Chichester Yacht Club Magazine June 2018 | Page 11

Motors’ Island Harbour Cruise 2018 - by Alec McHale
I had booked berths for six boats to
attend this cruise and arrange
seating for 15 people in a local
restaurant for Saturday night.
Everything was looking good!
One week before the cruise,
numbers had dropped, and at one
time it looked as though the cruise
leaders would be cruising on their
own!!
Thanks to the power of
communication, this improved to
three boats attending on the
Saturday, and a group of four additional
passengers! Wizard, the Rear Commodore’s
boat, still being fixed, meant that they could
only come if they found a hotel on the Island
near Island Harbour. This was achieved, so
passage was offered, at least it saved ferry
tickets!!!
Sequoia II was joined by two Solent Virgins,
Arkaid and Catzyo, for the cruise to Island
Harbour on the Saturday, with Birdsong
joining us on the Sunday. Richard volunteered
to travel with Arkaid to assist and provide
moral support.
Arkaid, being the slower boat, departed
Chichester at approximately 12:30, with
Catzyo and Sequoia II departing at
approximately 13:00. Catzyo started the cruise
with a little problem in the Marina, which was
then followed by a conversation with the
Harbour Master about speed!
Other than this all boats arrived safely at
Island Harbour on a glorious Saturday
afternoon. The Rear Commodore’s crew
departed to find their hostelry and we all meet
up in a local tavern in Newport before dinner
at Olivo’s. Great meal, and company, followed
by the sleep you only get on the boat!!!
Sunday dawned beautifully, with most of the
crews meeting up in Newport. Birdsong
arrived on Sunday afternoon, and a pontoon
party was arranged on Sequoia prior to
moving to the Breeze for dinner. The Breeze
lived up to its normal reputation, great food but
poor service. But sufficient liquid flowed to
ensure all enjoyed themselves!!!
Monday’s return was in glorious conditions,
with Catzyo getting lost and going to
Southampton, which later changed to
Portsmouth!!! These things are sent to try us!!
Everyone arrived safely having had a great
weekend.
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