Medina River Rally Tuesday 12 - Wednesday 13 August 2025

Published 12:20 on 20 Aug 2025 by Sue PEARSON

The weather gods were smiling down on the intrepid Dell Quay Cruisers again for the hop over to East Cowes and the welcoming Marina.

A high tide at Chichester Bar at around 14:30 let us have a gentle start for the day and Plover was off by about 12:00, heavily laden with 3 large chaps. We picked up Liz and Rob on Altair as we passed Birdham and other boats joined as we headed out.

Once in the Solent we all headed off on our own courses trying to get the best of the light wind that stayed with us all the way until it faded about 1 mile from Cowes.

It was one of those lovely peaceful sails with no panics just enjoying the view and weather. On Plover there was the ongoing discussion the between three alpha males about which course is best. Further underpinned with my crew Simon, repeating his mantra of red right return !!! just to cause confusion.

Like most we motored the last mile or two into the marina and we were welcomed by the crews of Meraki and Altair with Jacob Faithful and Lady Gina following on.

My two crew, headed off to the Duke of York in Cowes with very reasonable room rates of £70 inc breakfast.

We had a really enjoyable evening at the Lifeboat. The service and food was generally good however, 4 of us had steaks which were dreadful. I had a chat with the manageress and she apologised profusely, stating that they had just changed their butcher. I’m really pleased to say that she did not charge us for them. So happy to recommend the Lifeboat and the staff as a good option.

The return trip back on Wednesday was very uneventful with most of us off by 9 ish, to catch the tide and a windless motor back to Chichester.

Mike Baldwin
Rally leader aboard Plover.