Cruising at Seafarers Sailing Club
Cruises have always been a popular element of the club's sailing programme. Many members prefer the more sedate pace of a cruise with its rest-break at "half-time" to the hectic pace of racing. There are a number of members who involve themselves in both activities. The club is ideally situated for cruising as there are many potential destinations on the Isle of Wight or around the Solent that are within easy reach. Most cruise destinations end up at a pub, a sailing club or somewhere to buy a cup of tea and some food.
The boats used for cruising are generally the larger dinghies such as Wayfarers, Wanderers, and GP14s although it has been known for a Europe to tag along. Occasionally one of the boats may carry an outboard, but this is not common. The number of crew per boat will depend upon how many want to go and the weather. Safety is always a major consideration. The decision on whether to cruise or not is dictated by the prevailing and forecast weather conditions. The boats are able to cope with strong wind conditions as they can all be reefed. A buddy boat system is used to ensure that no boat becomes isolated. One of the Club members has a motor-sailer and, recently, this has often accompanied the flotilla.
There are ten cruises in the 2008 sailing programme; four are on a Saturday. Two of the ten days are "exclusive" cruise days. On the other eight days other sailing is scheduled such as club or interclub races, an open meeting or training. In addition to the programmed cruises, some members, who have the time available, cruise on a Wednesday.
One cruise each year includes an overnight camp to the Corf campsite near Shalfleet on the Isle of Wight.
See this list for the dates of cruises for the 2008 season along with the destinations that are currently planned. Note that these destinations may be changed on the day depending on the weather conditions.
A list of cruise destinations can be here.
There is a page of reports, located here, from some of the scheduled cruises and ad hoc cruises which you may find interesting.