Lymington Mini Rally [Poole/Weymouth replacement]
Published 11:45 on 7 Jun 2025
Poole and Weymouth Long Weekend Rally 23rd to 27th May
There were 6 boats in total booked on the Poole/Weymouth rally. After discussions between the skippers on the dedicated WhatsApp page about the upcoming high winds, it was decided to cancel. In true Haslar Yacht Club fashion a Plan B was hatched and a mini Rally would go ahead, staying within the Solent, to Lymington as the weather for Friday looked favourable. 4 boats, Blue Moon, Sun Hunter, Bonito and Cornell booked into the Lymington Yacht Haven for the Friday and Saturday nights. Cornell decided to take advantage of the good weather on the Thursday and went a day earlier.
For those who have not been before, Lymington Yacht Haven is the first marina on the Port side as you clear the double bend in the river, the entrance is just before the Dan Bran River pontoon. Its an easy walk to the town centre and has direct access to the walks on the saltmarshes and the Solent Way to Keyhaven. The marina has excellent shower and toilet facilities, Chandlery and the rather nice Haven restaurant.
Bonito and Cornell flying the HYC Banners
Blue Moon being greeted on Arrival
The Friday evening pontoon party was hosted by Mark and Marion on Sun Hunter, which was more a boat party as the wind got up, so we all congregated in the cockpit. Friday's evening meal split into two groups with Bonito and Cornell eating at the Mayflower and Blue Moon and Sun Hunter eating at the The Ship by the town quay.
On the Saturday Sun Hunter decided to take an early run back to Haslar to miss the higher winds in the afternoon and the other three boats split and did different activities, walking the saltmarshes, visiting the Saturday Market and cycling the local area. Some lovely houses around there by the way. Saturdays pontoon party was hosted on Bonito, thanks to Steve and Vizma, after which the remaining 3 boats decamped to the Royal Lymington Yacht Club for more drinks on the balcony and an excellent dinner in the restaurant, which was very quiet considering it was a Bank Holiday.
Pontoon Party On Bonito
Royal Lymington Yacht Club Balcony
Dawn broke on the Sunday with Bonito and Cornell taking an early run back to Haslar both having a fast run, wind with tide 4 gusting 6, down the Solent. Blue Moon decided to leave returning to the early afternoon for a more challenging sail.
Although the original Rally had to be cancelled due to the high winds, we all managed to find weather windows to have a great Plan B mini Rally to Lymington. Thanks to Jem, Sun Hunter and Bonito for organisation and the pontoon parties. It goes to show "where there's a will there's a way" when the weather interferes with the original plans and a good time was still had by all.
Graham Armitage - Cornell
Related
- Poole & Weymouth long weekend Rally (23 - 27 May)
Last updated 12:08 on 7 June 2025