Report from Northney, Chichester June 2002
CREAM TEAS AND MUD BATHS
|
Situated on the Northern tip of Hayling Island, Northney Marina has two slip ways one an easy launch at high tide but dry at low the other a long pull up the slip way at low tide but accessible. Being the ‘new kids on the block’ we have been given the privilege of writing up some of the events of the weekend. We had been looking forward to meeting up with other Laser 13-16 sailors for sometime, I must admit with some trepidation. Do we know all the correct terminology, have we got the rigging set up correctly, will we sail the
boat properly, and what kind of people belong to this ‘association’.
On arrival Saturday morning after despatching the crew to set up camp I was rigging the boat and met up with the first arrivals. Receiving a warm welcome from the other members as they arrived I was put at ease finding the other members to be on the same wave length as us. After the briefing and choosing which weather forecast from the harbour office to go by we left at high tide and sailed off down Emsworth Channel all with at least 1 reef in the sails. Glad that we had the reef in we enjoyed a brisk sail to East Head for a picnic lunch. The afternoon continued with a steady wind and people went off in various directions to explore Chichester Harbour. Ignoring the fact that low tide was approaching we headed off towards Emsworth Village our minds set on a cream tea at ‘Ye Old Tea Shop’. We almost got there, but the 300 yards of mud was too much and after covering the boat in mud inside and out we managed to work our way back to Northney. We were not the only ones with mud onboard and after recovering the boats up the slipway with the help of a very long rope and a 4 wheel drive vehicle we exchanged stories. An evening meal was enjoyed at a local hostelry with good food, good beer and a lovely view over the top part of Chichester Harbour. Sunday morning greeted us with sunshine but not much wind; this gave the opportunity for Fadia our guest crewmember a chance to try the helm. Slightly confused by moving the tiller to the right and the boat turning left we took an interesting if not direct route back to East Head for Lunch. Aborting the original plan to sail to Itchenor when tide and wind turned against us. The afternoon produced a much stronger wind giving the chance for all three of us to hang out on the toe straps, once we had explained their value to the new recruit. Leaving us tired but exhilarated by the time we had packed up and said our goodbyes. I hope this summary of the weekend doesn’t focus too much on us. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the people behind the scenes who give their time and effort to arrange the logistics, keeping the Laser Cruising Association running. Looking forward to the next meet. Terry & Dale Noyce + Fadia Chaaban |