In order to qualify as a memorable occasion the Club’s South Coast Frostbite Rally and final gathering of the year should of necessity be accompanied by at least one day of foul weather.

Saturday morning dawned troubled and overcast for the three Club boats based in Southsea Marina, clouds scurried across the sky but on the Marina Office wall there was posted better news of the weekend weather to come.

With the fridge packed and thermals at the ready the plucky flotilla set sail at hourly intervals (probably to distract the enemy) to be met outside the harbour by an interesting horizon of more cloud, a lightning flash and hail and in the midst of it all a submarine under tow entering Portsmouth Harbour. One marvelled at the speed with which the vessel had been re-floated in the Kyle of Lochalsh the previous day and shipped to Portsmouth for repairs. Although on reflection perhaps HM Navy does in fact still actually have two submarines!

With the excitement of seeing the Navy at work having barely subsided we beat westwards in to the teeth of a gusty Force 5 only to see an angry storm cloud gathering over Osborne House. The crew left for drier conditions below (or to make some soup as they said) leaving the Skipper to man the ship. He, by now, was wondering how to avoid the Fishbourne Ferry and the Sunsail Fleet whilst steering the boat and taking in a reef or two in the pouring rain without his glasses on. The storm cloud had by now arrived with a vengeance resulting in a rapid single handed reefing operation and the soup all over the cabin floor. Oh! And to cap it all the Sunsail fleet lost a few people overboard to the consternation of the Coastguard.

So much for the weather. In spite of the interesting conditions, our member yachts drifted safely in to Cowes through the afternoon to relax and recover from the fun of the sailing. After a quick cup of tea and a gossip, some crew members were seen grasping their flexible friends and high tailing it to the High Street where they raided the sales in traditional fashion.

An excellent pontoon party was hosted by Rear Commodore Ian Muspratt under the re-assuring lee of Isis of Salcombe and yarns were swopped about the days sailing. It was disappointing to hear that one boat had lost her backstay on the journey and might not be joining us for the evening.

Dinner started promptly at the delightful function room of the Royal Yacht Squadron with a quality three course meal and dancing to Axel and the Big Wheels. Everyone turned in after a most pleasurable and exciting day at sea and good company.

Sunday morning saw frost on the cabin ports, a sight only normally seen by the hardy Fast Cruisers. The sky was clear blue, the wind had gone down and everyone was ready to head for home after a tasty breakfast at the Yacht Haven dining suite. The rush for home was led by the Commodore and at least one past Commodore both with throttles wide open. After all, it's 'Strictly' on telly tonight.

The bonus of the weekend for those heading east was a wonderful beam reach home in pleasant light airs (with only a hint of engine) with just a touch of warmth from a bright autumn sun and no Sunsail yachts to be seen.

Thanks to Ian for organising a first class weekend and how especially encouraging to see not only some old friends but so many new faces and their families whose company we hope to enjoy at many future rallies.

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