REPORT & PHOTOS - POOLE HARBOUR Cruiser RALLY - 14th to 18th June
Published 01:00 on 30 Jun 2026
REPORT and PHOTOS LSC Rally to Poole Harbour
The second rally of the season saw LSC cruiser members set off down the Solent to make their way to Poole Harbour via Cowes and Lymington in near perfect sailing conditions. But it was not long into the rally before one of the members boats fouled their propeller coming to an abrupt stop. Fortunately, able crew member, Rob, was quick to dive overboard with his snorkel and free off the heavy tangle of weed saving the day.
Thereafter all boats arrived safely at West Cowes for an Italian night in the famous Tonino's restaurant.
With a good breeze blowing in the right direction all boats had a really exciting sail down the Lymington Harbour and once everyone had berthed it was just a short walk to the Mayflower Pub for a great evening meal and good company.
The next day, once again, the conditions were perfect for sailing the longest leg of the rally, sailing across Christchurch Bay to Poole Harbour for a 2 night stay at Poole Town Quay. After a free day to explore everyone met up at Pi Pizza for the final evening of the rally before some made their way back to Chichester Harbour and others continued their journey westward for a few more weeks.
The Poole Harbour Rally and the opportunity to sail in company out from the Solent and into the lovely waters of the Dorset Coast. This is a 5-day (fully organised out only) LSC rally.
There will also be an opportunity (subject to a rally goer organising) visiting and overnighting at Christchurch Quay Sailing Club on the return journey.
As with all rallies you can shorten or lengthen your stay, and with this rally there is the flexibility to tailor your passage to your own requirements, for example sailing directly to Lymington and not stopping off for an overnight stay at Cowes Yacht Haven.
The programme is as follows:
- Sunday 14th June Cowes Yacht Haven Marina (Chi HW 11.19 BST) Leaving for Lymington Harbour on Monday 15th June
Cowes Yacht Haven Marina is situated on the West side of Cowes and represents the heart of the sailing world in Cowes, being ideally located for the town centre and its many shops and restaurants. This also gives members the opportunity to break up their journey to Lymington with a morning sail down the Solent and up the picturesque Medina River.
There will be a need to collectively raft up.
There will be welcome drinks at 5.30pm on the pontoon, with pre-booked tables at Tonino'sItalian Restaurant at 7.00pm.
- Monday 15th June Lymington Harbour Dan Bran (Portsmouth HW 12.11) Leaving for Poole Harbour on Tuesday 16th June.
Dan Bran offers walk ashore berths which are conveniently located for Lymington town centre. The historic town of Lymington offers plenty for the visitor to the New Forest. This colourful coastal town is an ancient seaport with a rich maritime history.
There will be drinks on the pontoon at 5.30pm, with pre-booked tables at The Mayflower PHat 7.00pm.
- Tuesday 16th to Thursday 18th June - Poole Quay Boat Haven (Portsmouth HW 13.04) LSC Rally ends on Thursday 18th June
Poole Quay Boat Haven is perfectly positioned on the quayside with a stunning view of Brownsea Island with lively cafés, bars, and restaurants all close by.
There will be drinks on the pontoon at 6.00 pm, but no arrangements have been made for dining on the Tuesday evening, giving members the opportunity to eat on board. On Wednesday evening tables have been pre-booked for 6.30pm at the Pi Pizza Restaurant on the quayside.
To avoid disappointment book early by completing the booking form below.
Closing date to complete a booking form is the 15th May (no further bookings will be accepted after this date).
Any queries, please contact the rally organisers Trevor & Sharon Holloway rally@langstonesc.org.uk
