We invite all club members to attend our cruiser rallies whether you are a cruiser sailor, dinghy sailor, a crew member stranded ashore because your skipper has been given detention. It is, however, up to you to arrange passage with a cruiser. Alternatively you can meet us at our destination and enjoy the ensuing experiences ranging from bbq’s on a beach somewhere or an evening in a tavern or socialising on board.
Usually we have a BBQ on Hurst castle beach (Solent side) when the weather conditions permit, and a great time has been had. Anchor just off the beach. Ferry your essentials ashore and start showing off your culinary skills whilst enjoying convivial company.
Another place we usually visit is the beautiful town of Lymington which as you may well know has a delightful town quay, recently expanded to provide more walk ashore pontoon berths in favour of the awkward fore/aft pile moorings.
Just across the Solent, at the westward end and only a short sail away, Yarmouth harbour, on the Isle of Wight, now has many walk ashore finger pontoons.
Next up the coast is Cowes, another favourite for many club members. A little way up the river Medina is the Folly, an area in the river adjacent to The Folly pub, this has been a very popular rally on our agenda and is usually well attended.
Staying on the river you can travel a little further and arrive at the central Island town of Newport, the capital of our most southerly island in the UK, excluding the channel islands of course, another delightful place to visit but make sure you get the tides right.
Leaving the Island, we now sail across the Solent to Southampton water and a rally at the Warsash sailing club, a fantastic sail if you manage to get the conditions in your favour. Due to the distance and limitations of our vessels this is probably and sensibly the furthest we would sail east for a weekend rally, so now we look at nearer to home, where Christchurch offers a good weekend hideaway, assuming you have a draft that can clear the bar at the entrance.
There are rallies in the westward direction, Weymouth being the furthest and offers some nice walks, restaurants and bars.
Closer to home and a favourite of a few is Swanage, another popular spot which only offers anchorage but nevertheless a very good run ashore, close enough for hardy dinghy sailors to sail around from Poole.
Back around Old Harry Rocks, the closest of our rallies is Studland. Anchor using one of the Eco moorings off South Beach. Socialise on board or head to the shore and The Banks Arms, for food and drinks. There are also walks to be had, a gentle stroll up to the top of the cliffs giving wonderful views of the area. Or head along the beach to the National Trust cafe.