Around Hayling Island on one tide Dinghy event 10 August - Article, photos & video

Published 13:50 on 15 Aug 2024

Check out the VIDEO Round the Island on One Tide on Relive HERE by Stewart Johnson

Woo Hoo! Finally, the weather gods were looking favourably on us and we managed to get around Hayling on one tide! (Just!) The weather was a tad on the windy side but 7 dinghies braved the conditions and ventured out through the blocks under the expert eye of Ian, Michelle and Katie in the new rib.

Unfortunately, Andy and Tim had to head back to base due to a rigging issue, but the rest of the us pressed on to the first check point of the mulberry harbour. Ian and co went ahead to make sure the conditions in the Solent were manageable and came back with big grins on their faces obviously a tough job, but someone had to do it eh?!
The sun came out fully as we exited Langstone Harbour and took on the bigger swells. Spinnakers now flying as we passed by the bottom of Hayling Island and most boats managing to avoid the rollers going over the sand bar back into Chichester Harbour. A slightly more thrilling ride for those that didn't! With the wind now calming it was a more relaxed sail back towards home. Ian starting to look a little worried about water levels, Jane needing binoculars to see her buddy boat and Nick probably needing a stiff drink after hours in the boat listening to me gabble on!
Our voyage drawing to a close as we landed back on terra firma, the sun now low on the horizon, played in by the sounds of a live band at the Ship Inn. A great adventure had by all.
With big thanks to Jane for organising and Ian, Michelle and Katie for safety boat cover.

write up by Lindsay Tidy.

Photos by Michelle Rossiter and Stewart Johnson