Round the Island Rally Wednesday 17- Friday 19 June 2026
Published 14:05 on 26 Jun 2026 by Sue PEARSON
Gale force Winds Heavy seas – Russian Convoys Shots Fired
It sounds like a scene from the Atlantic convoys during WW2 but no, just a reflection on this years Dell Quay Round the Island sail.
The Rally started from Beaulieu where Sue had treated us to a lovely BBQ evening. After saying goodbye to the other boats heading home, we started our journey to Yarmouth fully reefed down. Like the day before we faced winds of up to 25k. As usual on our last tack across we dropped the sails and the tide took the boats Fairwind, Niobe, Jacob Faithful and Roussillon quickly to the entrance.
In the evening we had a lovely meal at the Royal Solent which as ever provided us with a relaxing evening
As usual we discussed which route to take back. It was decided to not go around the Island but keep to inner side for a variety of reasons, expected fog, difficulty leaving our pontoon, a fried battery on our boat and a possible attack by the Russian fleet who were off the South of the Island; Andy provided an example of what might happen to us.
Sooooooo we set off heading towards Bembridge with a variety of wind speeds and a good tide, and then NOTHING everyone disappeared and no sign of the Forts which we were looking for. Thank goodness, for electronics and sound signals. We heard the ferry give Mike 5 quick blasts which I think means Hello (Lol). We began closing on Bembridge at nil visibility when gradually out of the fog appeared a chilling sight. Fortunately, it was just Mike!
We all made it into Bembridge where were greeted with the splendid sight of many Westerly boats, dressed overall and gathered to celebrate their 60th WOA anniversary.
On the last evening, we had a ferry up to BHYC where we had a lovely meal. The end of an enjoyable three-day sailing rally.
Lessons Learnt
Make sure foghorn is working and to hand
Make sure ALL reefing sheets are correctly set
Remember sound signals SPAPS (I am going to Starboard, Port, Astern, Pilot, Keep clear i.e. sxx off)
Check battery occasionally to make sure its not red hot (ours was red hot, sides had expanded, and acid and gases were leaking we left it on shore after speaking to RNLI where it took about 5 hours to cool down)
Thanks to Mike, Andy + Sue for the pictures.
Chris
