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HOG
Spring Rally
Ginns
Farm, Beaulieu - April, 2003
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“There
are warning of gales in shipping area Wight, imminent, issued at
1245 today, Saturday 19th April 2003”
A quarter of an hour
later the Challenge fleet of 60ft yachts set off through the
Solent for the start of the ‘Round Britain’ Race and the
gathering of yachts commenced for Henley Offshore Group’s Easter
Rally at the Beaulieu River.
A subsequent race report
quoted: “the weather that greeted everyone for the start was a
shock to the system. The sky was overcast, the winds had
intensified to around 30 knots, moved around to the north-east and
temperatures had plummeted - Off Cowes, the yachts and the
spectator fleet were greeted to almost gale force conditions -
many of other races in the Solent had already been cancelled as a
result of the rough conditions.” |
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Great
Escape (a Jeanneau) set off from Yarmouth at 1000hrs in 20-25
knots of “breeze” (to quote Ellen), fully reefed, to sail to
the rally. Making solid progress and enjoying an adventurous sail boat
speeds of 6 knots + recorded beating to the destination.
In the approach to the Beaulieu River around 1240 hrs the
wind speed steadily increased from 28knots, to 30 knots, 32 knots,
then made the jump to a constant 35 knots, as Great Escape turned
to the entrance of the river, just as the gale warning was
issued…….and the round Britain race yachts were flying
spinnakers! Yacht
Halley was just ten minutes behind heading for the river and
recorded a 47 knot “apparent” gust.
An interesting effect:
Yacht
Bethulie, fully reefed and heading out for rough weather sea trials
with Peter & Kathy onboard, crossed at the entrance, exchanging
the relative calm for rough waters and gale, returning shortly
afterwards after a few tacks. Parties
from yachts Hecuba (a Benetteau) and Bethulie (a Rossiter Curlew)
later converged on the Royal Southampton Yacht Club for dinner, a
few having sailed there, the rest by dinghy, foot & car.
All enjoyed a hearty and warming three-course dinner with
fine views across the river entrance over to Cowes and beyond, all
crews mixing at the table to exchange anecdotes and experiences of
the adventure. Compliments to
the organiser and regards to all participants, I look forward to
joining all at the autumn rally on 20 September 2003. Author: Mike,
April, 2003 Photo: Kathy Mansfied
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