Return Match with Royal Lymington YC

Report on our return match with Royal Lymington YC

What a glorious day for a sail! Except for the north wind which really made trying to take 25 scows down Stivers just too much of a risk, particularly as we cannot get in with support boats if there is any problem.

So in wonderful sunshine 11 boats set sail from Keyhaven (9 scows, a Cornish cormorant and a Lymington pram). Down Hawkers, past Sammy the seal who was obviously not impressed and yawned widely as Richard took his photo.

The fleet then sailed up the Solent in fine style to meet the 16 scows from Lymington.

Having met up, Liz took the lead and bought them down the river, while Matt took most of our group back down Hawkers so that they could be clear and boats away when the main fleet arrived.

It was a bit of a juggle to get 16 scows and two ribs moored up for lunch but thanks to 'boatman' Richard ferrying those who had rafted up on our ribs and lots of willing hands helping on the pontoon, everything was sorted without incident.

The bar and catering staff really did us proud and a HUGE vote of thanks to Graeme, Alison, and the rest of the team, as they not only had to deal with the 55 of us but they also had a wake to cater for. Really we are so lucky with the team we have - we should be more grateful. Thanks also to all those KYC members who not only held back till all our visitors were fed, but also helped tremendously with the serving and clearing up. I for one salute you. And thank you to my better half for photos and ferrying.

There were one or two sailing incidents, but they were minor and I gather we should all be taking lessons from Paula in how to do synchronised scow sailing. Special mention should also go to Kate - it was her first solo .

Amazingly we got them all off their various moorings and on their way in good time and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Thank you all so much for your help and support.