Bembridge Cruise 1st-3rd September 2023

Bembridge 1st – 3rd September 2023
The weekend we had all been waiting for when tides, sea state and weather aligned. Kalives, Himalia, Nola, Arkaig, Man a Vaur, Mascaret, Excalibur, Bow Hunter, Bearfoot, Herbie and crews all came across for this Bembridge cruise and we arrived to fabulous warm autumn sunshine.

We left Chichester on Friday morning with some of us taking the opportunity for an autumn swim and breakfast at East Head before heading over to Bembridge.

Once safely moored and rested we found some likely lads to transport all the gear to the beach…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That evening we enjoyed sun downers of rum punch and moonshine on the beach while we all Bar- B-Q’d to our favourite sounds. Nick brought his famous Swedish candle and the evening was rounded off with a motor section favourite beach fire which kept us warm while laughing, singing and watching the sun go down.

 

Transporting the gear back was not so steady!! Photos confiscated but Karen has the video….

Saturday morning welcomed us with more sunshine and we took a walk to Sea View The yacht club was not serving until 12 – come on!! Never ones to not find a solution we found a warm welcome at The Old Fort where enjoyed drinks and eats.
Some of us took advantage of the local buses and some walked back to the Marina via the chandlery (always on the look out for a bargain) or the
That evening we tendered, cycled, walked and ferried over to Bembridge Sailing Club where we were greeted by a great meal and hospitality.

 

 

As we have mentioned, the tides (low, low springs) aligned this weekend and many of us took the opportunity to be up with the lark to walk to St Helens fort – well it is only possible twice a year so why not?

 

 

 

 

 

We all arrived safely back in Chichester early on Sunday afternoon – another great weekend was had by all.