Cowes End of Season Rally Review
Following a summer of superb weather, the question was, would it hold for the EOS rally? Late September is not typically known for its warm sunny days. It did, and the opening day of the rally saw a steady stream of power and sail boats entering an already bustling Cowes Marina.
A good turnout of 26 boats, including a potential new member, arrived over the course of Friday and Saturday, all slotted into place, with minimum fuss, by the friendly and efficient berthing team at CYH.
On Friday evening, the ‘traditional’ Pontoon Drinks were held on the Verandah, accompanied by nibbles, warm finger food and a quiz sheet of 29 ‘anonymous’ photos, of ‘When we were Young or Younger’, all previously supplied by various members on the rally. Working in teams, the simple idea was to guess the identity of each person in the photographs with the winner to be announced the following evening at the ISC Dinner.
Well, as it turned out, it was not so simple! The EOS ‘Great Face Off’ Competition produced a surprising amount of ‘head scratching’, banter, and discussion which seemed to carry over to the evening’s BBQ at the Pontoon View Bar.
35 of us, in fact all the boat crews that had arrived, sat down for a splendid buffet style BBQ, accompanied by a selection of salads, freshly baked bread and dessert for those who could manage it. ( Apologies, we didn’t take any photos on the Friday night, so if you have any you would like to share, please send them over, otherwise hopefully the evening will remain in your memories , not to mention some of the photos.
On Saturday morning a good-sized group went along to the Sugar Store in Shepard’s Marina to meet Captain Jenny Smith, Deputy Harbour Master, as she explained the history and operational role of the Cowes Harbour Commission. Afterwards she shared some interesting stories and comments about some of the more extraordinary ‘boatie’ behaviour and attitudes they encounter, making for an enjoyable and informative session.
The continuing pleasant weather encouraged many to spend a relaxing Saturday afternoon on their boat, take a stroll over to see the Galleon Andalucia on Trinty Landing, or boost the economy of Cowes High Street.
It was a full house for the EOS Rally Dinner at the Island Sailing Club, and we were lucky enough to have the main dining area to ourselves.
After dinner, the results of the Great Face Off were announced, but not before the identity of each person was revealed. As each person stood up in succession, there were a few gasps, wows, ‘of course it is and good-humoured banter emanating from the audience. Congratulations to Team ‘SeaNick” ( Gail & Nick Leaver) who won the bottle of fizz.
Moving on, it appears that, this season, the latest ‘must have ’for every large houseboat, is a boat gnome. With this in mind, Paul Depper presented John Heaton and Sarah Corrigan with their very own model. I’m not sure if it has a name yet.
It was a fun, humorous, evening culminating in a special toast to Gail Leaver, our outgoing Commodore who has worked tirelessly in her role supporting PSYC during the past three years.
Thank you to Richard Taylor, our committee rally support and to everyone* who helped make the rally such fun, and here’s to next season on the water.
*Aeolus, Amelie, Ammonite, Blitz, Bright Future, Deep Blu, Happy Place, Highland Lady, Jango, Legato, Lucca, Moonshine, Mouse Two, Nick Nack, No Faffing, North Landing, Paxi Moon, Reefknot, Riptide, SeaClipse. Sea Dream, Sea Jay, Sea Monkey, Shoogly Monster, Thomas Hardy, Vigo.
John & Susan
Reefknot