Yarmouth Day Cruise with lunch at the Red Lion Pub in Freshwater Village
The weather was looking decidedly iffy as gusts of F7 to 8 were being predicted. However, the storm clouds passed early Tuesday morning leaving a clear blue sky for our ‘ruffy-tuffy’ sailors. However, a decidedly cool wind blew from the North West F3, which pushed 9 yachts and 1 motor boat towards Yarmouth in bright sunny conditions. One hardy soul was seen to sail down to Sconce Buoy, turn, and then ‘goose-wing’ back to Yarmouth.
Boats arrived in Yarmouth around 11 am to pre-booked berths. We gathered at 11.15 in the Harbour Masters Office and walked, as a group, to Freshwater Village via the old Railway track that runs along the eastern side of the River Yar.
(For some this was a new experience and much enjoyed).
45 members and friends enjoyed lunch at the Red Lion, Freshwater, some complained they had too much to eat! Others, thought it ‘out classed’ the New Inn at Shalfleet,
(our usual stop for the first event of the year). In the bar, a good voice was heard singing ‘happy birthday’ to Bob Woolley who was ‘Cabin Boy’ for the day on Trilogy, with Neil Morris.
Winter showers arrived shortly after 13.30 so some opted for the bus back to Yarmouth Harbour which ran every 30 minutes. All boats left in the rain to arrive circa 16.00 hours at Lymington.
Conclusion: All appeared to enjoy the sail and ‘stomp’ to Freshwater, and lunch – the event should be considered for next year and/or perhaps a summer trip - an informal cruise/race from Hampstead Ledge to Sconce Buoy and into Yarmouth?
Derek Barnard
Event Organiser, Cruising sub Committee