturday May 24th, to East Head - a fantastic day out.