Cowes Shepards Wharf Rally Report 8th - 10th Aug

Shepards End of Cowes Week Rally 
Cruisers Meet Racers with Fireworks

PSYC assembled a great turnout eventually - despite the engine gremlins – the fleet comprised 7 sailing boats (Hai Kuo, Highland Lady, Amelie, Moonshadow, Westray, Scooby and Aeolus) and 6 power vessels (Skye Raye, Thomas Hardy, Blitz, Moon Shine, Happy Place and Deep Blu). Shepards Marina was chaos as Friday racers were returning or short staying while our fleet was assembling. Some boats were asked to move 3 times as other skippers changed their plans and the dockmasters did their best to accommodate everyone’s wishes. The chopping and changing was too much for some while others overcame mechanical challenges and Sea Air unfortunately limped back to base with more serious issues preventing Nicky and Richard from attending.

Three canine friends, two very well behaved children and an extremely well behaved grandmother expanded out contingent and seemingly a great time was had by all.

Following the customary welcome drinks and nibbles on and around Aeolus, the majority enjoyed great fare and Cowes hospitality at The Duke of York pub – very close to Shepards. Live music was everywhere (at least 10 venues across the town) and queues of party-goers were everywhere.

We were treated to a spectacular (and free) firework display at 21:30 with our boats providing superb view points. At 23:30 there was a further light show over Northwood Park – though many of us had crashed to bed by that time - but our youth contingent apparently enjoyed the second show.

16 walkers plus dogs undertook a guided walk through Cowes High Street, Victoria Parade and Sea Front, taking refreshments at the half way point. Many opted to retrace steps along the virtually flat terrain, whilst the hardy foursome took the shorter, but steeper return route via the Zig Zag path, Baring Road, Northwood House and back to the High Street and the Marina.

Finally, the climax of the rally was pre-dinner drinks on the balcony and dinner at The Island Sailing Club. We were very well looked after.

Thankfully, most of the racers were keen to return to their home ports and many left Shepards quite early on Sunday morning, leaving the way for the cruisers to make a comfortable, calm passage back to Portsmouth on the morning flood tide or onward journeys for those extending their stay.