North and South of Cats Cruiser Rally - 23rd-24th April 2022

A total of 10 boats, three of which were from KYC turned up at this event. The KYC boats were Lady J, Blue Kaloo and Teal.

Lady J's weekend started particularly well on Friday night when we were very grateful to be allowed to use LTSC's pontoon for £5. We did spend a bit more than that in LTSCs bar and sang our hearts for in support of Ukraine!

On Saturday it was gusting up to 28kn and everybody opted to take the northerly route rather than bash round St. Cats with wind against tide. All reported having a blistering sail down the Solent with strong winds and brilliant blue skies.

As most of the boats were of similar length, most of us arrived at Haslar Marina at the same time. Some pandemonium ensued with boats circling and going backwards and forwards up channels looking for their allocated berths.

Once we were all safely tied up much cockpit socialising was undertaken. We then, all 25 or so of us, trouped to our pontoon party. The venue for this was 'in the lee of the facilities block' very salubrious! We got moved on by the marina staff for a) embarrassing people in the showers and b) sinking the pontoon. This is certainly an achievement for a group of highly respectable and mature yachties.

Next most of us invaded the The New Bengal for a sumptuous banquet and Kingfisher beer.

After a leisurely breakfast, more socialising and planning for our summer cruise we set off for home. This time, lots of breeze at the perfect angle, full sunshine, blue sky and more champagne sailing. Lady J almost beat her personal best boat speed.

Many thanks to Neil Dunnet from LTSC for organising a really great rally weekend.

Neil Peacock

Last updated 10:01 on 30 April 2024