A good number of gaffers joined us at Bucklers Hard for an informal gathering over what must have been the hottest weekend of the year. Umbrellas were brought out to shield against the sun for once as well as turkish wrap arounds draped from booms to provide shelter! Some ventured up the river to explore further upstream, followed by a convivial gathering on the shore kindly hosted by Tim and Liz Dodwell under a 'dressed' marquee with delicious nibbles and wine. We all cooked our own food on the giant BBQ's folllowed by a traditional sing song with Liz on the guitar.

We awoke at 6am on Sunday to the sound of some very brave souls taking part in a triathlon and swimming up the river before cycling and running in the sweltering heat through the New Forest. Not for us thankfully and instead we enjoyed a relaxing Sunday morning watching the world go by and comparing our vessels as we so like to do before catching the tide back home.