Marchwood Rally
Saturday 9th August 2003
Saturday morning dawned as yet another very hot sunny day, with very little wind. Commodore Maurice and Barbara joined us on Island Sula and we set off from the Hamble River for the short sail, assisted by the engine, up Southampton water to Marchwood. We arrived around lunchtime and joined the two club boats already there on the outer pontoon. At the Marchwood pontoon there was a good breeze blowing over the water but this disappeared as one walked up the gangway ashore. The clubhouse was open, serving drinks and lunches until around 1430, and we were told, would reopen again at 2000 for evening meals.
We retreated back to the pontoons (and the cool breeze) and at intervals helped other club boats to moor up. We were grouped on both sides of one pontoon, which enabled us to socialise easily with the other boats. By late afternoon we had 10 club boats in attendance and 24 members. Although Marchwood is opposite the Container Port it was a very peaceful setting with it’s giant cranes pointing skyward and the big boat movements far enough away to just rock the pontoon.
Around 1900 as we were gathering for drinks on the decks of Island Sula, we had a surprise visit from Founder members, Derek and Carol Allgar with their friend John. They had come by car from their Milford on Sea home and it was nice to catch up with news of their life on board Delphia in Turkey. They bought the number attending to 27 and we all managed to find a space to sit, although a little boat trimming was necessary when the bowsprit started to rise.
We went ashore at 2000 hours to a very pleasant clubhouse, complete with bar and kitchen. There was a choice of four meals, all at under £5 and the drinks were at a reasonable price. We were made to feel very welcome by the club members and I understand that the bar would stay open as long as it had customers. One of the Marchwood Club Officers made a welcome speech and Maurice replied with a witty tale of his meeting with the Marchwood Club members who were on a recent rally in Bembridge.
The lights from the container port lit up our way back to the pontoon and somewhere inland we could see fireworks. It all made for a very pretty sight as we made our way to bed.
Most of the boats left after a leisurely breakfast eaten in cockpits, but two were still left when we departed at midday. We had had a really good rally, the Marchwood people we met made us feel most welcome, the food and drink was good, the mooring arrangement excellent and they charge only £5 a night for each boat.
I am sure that other Guildford boats would be welcome at any time if you fancy a change of direction. All who attended are looking forward to a return visit.
Boats Attending:
Allegro
Andromeda
Autumn Storm
Classic Venturer
Island Sula
Lookin foor Kloos
Mindbender
Moon Wrasse
Polikara
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