To Bosham, or not to Bosham, that is the question!
Published 09:27 on 26 May 2026
The forecast suggested that our planned dinghy cruise to Bosham on 16 May might offer a little more challenge than some of our earlier outings. And so it proved.
With a strong south-westerly blowing up the harbour, the fleet set off in good spirits but quickly found that progress towards Bosham required some serious effort. The wind direction meant that crews had to work hard for every bit of distance covered, with plenty of tacking, trimming and concentration needed just to keep things moving in the right direction.
After around an hour or so of fairly determined toil, Greg, helming the safety boat, made a very sensible call. Rather than continuing to push on towards Bosham, the decision was made to make land at Itchenor Sailing Club instead. As alternative destinations go, it was a very good one.
Once ashore, the usual and very important business of dinghy cruising took place: lunch, refreshments, and the swapping of sailing stories. These pauses are always part of the pleasure of cruising: a chance to regroup, compare notes, exaggerate only slightly, and enjoy the fact that we had got somewhere under sail, even if not quite the somewhere originally intended.
Once ashore, the usual and very important business of dinghy cruising took place: lunch, refreshments, and the swapping of sailing stories. These pauses are always part of the pleasure of cruising: a chance to regroup, compare notes, exaggerate only slightly, and enjoy the fact that we had got somewhere under sail, even if not quite the somewhere originally intended.
After lunch, the fleet re-rigged on the pontoon and turned for home. The wind was still coming from the same direction, but this time it was very much in our favour. With the added excitement of wind over the falling tide, the return passage was considerably quicker, livelier and more exhilarating than the outward leg. What had been hard-earned progress on the way out became a fast and exciting sail home.
So, while Bosham may have to wait for another day, this was still a great cruise: varied conditions, proper challenge, a few thrills, and an excellent alternative destination. It was exactly the kind of outing that reminds us why dinghy cruising is such a rewarding part of club life; not always predictable, but almost always memorable.
Many thanks to all members of the fleet: Martin, Fabienne, Guy, Peter and Carl, and of course to Greg and Paul in the safety boat, whose support and judgement helped make the day both safe and enjoyable.
A great time, a good adventure, and a very satisfying sail.
