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The Beaulieu River rally at Timbrells Quay is always a popular event for Solent Seals and others who may be passing by at
the time. This year, as details for the 2006 programme were emerging, the Committee were reminded that it was 25 years since
Parker Yachts (led by Bill Parker) had taken over the role of Seal builder from John Baker. The Committee decided this was
something to celebrate in style. Ken Surplice took up the cudgels, ably supported by the commodore and others and a national
rally was created for the middle of June.
With a larger than normal number of boats expected, the event was moved to Bucklers
Hard. A barbeque with drinks was to be laid on at the expense of the association and Bill Parker and his wife, Janet were
to be invited as honoured guests. Sue Surplice volunteered, probably with both arms twisted behind her back, to organise
the catering. Jonathan Houston arranged the moorings and the location for the barbeque.
A week before the rally, the weather
forecast predicted guaranteed sunshine. Such a forecast is almost unprecedented and totally at odds with the two weeks of
strong westerlies a few weeks before. Such a forecast, and the prospect of a free drink, will always encourage Seals to
a rally and the few days before the event saw the numbers grow from 50 to over 100 with 30+ boats attending. Mild panic
rattled round the organisers with questions such as, ‘where do we park them all,’ and, ‘how much extra food do we need’.
Friday saw the advance party arrive with Poubelle and Ken struggling round from Calshot in the evening twilight with an
overheating engine. Sue watched from the shore to make certain all her efforts and her list of ‘things to be done’ arrived
at the Beaulieu River. Poubelle, the water taxi, was carrying much of the food and equipment and was an essential part of
the logistics.
Saturday dawned with brilliant sunshine which was to be with us all day. Shiraz arrived and moored to the
piles as directed by the harbourmaster. Not an easy task when you are the first boat. Then she was asked by the harbourmaster
to move to another set of piles! Well done to Royce for keeping his cool as the sun climbed into the sky and everybody else’s
temperature rose. Ard Righ arrived somewhat low in the water. However she was carrying one of the essentials of a good party,
the drink. We were all glad to see her safely berthed in the marina. Preparing the food and keeping it cool was going to
be a problem. Macoma was plugged in at the marina and food preparation organised in her cabin with the fridge working overtime.
Sue ‘the caterer’ had to partake in her local carnival with her children during the afternoon but thankfully she had left
detailed notes informing the helpers of what to do and when.
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More and more boats arrived as the day progressed. Poubelle
and Ken were kept going all day, helping to moor boats, ferrying people ashore, moving food and drink from the marina to
barbeque and not forgetting the tour of the fleet by the Commodore and his guests. The number and variety of boats, many
dressed overall, made a spectacular sight in the brilliant sunshine.
Almost miraculously it seemed, drinks were poured,
barbeques lit, food cooked and served. It was early evening and the sun was still intense. Tod (Seal 28 owner) and others
toiled over the charcoal cooking all sorts of delights for the assembled masses. Strawberries and cream for afters went
down well.
The Commodore raised himself up on top of a concrete mooring sinker to address his audience. He thanked all those
present for attending and especially Bill Parker. He recalled many examples of Bill’s contribution to the Seal ideology
and the development of Parker Yachts. Bill responded by thanking the Association for organising such a splendid event in
his honour. He recalled his first thoughts when he heard about the owners’ organisation. ‘A pressure group to cause me grief’
was the initial reaction but he soon came to realise it was mutual benefit relationship. He had very much enjoyed his 25
years with the Seals and especially the discussions with owners and the modifications they had suggested. Clifford then
orchestrated a 25 fog horn blast salute in Bill’s honour. Bill and Janet then cut the celebration cake created by Sally
and Carol in honour of 25 years of Parker Yachts.
Eventually the sun drifted down below the tree line and the temperature
began to drop. It had been an excellent day and all those attending seemed to enjoy themselves. Poubelle and Ken were still
hard at work into the darkness ferrying people back to their boats.
Sunday morning was sunny as promised with light winds.
It was ideal for a sail past. Peter Lowry was given the task of keeping everyone in order. Smallest and oldest first was
the order of the day. The Commodore and Bill Parker took up station on the promontory on the bend at Bucklers Hard. The
review was led off by the 22s, Baby Seal, Kekeno and Shiraz. Seal 26s and 28s followed. Then all the Parkers sailed in succession,
21s, 235s, 26s, 27s, 275s, 285s, 31s, 325s and 335s. ‘Other craft’ tucked in at the end. What a splendid sight they all
made.
Good people, good food, good wine, good venue, good yachts and unbelievably good weather. Thanks to all those who
attended and especially those who helped to make this such a memorable event in Clifford’s reign as Commodore.
Boats/People
attending are listed on the attached sheet. In summary, 35 Seal member yachts were moored at Bucklers Hard with another
9 owners coming by car which with crews gave a total of 100+ attending. This was about twice those expected and something
of a record on all counts for one of our events.
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