Boots, Buses, Bikes and (small) Boats Cruise: 4-8 May

Published 12:31 on 18 May 2026

After several weeks of sunny and at times very windy weather the forecast for the first week of May was wet with light and variable winds, but that did not deter 13 boats from congregating in Yarmouth Harbour at the beginning of the cruise. For most this was their first cruise of the season and for a number their first sail, so a shakedown cruise, and everyone was raring to go. Many had sailed at least part of the way to Yarmouth, though at times it was a bit of a drift with the current.

Monday evening remained dry allowing everyone to catch up at the pontoon party actually on the pontoon.

Tuesday, the first lay day, was gloriously sunny and 14 people and 2 dogs took the bus to Alum Bay to walk across Tennyson Down into Freshwater and lunch at the Red Lion, being joined by a number of others who went there directly by bus. After the stroll along the Yar/ bus back to the Harbour, preparations were made for that evenings Roving Supper, kindly arranged by John and Jane Gosnell. A fun evening of good food and good company was had by all.

Wednesday morning saw everyone decamp to Universal Marina on the Hamble. It was a great beat across the Solent and up Southampton Water. A leisurely afternoon was followed by a group meal at the Old Ship in Swanwick, where we were well looked after.

On Thursday, the second lay day, we said goodbye to 3 boats who unfortunately had to return to Chichester. The rest variously relaxed over coffee at the Mermaid Café or spent the morning tinkering with their dinghies and outboards ready for the dinghy safari further up the Hamble. Needless to say, the clouds came over as 7 small boats and 6 walkers made their way to the Hamble Country Park. To keep warm a game of Molkky (a bit like skittles but using a wooden stick instead of a ball) was held followed by tea and cake. On the way back a few of the boaters and the walkers stopped for refreshments at the Jolly Sailor of Howards Way fame before returning in sunshine to eat on board.

The return to Chichester on Friday morning started in light drizzle but that quickly stopped and eventually the sun also returned. A steady easterly 3/4 meant a beat all the way to the harbour but a great sail to end great week.

Thank you to the crews of April Folly, Arcadia, Blaze Away, Coco, First Light, Good Day Sunshine, Quintette, Rascallion, Ruby, Seabird, Ursa Minor and Yalla for your company.

Robert Spencer and Carole Middleton, Raven