Cruise Reports

August 5th 2007

There was a record turnout for cruise 7 on Sunday 5th August. Twenty-eight members made the trip to the Battery/Puckpool Park (east of Ryde) in 11 boats comprising 7 Wayfarers, a Leader, a Laser 2000, a Topper Omega and a Solo. There were plenty of new faces including 4-year old Chloe Austin with her brothers Alexander and Harvey, and Robin Johnson whoe motorcycled all the way from Weybridge to sail with his niece and nephew, Steph and Richard. The wind was reasonably steady at 10 to 13kn (Force3/4) from ENE all day with a clear blue sky - one or two forgot to slap on the sun cream and lived to regret it.

Having established that the tractor's battery was flat, and put on charge, there was a long, hard walk to the water's edge. The flotilla set off just before 11am and beat out into the Solent. The voyage was made more interesting as the dinghies, generally on port tack, encountered more than fifty Class 5 IRC yachts beating from Cowes (day 2 of the Regatta) to Gilkicker Point, generally on starboard tack. All arrived safely at the beach off the Battery before 1pm and the task of rolling or carrying 7 boats up the beach began; (only!) 4 of the Wayfarers anchored.

Under new management, the Battery Hotel offered only a full roast dinner. As a consequence, 28 potential customers retired to Puckpool Park for refreshments from one of the cafes, from the icecream vendor or from their picnic hampers. The Austin entourage had to wait over an hour for their meal when the cafe ran out of burgers. The time was passed moving the boats, wandering around the park and taking the air (Dyno-Rod were clearing the café's drains a few feet from the diners).

The fleet set off for the return trip just before 3pm. It was a dead run all the way; those with spinnakers flew them. The Laser 2000 made best use of its gennaker by zig-zagging downwind and arrived in the lead at just after 4pm. The masses of sunbathers and swimmers parted to reveal a slipway. Then, after Tim succeeded in starting the tractor, the icecream van at the top of the slipway moved back (just enough) to allow 11 dinghies to be returned to the compound.

A fantastic day out showing how members of all ages and experience in all sorts of boats can enjoy cruising with the Seafarers.

August 26th 2007

Three Wayfarers set off at 10:30 on Sunday morning. Michael & Derek in their boat sail no. 10007. Bill Cunningham & son in the club Wayfarer sail no. 3282 and Julie, Pete & myself in our boat sail no. 2906. Wayfarers 10007 & 2906 flew their spinnakers, much to the amusement of Michael as Derek then had to work his passage.

We arrived at Wootton Creek at about 12:15. After rolling the boats a short way up the shore (no boats were anchored Mike) lunch was enjoyed in the sunny pub garden.

We left Wootton at 14:30 between ferry departures in an optimistic force one/two. With differing wind strengths & direction changes, at 16:00 and off Lee on Solent, Wayfarer 2906 decided to use their outboard engine to finish the journey, offering a tow to Michael & Derek which was gratefully accepted. Bill in Wayfarer 3282 completed the crossing unaided. Whilst waiting for Pete to drive the tractor onto the beach, Derek suggested we look for sharks teeth. Within two minutes three teeth were found, but none by a bemused Derek. A good day was had by all.

September 8th 2007

Sunday the 8th promised to be another beautiful September day as we gathered at the club for Cruise 11 the penultimate cruise of this years cruising schedule. Given the very slow start we had with most of the early cruises being called off du to weather it seems only right that we should have had such good weather at this end of the year.

There was a little concern expressed that perhaps the wind was little light but in fact there was plenty of wind to take us over.

Six boats set out for Gurnard. Mike Burlingham with Tim Wadham and Kim Archer in Wayfarers 9153, about Steve O'Toole with Julie and Alphonse in WF 2906, John Eales with myself and Michael in 1013. Andy Cook in his RS600 753 and Bill in his Solo. A very pleasant sail over which saw most of us have a very clear view of the Waverley paddle 'steamer' which was out on the Solent.

On the way over the weather was warm but the sun just could not break through. On arrival at Gurnard we all felt so pleased with life in general that the rollers were ignored and Man (and Woman) power was used the carry the boats up the beach. The sun then broke through and the cruisers dispersed either to have a gentle stroll, a cup of tea in the cafe or an excellent pint of draught Hobgoblin in the pub.

The Sail home was just as pleasant although the wind did drop off at one point and we did think at one point that paddles might be required. However, the wind picked up enough for us all to get back with no problems. On landing Tim very quickly got the tractor in play to bring us all back up the ramp.

The next and 'final' cruise in this year's official programme is on Sunday the 16th September although given the weather there may well be some impromptu cruises organized so please keep an eye on the board. As always all are welcome.

September 16th 2007

A selection of regular cruisers gathered on Sunday the 16th for cruise 12, the final cruise of this year's programme. At 09:45 the weather was fine and warm with a light wind. Some people who were there to take part in the Autumn 2 race were considering going home because of the lack of wind. Amongst the cruisers there was debate as so whether wet suits were required. At 10:00 the forecast force 5 suddenly appeared. The resulting chill settled the clothing question.

At 10:30, Wayfarers 9153, with Tim Wadham on the helm and Mike Burlingham as crew, set off for Wootton Creek in company with Wayfarer 2906 with Peter Bowden, Steve and Julie O'Toole. About 5 minutes later, WF10007 crewed by Mike Blackmore and Derrick Kensett set off in pursuit accompanied by WF10013 crewed by John Hills and John O'Neill. After a further 5 minutes, Derrick and Mike hailed WF10013 to say they were returning to the club.

The wind was SW Force 5 and the dinghies were close hauled on starboard tack. With HW Portsmouth due at 14:47, there was an east-going tidal stream. The boats were making good a course of approx 180º at 5-6kn. By 1100 the two lead dinghies, WF9153 and WF2906, were approx 1nm north of the entrance to Wootton Creek. WF10013 was visible about 1nm astern. The boats could not quite lay Wootten Creek; their best course would take them slightly to the east. Aboard WF9153 Tim and Mike were discussing the appropriate time to go about. They were watching to see the route taken by two Wightlink ferries approximately a mile ahead; the 10:30 sailing from Portsmouth waiting forthe 11:00 departure from Fishbourne (Wootton Creek) to clear the berth. The main channel to Southampton was clear with an eastbound (outbound) ship to the east near the forts and a large container vessel to the west that was heading north from the restricted area off Cowes toward Southampton Water. Yacht traffic was light; none was judged conflicting ie on a steady bearing. Wayfarer 2906 was about 150m downwind (east) of Wayfarer 9153.

At about 11:05 a motorboat, the Andromeda - a Dale Nelson 38, suddenly appeared heading west. It passed ahead of WF2906 and then ran into and over Wayfarer 9153 amidships virtually slicing the hull in two. Tim was struck on the head and knocked into the water as the bow of Andromeda pushed the boom across the dinghy. Mike was pushed under the water by the hull of Andromeda. Fortunately the propellers missed both Tim and Mike. After disentangling lines and rigging, Mike managed to reach the surface. Having established by calling to each other, that they were both alive and mobile, the two survivors swam to board Andromeda which had manoeuvred and stopped close to the wreckage. Tim was still dazed and was helped aboard where he elected to stay on the upper deck rather than go below.

Having witnessed the collision, the crew of WF2906 manoeuvred to get closer to the wreckage to check on their companions' condition and offer assistance. They had a digital camera on board and took several photographs.

Mike returned to the water from Andromeda to recover valuables, loose debris and flotsam and pass them up to the boat's skipper. Mike was passed a line which he attached to the wreckage so that it could be towed back to Hill Head and removed from the Solent. By the time they were ready to start towing, Andromeda and the wreckage had drifted a considerable distance east, toward Ryde. WF2906 headed back to the club with the wind strength steadily increasing. On the way, they passed WF10013 and attempted to hail her. Unaware of the collision, and interpreting WF2906's manoeuvres as normal up-wind tacking and traffic avoidance, WF10013 continued her passage to Wootton Creek. WF2906 reached the club at about 12:15.

To avoid the wreckage disintegrating under tow, Andromeda's speed was limited to 1-2kn. Tim began exhibiting symptoms of shock. It was agreed that the wreckage would be anchored and buoyed in the nearest shallow water - this was off the eastern end of Browndown Range at approx 12:30. Andromeda then proceeded at speed toward Hill Head. En route she was met by the club safety boat with Alfons Heinrich driving and Dr David Vassallo as crew. David transferred aboard Andromeda and examined Tim. On his advice, the club was asked to arrange for an ambulance. At approx 12:50 Tim was transferred ashore by the safety boat from Andromeda standing off the club. About 10 minutes later, an ambulance and a paramedic arrived and Tim was taken to the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, where he was treated for concussion and shock, was X-rayed and put under observation.

WF2906 reached the club safely about 30 minutes ahead of Andromeda. Meanwhile, WF10013 had anchored in Wootton Creek and the two Johns had visited the Fishbourne Inn. After about 20 minutes they concluded that the others must have decided to turn back and they decided to set off on the return journey. They reefed the main and, after a false launch when the crew was left behind, they ran back and landed in quite a rough swell. As they approached the club they could see lots of people on the beach and a safety boat "blasted" past them. It was then that they became aware that there had been some problems.

After putting Tim into the safety boat, Mike returned to Browndown aboard Andromeda to help recover the wreckage of WF9153. On the way Andromeda encountered the club's number 2 safety boat crewed by Alan Finding and Dick Banks who were returning from Stokes Bay where they had been looking for WF9153. The wreckage of WF9153 was eventually beached off the club and transferred into the compound with the aid of the safety boat - driven by Kevin Woolnough but commanded by Moss Haines - and the tractor at approx 14:40.

Tim was allowed home at 21:30 and advised to rest for 48 hours and seek medical attention should he experience headaches, dizziness or any like symptoms. Mike suffered bruises and cuts that only became noticeable after his adrenalin level subsided. Both are very grateful to everyone who helped or offered assistance on the day and have greatly appreciated the expressions of concern and sympathy received since.