Duver Dash – Bembridge 29th May – 31st May
Saturday 29th May – Onwards to Bembridge
This was a sailing trip under slightly false pretences! The aim was to take part in the Duver Dash 5km charity race at Bembridge over the Bank Holiday weekend. There was a danger that this was a trip too many for Gillian who had laid out some guidance on days at sea now that I am retired – once per month – by exception the odd outing at a weekend. To lessen the workload, Phill McGowan or to be more formal Dr Phill Mcgowan of Portsmouth University – joined us as unpaid deck hand. A very experienced sailor who enjoys sailing single handed in totally unsuitable weather in a sailing boat you could fit in your bath. Okay – it is a bit larger than this – but nevertheless an intrepid adventurer. We left in great good weather from Hamble for the 15nm trip to Bembridge. This harbour has a tricky entrance which we could only get into around high water +/- 2hrs given our 2m draft. We did manage to sail most of the way but past the forts in the Solent we did have to revert to engine.
You can see two of the pictures above how low the water gets in the harbour itself – at least 3-4 times a season someone gets it wrong and is left stranded high and dry in the entrance. We have all nearly been there so there is always lots of help to get them afloat or at least safe till the next tide comes in.
Saturday evening was a BBQ on the Cobb after entertaining Maggie and Pat who were there on their Contessa 32 for a rally. The evening did start out with the intent of not drinking – race preparation!!! However it is rude not be to be social – so another resolution broken.
Sunday 30th May – Diver Dash from the Boat
Sunday morning was another lovely day – we have had so few of them this year that each one is of note! This was the first public race since the 1st lockdown all that time ago in March 2020. Around 100 runners – no-one taking it too seriously. After a haul up through the holiday park at Bembridge/St Helens, it was then relatively flat and then a downhill sprint. It was so nice to be feel that a little bit of normality was beginning to return.
The afternoon we took a water taxi across the beach and a walk up into town. The queue for a table at the pub was too long – so feeling youthful after taking part in a run – it was off to the Co-Op for a carry out. Wine, beer, nuts, olives and cans of G&T in non environmentally friendly carrier bags to the beach. Sitting enjoying the sun and people watching on a glorious day.
Monday 31st May – Hasten to Hamble
Monday morning we all walked along the sands towards Seaview – see video at top of blog. For those that have not been to Bembridge on the IoW when the sea is out it has lovely flat sands and rock pools which the children were clearly enjoying.
An afternoon sail back to the Hamble in light winds. We took lunch on the move, arriving at top of tide bottom of tide at Mercury Marina. After packing up the boat we delayed our departure to have a celebration glass of wine in the Gaff Rigger. A tiring but great weekend.
Purrfect Tale 