Keyhaven/Christchurch/Brownsea/Studland Rally

1st to 4th June 2002 -  Submitted by Clifford Miller

Saturday 1st June

After a good sail in a Force 3, 12 yachts gathered at Keyhaven where 31 of us met at the Keyhaven Yacht Club for a barbeque on a sunny summer evening. The anxiety factor for "first timers" entering Keyhaven was soon dispelled with help from the River Warden on where to moor (VHF 37 from the entrance) and a friendly welcome to visiting yachtsmen at the KYC where shore and bar facilities are available. Our thanks to Leslie and Betty Dry (Seal 26 Otesi) for making the arrangements with the KYC, organising the BBQ and making us so welcome.

Sunday 2nd June

In a light wind the fleet dispersed with 3 yachts going to Brownsea Island en route Studland, 5 to Christchurch and others to Poole or up the Solent. At Christchurch there were plenty of moorings available and we were made most welcome at the Sailing Club where were joined in the evening by Peter & Jenny Davis ( Seal 26 Bellatrix) and John & Jill Fennel (Seal 22 Toy Yot). Christchurch Harbour entrance (The Run) also gives some interest to first timers but with the tide graph showing 1.0metre at the entrance, we got through the Run and up across the harbour to the Sailing Club easily but both keel and rudder need to be raised before the entrance buoys.

Monday 3rd June

A pleasant sail to Studland where 11 yachts (several dressed overall for the Jubilee) and 28 of us congregated in the bay. Beach activities, a walk to the Old Harry Rocks and an ice cream were followed by"drinks on board" a raft of four anchored Seals. Thanks to Nosey Parker, Leander and Shemar for the drinks and nibbles. The evening concluded with our own "Seal Jubilee Concert" which took place on a stage in front of the palace beach hut. Singing was led by Kate with Alex on the drums with supporting cast, costumes and choreography from Vol-au-vent, Cleo and Becky J.

Tuesday 4th June

In very light winds with help from the Yanmar, home for some and Weymouth for others.

Yachts attending:

• 22 Langouste
• 26s Cleo, Elsa, Tara
• 27s Shemar, Sea-Ell
• 275s Dream, Vol-au-vent, Speedwell, Nosey Parker, Abacus
• 28 Caller Ou
• 850 Leander and McGregor
• 26 Becky J.

 

Clifford Miller 9th June 2002