Cowes YH Cruise: 5-7 June

Published 09:36 on 8 Jun 2026

The cruise was forecast to have variable weather, and so on Friday 5th we set off in the morning sunshine and a F4/5 South Westerly against a neap tide to Cowes. By 5.30pm all three boats were in the Yacht Haven, one having sailed all the way from West Pole, well done Cedric and Lewis of Selene IV.  We had a very sociable pontoon party on Moody Blues cabin which drained a few bottles. Saturday was forecast to be very unreliable, with F6-8 winds and rain, so the participants of Cowes Regatta had their racing cancelled. Our plan had always been to use the day to visit Osborne House, home of Queen Victoria and we all did just that, travelling by public transport - chain ferry and bus to the House. We were lucky in that we planned this on a day of such bad weather as at 2pm the house was closed to visitors in case of tree damage in the grounds.

In the evening we dined at the Royal Ocean Racing Club, which is very smart, having been refurbished a few years ago. We had a very good meal with fine views over the Solent beyond the RYS.  In the morning we had a fine sail back in a south westerly F3-4.

The cruise went well in every respect, and the crews of Selene IV, Quintette and Moody Blue enjoyed convivial company throughout the whole weekend. Thanks to all for coming!

Richard & Chris, Moody Blue