Solents Cruise report

10 dinghies arrived at Seasalter's car park, Hillhead for the late Autumn Solent Cruise. The weather was fine and settled with a clear view across to the “South” Island, The inshore forecast was for a F3-4 Easterly possibly veering SE. While aiming for a 10.00 start all boats were afloat by 10.50 and headed out across Southampton water. Once clear of the shipping channel and the curiously named “precautionary area” we reached across to Gurnard without incident. Following a picnic ashore we beat up towards the Gurnard and Prince Consort buoys off Cowes. With wind against tide the chop increased. 2 large container vessels appeared in the distance, one turning in the “precautionary area” and one entering the Solent via the forts. Some of the fleet seemed determined to prove that power should give way to sail but all were safely marshalled in the shallows off Osborne Bay as the Stuttgart Express and her pilot escort steamed pass. This was followed by a pleasant sail back to Hillhead.

The runners and riders were

Photos of the day may be viewed at

http://donalroche.myjalbum.net/Solent Cruise 2007

In all a very enjoyable day on the water.

See you back next year         Donal

PS The reference to the “South” island refers

back to an annual event originally devised by that sailing genius Uffa Fox, in which the Royal Corinthian SC would challenge the “North” Island as represented by the Royal Southampton YC to a cricket match. The game is still played annually on neutral ground, the Bramble Bank, mid Solent which uncovers albeit briefly at low water springs. I think we probably sailed over their pitch on our return!