DQSC Cruiser Centenary Rally 12 to 17 May 2025
Published 16:29 on 27 May 2025
DQSC Cruiser Centenary Rally - 12 to 17 May 2025 Leaders Report.
We had Fun, Sun oooohhh and we sailed a bit as well.
A little bit of background the idea for this rally was, to achieve in the DQSC's centenary year a cruise of over 100 miles during the week of Monday 12 May to Sat 17 May (5 nights).
At the planning stages for this rally it looked as though we have some 15 boats (Moody Moon, Niobe, Mon Amie, Nikita, Chiara, Mandalay, Fairwind of Dell Quay, Lady P with Jevon, Hobo and Roussillon joining for part of the rally and unfortunately Solent Clipper Firebird (however, Tim Applewhite crewed for Niobe), Snoopy and Meraki had to cancel before the start).
Monday 12 May
Departing Dell Quay or other home ports (Moody Moon from Hayling Island SC) with the first planned visit to Yarmouth - an interesting passage with no wind to start but plenty of sunshine. As we progressed towards Cowes the breeze filled in to a F3 and we were able to sail running down wind, some of us were goose winged for a while. The wind gods thought had other ideas and backed the winds direction so that we were now beating down the Solent in a F4/5 with boats starting to put a reef in before getting to Yarmouth. That's not to say there weren't interesting sight to see on the way.
Passing trade a mile from Yarmouth.
Sail Training Ship Morgenster from the Netherlands (originally a Herring Lugger) enroute to Fowey isn't it interesting what you can glean from AIS
A free evening in Yarmouth for crews to mingle and find their own dinners.
Tuesday 13 May
With a civilised start time of around 1100 crews to 9 boats enjoyed breakfast before departing for Poole Town Quay Marina in brilliant sunshine and light winds. Some boat headed through the inshore passage of Hurst Castle while others continued out through the Needles Channel with a forecast SE F2-3 to gently blow us towards Poole.
The breeze didn't do much for those who wanted a sparkling sail however, as the afternoon passed a sea breeze set in and we were able to get some sailing in. When we were all alongside there was a lot of visiting each others boats with lots of banter and chatter with Sarah, who mentioned Pimm's as a idea. Then to cap the entertainment Poole Town Quay came alive to the sound of motor bikes large and small for the monthly charity meet and ride.
Wednesday 14 May
A free day in Poole for crews to explore and relax. Mandalay decided to offer "six penny sick" rides to Bill and Tim and went up to Wareham over the lunch time tide - a lovely trip up the River Frome through the reed beds for tea and ice creams. Rally leaded Piers, told himself off for forgetting the Gin Pennant.
Sarah's Pimms idea came to fruition on Moody Moon when all crews repaired aboard for a celebratory drink and nibbles (my thanks to Chris and Paula for doing the Pimm's and nibbles).
Bill, Piers, Martin
Tony and Ben
Graham Morris having left Pip the dog to guard Lady P.
The gangs all here
Departing from Moody Moon we all went to the Kings Head for a very tasty meal.
Thursday 15 May
Niobe underway
Departing from Poole at around 0800, unfortunately Nikita and Lady P had to go directly back to Dell Quay while the rest of us continued to Lymington Town Quay.
A quite start to the trip but ended with some lovely sailing in a NNE F3, as can be seen from Fair Wind of Dell Quay.
All boats took pictures and some posted on the Cruiser WhatsApp page. On seeing the picture of Fairwind of Dell Quay (Sue and Barrie Pearson) on WhatsApp Nick Pearson responded "Lovely photo. Strange to think I was weeks old when I first (I would say 'stepped on board' but I couldn't walk at that point in my life so please insert what ever you would say if one was a baby) got passed onboard."
Mark Moranne on Mon Amie while coming up the channel with an Isle of Wight ferry behind slipped while in the cockpit and caught the engine control so hard that it became detached from the governor on the engine and reduced the engine to tick over - ferry now sounding 6 short blast (get out of my way) was shown by hand signals the problem and Mark limped to an adjacent pontoon to conduct a running repair over the top of a hot engine.
Hobo joined us. Moody Moon hosted Mark Moranne for dinner roasted Guinee Fowl washed down with a little wine.
Friday 16 May
Departing Lymington around 0900 and heading for Bembridge some great sailing was had as the winds held up NE 3-4. Hobo departed back to her home port and Jevon joined us for the evening.
During the evening, we all went to the Brading Haven Yacht Club for a very enjoyable meal while listening to a live music act.
DQSC Commodore Mark Moranne presented a DQSC Centenary burgee to BHYC Commodore.
Saturday 17 May.
Boats departed Bembridge as soon as there was sufficient water over the bar for a beat back, Wind NE 3-4, back to Chichester Harbour and home ports.
Mark Moranne in Mon Amie passing East Head seen from Nick Pearsons boat.
Overall, it was a great weeks cruising and rallying and really good to see so many boats attending along with some who were not regular ralliers. Personally, I think the longer format rally worked very well as it enabled us to go out of the Solent in company and also provided opportunities to put planning into effect and learn or re learn some lessons.
The major question though is did we achieve the aim of 100 miles for the centenary Rally. YES 112nm Dell Quay to Dell Quay via Yarmouth, Poole, Lymington and Bembridge and we could add Poole to Wareham which would another 14 nm round trip.
A rousing and successful rally my thanks to all who participated. Hopefully this tale of daring and socialising will encourage you to try going on a rally.
Piers Chamberlain
Rally Leader
Moody Moon
