Over the weekend of 19-21 July some 14 gaffers headed over to the ever-popular harbour of Bembridge on the Isle of Wight for a rally organised by Maggie and Huw Hallybone.
Most boats arrived on a very warm Friday and after a pontoon party alongside the ‘High Barbaree Inn’, we were ferried across the harbour from the marina to the town with a D-Day style landing on the sand! There followed an evening of beer tasting hosted by The White Knuckle Brewery and a meal at The Pilot Boat Inn.
Saturday was little overcast, but that didn’t deter a few boats setting off for a short sail in company around the Nab Tower taking with them those who had arrived on their own or without a boat. So, it was a lovely opportunity for crews to experience different boat styles under sail.
We were then treated to afternoon tea with homemade delicious cakes hosted by Rosie and Mark Hickman at Mark’s amazing boatbuilding workshop at the head of the harbour. The fact that the workshop could fit all 40 of us into it easily gives you an idea of the sheer size of it and we were all very envious of his space and the amazing views over the harbour.
Saturday was rounded off with a cook your own BBQ in the evening which saw some interesting items being cooked including bananas! As the wine flowed and stories were shared, Liz Dodwell and her guitar brought out everyone’s singing talent for shanties galore, undeterred by another group of sailors who broke into song in a neighbouring marquee, seemingly in competition. We Gaffers showed ‘em!
Mark Hickman revealed a hidden talent for solo singing of beautiful sea songs that he had written and this seemed the perfect end to a wonderful weekend amongst friends.
Leave a Reply