CLYC Sails Again!
A Club fleet mustered at Bembridge on Tuesday 14th September. The 2021 Solent Cruise was starting.
Masterminded by Rear Commodore Peter Bingham, the tidal gate was perfect for us to tie up in good time for the BBQ ashore. It was a great get-together after a year since we last met on tidal waters. For excellence in docking the award should go to Vice Commodore Colin Simpson – the harbourmaster allocated him a berth only one foot longer than his Snow Leopard.
An early start the next morning to catch the tide again. It was a lovely day’s sailing and in strong sunshine. Colin picked up a buoy in Newtown Creek for a leisurely lunch. The fleet berthed in Lymington for the night, and the fleet was joined by new member Mark Otto and his wife Anna in their yacht and a fine supper was had in the Mossiman-catered Royal Lymington Yacht Club.
The next day’s sailing ended in the Royal Yacht Squadron Harbour, and then the Commodore’s Dinner. We dined in the splendid Members’ Room, and our Admiral, Commodore Tony Morrow, entertained us with some memories of the late Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. It was especially affecting as we were looking out over the waters Prince Philip often sailed in, and at the RYS where he was Admiral for many years. Indeed, his portrait looked down on us.
The next morning the fleet dispersed. Six boats had taken part, with shore-based participants joining in the evenings as well. All are looking forward to next year!