The return of the Jolly Sailor

[John Kennett]

What a great day out in the sun!

Well done to Alan, Clive, Jan and Egbert for another epic feat. Big thanks to Kevin "Aging Youth" for organising everything so well (and arranging a lift for me on the gin palace!).

It was great to see so many RIBs out there -- I counted about 20 but there may have been a few more. I was going to try to cadge rides on as many boats as possible, starting with Topaz (thanks!), but once Michael Comninos handed me 400hp of Scorpion to play with I sort of forgot to change boats after that

I've put a few photos in the gallery, but my camera battery ran out before we made it back. Anyone else got any pics of the boats at Gunwharf?

John

[Chris Murray]

Hello John,

Good to meet you at last!

Thanks to Richard B. for taking my daughter (Katherine) and I with him on Blue Ice. Fantastic trip Richard, what a day !!! Thank you again - It was Great!

John, we did take a few pictures today, including some in Portsmouth. I shall have them processed on Tuesday and will put them on the site later in the week.

Best wishes to you all, especially to the crew of the Jolly Sailor!

Chris.

[Richard B]

That certainly counted as a "Grand Day Out"

What a pleasure to meet up with so many others, and of course to welcome the "Jolly Sailor" crew back. What I didn't get chance to do was say CONGRATULATIONS to Alan and the guys. Great achievement.

Chris and Katherine, you were very welcome. Pleasure to have you on board.

Sorry no pics from me

Hope there won't be too many thick heads in the morning

[Simon Guest]

Fantastic day! Congratulations to Alan and your crew - you are amazing. Great to be able to share in your return.

Really good to meet some of you rib netters and others and put faces to names.

Quite a challenge trying to keep up with your little "bimble" along the Solent in that chop in my little 4.8m - but we made it and my crew mate was still on board at the end - just!. (Perhaps I should get a bigger boat.)

cheers,
Simon

[Deana Angell]

Nice pictures! Does anyone have any from the wharf? I'm sure Dad was surprised to see Roma there! I trust everyone is over their hangovers by now - I should hope so! Take care!

[Ribald]

Simon, nice to meet up with a fellow 4.8 owner.

I was impressed with your crewmate's dexterity in hanging on during the entrance to Pompy - at one time I thought he was getting out for a walk

[The Jackeens]

Hi from Mrs. Jackeen (erstwhile forum lurker since hubby was bitten by the rib bug),

We did try to get out for the Jolly Sailor's return...got down near Yarmouth and saw the snaking wakes right across the Solent. Hubby did a (recently perfected - courtesy Aquapower!) high speed turn and we headed back thro the mess and chop of Cowes week while I hung on; Paradiddle ploughed ahead with Jackeen at the helm (steering wheel? - I get confused about these things)...and I made a mental note of where the flares, radio etc. were...
Traitorously I then suggested breakfast at Cowes as we weren't going to get anywhere near. Later in the afternoon we pootled around Pompey looking for the famous boat...no luck.
Yesterday we took some relatives to Gunwharf and were told to moor next to ...The Jolly Sailor!!!
And I had my camera...so I will post a photo on the gallery as soon as I sort out the res. etc (I'm a technophobe..Jackeen will help). Huge apologies in advance as Jackeen dared to plonk his size 11 s on board for the photo...

Regards to all...especially long-suffering other halves.

the missus

ps - sincere condolences to Pete 7 ; we hope to see you tomorrow

[Aging Youth]

Good Morning Ribnet,

It is my turn to say a very big thank you to all of you who made this day one to remember.

At Portsmouth Harbour Entrance I counted 27 Ribs plus some hard boats totaling 33 in all entering the small boat channel on mass and in very tight formation.

I have some special thank you's, here goes J.K. for your assistance with Website. QHM for letting us all into his harbour. Paul Webb for my letting me lose with his Gin Palace and for all the liquid refreshments Hic! Pete7 who after a briliant day out with the camera crew almost gave blood, hope she is fixed soon pete. The Boys from the Field Gun Crew who towed Jolly Sailor 3 miles in less than an hour!!!! Bloody well done guys

Last but not least, to Alan & the Team for giving me the oppotunity to become involved in what is truely a historic event. Whatever paper you read.

Best wishes to you all

[Deana Angell]

Hi Kevon. You deserve a special thank-you as well for organizing the party. Although I wasn't there, it is obvious your efforts were appreciated.

[Mike C]

Well done, Kevin, very well organised and a brilliant day out! We could do with more weather like that! And so could Alan and the crew last year! I'm very glad you left the rough stuff in the Atlantic, Alan!

I wonder how many boats that other bloke had waiting when he got into Scotland the other day?



Mike C