Spree took a mooring on Dan Bran pontoon on Thursday 22 May, as part of the preparations. It was clear that the weather was deteriorating after the wonderful weather in early May, but fortunately the worst held off until Monday.
The majority of the 16 boats arrived on Friday, but Riptide was delayed until Saturday and No Faffing had to withdraw.
Rafting on Dan Bran was only two abreast, and shorelines were rigged due to increasing wind.
Most of the crews attended the welcome drinks and nibbles on the Green, including Warren and Judy who were leaving Pleasure in the Marina whilst they flew back to the States for a few days.
On Saturday eight people enjoyed a guided walk around Lymington, and one (moi) enjoyed the organ recital. We had lunch in the Mayflower pub, where Jenefer and Charles Bugge came in for a drink having curtailed their beat to windward on the way to the Scillies. Quiz sheets were handed out.
The evening meal at the Lymington Town Sailing Club was a success despite a completely revised menu at short notice. A whip-round was held for the friendly and helpful staff. The quiz sheets were marked and the resulting tie was resolved by a supplementary question. The prize of a bottle of Prosecco went to Aeolus.
On Sunday morning eight of us, and Marian, walked across the bridge over the river and along to the golf club where we had coffee. This was followed by a game of Crazy Golf which caused much hilarity, with Nikki, Sue and Dave actually scoring a hole in one! We then crossed over the road to McDonald Elmers Spa Hotel for a pleasant lunch. During lunch we compared scores for the golf and Sue Leaman won the prize, another bottle of Prosecco which had become rather warm and too shaken up to think about opening! Would probably have been OK after a couple of hours in a bucket of seawater.
Sadly Monday morning brought a significantly worsening weather forecast and it was decided that sailing home would be a good move, which proved to be correct. In the event Bramblemet showed 45 knots. By Monday evening all boats were safely on their moorings, escaping Tuesday’s truly foul weather.
Have fun and stay safe
Each skipper is responsible for the safety of their own boat and crew