Annual Race & Rally 2025
A great and eventful few days were enjoyed by about 12 boats and over 60 souls in the Beaulieu River and Eastern Solent. The wind was strong and there was some rain, although we had some lovely warm sunshine too. Of course, the strong spirit of the gaffers made the event, and it was great to see all our friends again. It was good to see such a large number of people. Some decided not to sail due to the weather, but came by land, for the social events.
| Despite very blustery weather, a dozen boats attended the Annual Race and Rally event ©Charles Erb | ||
| Mincarlo ©Huw Hallybone |
Maggie and I made our passage to the Beaulieu from Seaview in Mincarlo, our Norfolk Gypsy, on Friday afternoon. We were beating against a southwestly 10-14 knot wind (gusting a lot more!). Our clever plan was to wait until the tide was going our way but, of course, that meant, especially later in the afternoon when the wind increased and went a bit more westerly, some very heavy seas, wind over tide. Off Gilkicker, we decided a reef would be needed but the sea was too rough to get the reef in. We were experiencing 20 foot standing waves (well that’s how it felt!). For safety reasons we took our sails down and motored in heavy seas past Cowes close in and across to the Beaulieu River.
The motor up the Beaulieu River was lovely and as always, memorable for that first glimpse of Bucklers Hard at the final turn. We were one of the later boats to arrive but were soon comfortably rafted against Rick and Bill from Cowes in their Crabber 22. Having victualled at the brand new shop and rested in the sunshine (with a drink from the pop-up bar) we put on Mincarlo’s tent and met everyone at the marquee where Grant and others had arranged and lit a communal barbecue. A very convivial evening ensued culminating in the traditional gaffer propaganda singsong, led by Liz Dodwell on guitar. As usual for us our barbecue concluded with bananas laced with chocolate buttons.
| Rainbow over the fleet ©Georgina Tall |
| Welcome drinks at Buckler's Hard ©Georgina Tall |
The following morning Georgina led a small party on a walk to Beaulieu. Others (including us) were given a very interesting and informative tour around Bucklers Hard. The tour was led by Mary Montagu-Scott, the sister of the current Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. She is passionate about the history of Bucklers Hard, especially the boat building which extends back to the 17th century. They have just completed archeological excavations of one of the two main slipways with Southampton University. We watched a very interesting film about HMS Agamemnon, Lord Nelson’s favourite ship, built at Bucklers Hard and launched in 1781, which ended up wrecked in 1809 on the River Plate off Uruguay. The wreck has been found and Mary Montagu-Scott has dived on it to see the remains.
| Liz Dodwell leading a sing song ©Georgina Tall |
| Mary Montagu-Scott outlining the distinguished history of Buckler's Hard ©Grant Morris |
Then, on to the Annual Race. The weather report and conditions were not encouraging but several boats set out into the foam and spray, including your scribe, crewing for Charles Erb on Molly of Mylor. The race commenced up wind and tide from the entrance to the Beaulieu River. Some (wiser?) folk tasted the conditions and turned back for a more restful afternoon. Four boats started, with Molly unfortunately somewhat behind at the start. We encountered some very challenging conditions as we sailed back and forth in the Eastern Solent. It was very windy and rough. The visibility was poor and most of the time neither side of the Solent was visible and fresh water poured from the sky. It was however, extremely enjoyable and Charles and I had a great afternoon.
Back on the moorings at Gin’s Farm there was just time for a change of clothes before a very warm welcome at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club’s clubhouse and a delicious barbecue supper. The annual handing out of prizes was conducted very smartly; Charles and I were delighted to be awarded a prize for second (and last!) place in our division, so Charles is also now the proud custodian of the Laggards Ladle.
| Molly of Mylor ©Richard Jacobs |
| Oystercatcher ©Charles Erb |
| High Barbaree ©Charles Erb |
We are very grateful to all those who organised this great event!
Maggie and I sailed home on a broad reach, screaming along at 5-6 knots SOG back to Seaview with two reefs in. Now looking forward to Hamble Classics next weekend!
Huw (and Maggie) Hallybone
