Part 1
Portsmouth children had the day off for the grandest history lesson most of them had ever experienced! And we ribsters gathered for a day of displacement speed cruising as the Solent became a marina for craft of every shape and size. The Solent got ready to Party!!!!
Pete 7 musters his crew
photo : Paul
A group of Solenteers assembled on Tuesday morning at Port Solent (Pete 7, Aging Youth and Kathryn, Oz, Paul Q., Liam, Fiona and ourselves). The wind whistling in the Sunsail rigging heralded a F5/6 as we set off down a Harbour already awash with boats to rendez-vous with Ann and Martyn (Noddy) before joining the queue heading across to the Isle of Wight. A giggle or two at some over-zealousness by some marshals (one of whom buzzed everyone already out of the Harbour to tell them keep their speed down IN the Harbour despite the fact no-one could make more than 5 knots in the exiting queue!!!) and we had to concentrate as the wash from craft combined with the waves already whipped up by the wind. We were already thinking twice about hanging around Ryde Sands (Plan A). We also abandoned our rendez-vous idea with another boat and crawled down towards Cowes for a comfort break (read quick takeaway cappuccinos
). We were delighted to spot & greet Mark Halliday & crew and Mark Wildey & crew on the way
as they seemed to be coping with the demands of marshalling in an unobtrusive and chilled out manner.
Ozz in his cheery boat : Hot Lemon
Photo : Paul
Warships and Tall Ships lined the spine of the Solent and pleasure craft skippers acknowledged each other cheerily which added greatly to the feeling of one great big Solent Party! Cowes was quiet for once. Then we crossed the Solent near Calshot making for the more sheltered waters (as promised by Paul, Pete and Kev.) of Lee on the Solent and Stokes Bay.
Martyn (Noddy) and Ann rounded the Solent twice!
Photo : Paul
We anchored for the Queen’s arrival and spotted the Irish Navy ship (not bought off Pete 7 on E Bay but poignantly the last to be built at Verolme Dockyard in Cork). The formal Review of the Fleet was greeted by klaxons and cheers from the spectator craft as well as the more formal salute of the assembled forces.
The Eithne out of Verolme Dockyard Cork
Photo : Paul
The camaraderie out there was impressive. A neighbouring cruise boat invited us on board for lunch! We explained about our plans to BBQ but Paul made it on board for a drink before we heard from Ian, Craig (Team Luna Sea) and family who were at Gilkicker Point (one of the most sensible places to be considering conditions).
The Queen reviews the Fleet
Photo : Paul
We considered organising a beach landing at Stokes Bay. We spoke to the nearby crew of a Rescue Vessel explaining we were worried about swimmers and they grinned at us saying ‘don’t hit any!’. But the shore dump put us off a little and we soldiered on through all the craft, eventually making it back into Portsmouth where force of habit drew us immediately to The Lightship! We saluted Jet Boat John before seeking a pontoon space. Despite what must have been an extremely stressful day for him, the young member of staff from Haslar Marina cheerfully found us a short stay berth and we installed ourselves for a some liquid fortifications (water). Aging Youth, Kathryn and Pete now left for home to fulfil previous engagements and we got suited and booted as we left the pontoon just in time for an electrical storm of biblical proportions ! Fiona was delighted to meet the famous Mr. Ribald aka Pete T. who flashed his blue light for us on demand
Next to pass us was none other than John Kennett who gave us a very regal salute as we headed out into lightning and torrential rain. (People laughed at my brolly but I stayed dry OK?). We were next hailed by Jimbo who was heading for cover if he had any sense! After the cloudburst the seas appeared calmer and we managed to get out of the Harbour before the next closure.
Liam and Fiona (Wee Fie) on board Merlin
Photo : Paul
And not a single wafu in sight.. 
