Heathrow Airport at 5.30 in the morning is not the place most people would contemplate when launching in to a sailng experience but there we were at T5 waiting for Bill to float through the exit and we waited and we waited and we waited. Well of course Bill being an experienced traveller hadn't picked up from Joan (who we had collected from Southampton Airport the previous evening at a much more civilised hour) where he was actually staying in UK. Immigration being the way they are, they were not inclined to let this suspicious character enter the country with no fixed abode, hence the delay whilst paperwork was sorted out. All was well and home we went to enjoy a couple of happy days with the Thomas's before embarking for our Corinthian Cruise on Friday.

The four of us were joined on Storm Petrel in Southsea by Malcolm, we all settled in and then enjoyed an amusing LSC supper at the Southsea Marina Cafe with Greenwitch and Odin. Off to a good start. We were in hugging mood to greet our old mate Denise who sadly was not in uniform and not a handcuff in sight but who had arrived from the States only to find that she promptly had to set sail for the Solent. She was tired!

Saturday dawned gloomy and breezy but our procession headed off cheerfully up the Solent to arrive in good time for registration at the RSYC in Southampton. On the way we were quietly ghosting up Southampton Water minding our own business when, looking over our shoulders, we espied a steep Moody bow wave bearing down on us with clear intentions of running us down. So not to be outdone we shook ourselves out of our slumber let out some more jib and gave them a run for their money. Who should it be but a past Commodore of the Club with familiar faces aboard including old friends from America Fred and Nancy.

Sunday was a washout with us and Greenwitch cowering below decks away from the wind and rain but safely tied up at the Folly and Monday brought us to join the rest of the yachts in Yarmouth, rafted up and renewing old acquaintances.

Tuesday was little better so waving the other boats on their way we took a white knuckle bus ride to Osborne House and sailed later to Osborne Bay where we watched the seven P&O Ships parade out of the Solent to celebrate their 175th Anniversary. We had a wave and a dipped ensign from Princess Anne and docked at dusk in Gosport, satisfied with our day.

Wednesday saw us all on a lay day, with Arvika setting off for the Nab Tower only to end up shopping in Gunwharf Quays, such an intrepid crew. That set the tone for the day, walks around town and rides on ferries, and Joan’s knitting leapt ahead in the production of a colourful pair of socks for Anne. The evening arrived along with a ferry to take us to HMS Warrior for dinner, a highlight event of the Cruise. This is such an impressive venue, the ship is immaculately maintained, and she is a lesson in the innovative ideas that characterised the Victorian era.

Well, all was not gloom and rain because Thursday saw us wake up to a hint of sunshine and off we set on the Spring tide which gave our guests a wonderful view of the tide flooding in to the harbour entrance. When at full tilt the water actually appears to go up hill at Fort Blockhouse which is a spectacular sight causing great amusement to those with little experience of tidal streams. Out through the Inner Swashway, sails up in company with others and a nice broad reach across Spithead only to have the breeze die on us and engines on and away we went to the west. The weather held and afternoon filled in with a lovely Force 4 from the north west to take us to Lymington where we were among the first to arrive.

The pontoon party didn’t quite sink the Dan Bran pontoon, but there was plenty of alcohol sunk with thanks to our generous hosts Jonathan and Sarah, aided and abetted by Corky and Debbie. Family came to us for supper in the evening and we slept well with the rally now drawing to a close.

The wind had predictably turned in to the east by Friday morning with rain again the order of the day. So it was engine on yet again and we all feebly motored east in a motley procession cowering under the spray hood and looking forward to shelter. Moorings were waiting at Bucklers' Hard, we dried ourselves out as best we could and waited for the evening bus to take us to Beaulieu Motor Museum which was a splendid venue for our final dinner. Old memories were recalled (I used to have one of those!), dinner was taken, speeches of thanks made, and prize presentations brought the evening to an end.

Saturday morning saw the fond farewells that these rallies have always inspired. In addition to all the familiar faces, new yachts and members had hosted new American crew with friendships cemented and all the signs are that our Corinthian adventures will grow from strength to strength in years to come.

In addition to all the usual plaudits to our organisers for an excellent rally programme we save a special round of applause for Clint Springer who bravely attended in the knowledge that his poorly wife was in safe hands at home. We send him and his family our warmest of wishes as he heads back home across the Pond and sincerely hope to see him again very soon.

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