The forecast promised “cloudy with sunny intervals”. We got rather more cloud than sun for our End of Season Rally to Cowes but that didn't dampen anyone's spirits. Four motoryachts arrived ahead of the fleet on Thursday - Blitz, Ayesha, Riptide & Merlin - and the bright lights of Cowes kept crews amused before the rally started.

By Friday, the harbour was busy with arrivals. Sixteen more yachts, sail and motor alike, mustered smartly in the South Basin of Cowes Yacht Haven. Before long, our pontoons were humming with greetings and lines being tossed ashore, with mooring up being ably assisted by the helpful marina staff.

Most crews arrived in good time to join our private guided tour of the Sir Max Aitken Museum. Our numbers swelled to 19 members but the 2 guides coped admirably and their enthusiasm for the museum shone through as they explained the history and artifacts of this hidden gem on Cowes High Street.

Once an 18th-century sail loft, the museum is packed with maritime treasures and was restored by Sir Max in 1947to display his personal collection of historic and nautical artefacts. Spanning the entire length of the museum is the 51ft gaff from the racing yacht Britannia, sailed by royalty between 1893 and 1936. There are artefacts relating to Nelson, many fine paintings and several models of yachts, junks, clippers and yawls. There are various navigational instruments and other items of nautical memorabilia. Sir Max entertained dignitaries and sailors alike here under its oak beams —a more atmospheric dining room could scarcely be imagined.

Shortly afterwards, we all assembled for sundowner drinks on the Veranda at Cowes Yacht Haven, a great chance to catch up with old and new friends. Some 29 of us then gathered at Murray’s Seafood Restaurant in the High Street, where we had booked the back room for our private use. This family-run restaurant served us well with a wide choice on their 2 or 3-course set dinner. The delicious fish soup was particularly popular as was the great choice of fish and seafood, all washed down with several bottles of wine.

On Saturday we had our customary tender rally to the Folly for lunch. Although overcast skies deterred some skippers, four tenders loaded up with passengers and 13 of us braved wind over tide to make the trip down-river to the pub. Full marks to King Hi whose small dinghy carried 4 adults, a small child and a large dog — proof indeed that where there’s a will, there’s buoyancy!

Three more yachts arrived on Saturday to join the fun. Some crews cheered England’s Red Roses to Women’s Rugby World Cup victory, some roamed the High Street or strolled the seafront, while the rest enjoyed the timeless pastime of yacht-hopping with a glass in hand.

Our grand finale came on Saturday night with a club dinner at the Island Sailing Club. As always, the ISC made us very welcome and we all enjoyed an excellent dinner, great company and plenty of wine. Commodore Gail gave a closing speech to end this season’s rally programme, thanking everyone and looking forward to the winter social programme and the rallies to come next year.

Sunday dawned with rain sweeping across the Solent. Most yachts had to brave the elements and return home, although four yachts stayed an extra night and returned on Monday in glorious sunshine.

A hearty thank you from Howard and Nikki on Riptide to the twenty other yachts that joined the rally - Aeolus, Ammonite, Ayesha, Blitz, Falaise, Happy Place, Highland Lady, Jango, King Hi, Legato, Les Arks, Lucca, Merlin, Moonshine, Mouse Too, Nicknack, Paxi Moon, Reef Knot, Sea Dream & Spree. Eleven under sail and ten under power is a perfect reminder of the inclusive spirit of our club. It was great to get-together and a good time was had by all.

PSYC Hamble Rally (Swanick & Universal)

5th - 7th September 2025

The weather ‘gods’ were kind for the weekend given the preceding week was less than ideal for outdoor activity. The ebb tide caught one or two by surprise but generally speaking ‘parking’ went well. The bulk of the membership were accommodated at Universal Marina with a select few at Swanick. It’s about a 15-minute walk alongside the river between the two with zero lighting for those transiting after dark!

The rally kicked off with a pontoon party in the shadow of AMMONITE proudly flying the Club flag. Arrivals were timely and judging by the lateness of the hour when the last of the stalwarts departed, the serial was a success. Saturday dawned bright and clear heralding ideal conditions for the walk to the ‘Jolly Sailor’ pub of Howard’s Way fame. We set off from Universal’s ‘Mermaid Café’ – as cracking operation - and rendezvoused with the Swanick contingent en-route. One of the pub’s outside areas accommodated us all in comfort with plenty’s of refreshments and victuals to meet all needs. We wandered off independently, again in wonderful sunshine, for a lazy afternoon before fronting up at Universal’s ‘Riverside Social’ restaurant for a superb dinner.

The size of the group meant we were split between the upper mezzanine level and a select few ‘below stairs.’ It worked well. The food, staff and ambience were great with the wine and conversation flowing in equal measure.

Sunday saw a number of boats electing to leave early due to concerns about the weather and tides. This meant a VERY select band gathered at 0930 for the walk to Swanick’s Brick Museum. To say the visit exceeded expectations sums it up rather well. Bricks may not strike the reader as being the most interesting of items, however, our guide brought the subject alive and the process, beginning at the end of the 19^th century and operating until the late ‘70’s was fascinating. Altogether a very worthwhile and well hosted visit. We were back onboard for about 1230 with all boats underway just after 1300. The trip back was unemotional with plenty to see along the way with the Sunday sailing activities in platforms to suit all tastes.

We had a maximum of 15 boats and judging by the smiles and warm words, a good time was had by all!

Bembridge Bank Holiday Rally Report

22nd - 26th August - Deep Blu