Cruiser Rally to Hardway Sailing Club 2024

Six boats set off for our annual rally to Hardway. The weather forecast was a little unsettled with a yellow lightening warning that we closely monitored. The pontoon at Hardway was empty compared with other times we have visited. Roussillon, Moody Maid, Niobe, Jacob Faithful arrived in Portsmouth early afternoon with Chris and Katie on Wave Dancer who only had to make a short hop from Gunwharf Quay. Simon's boat, Sante called in a little later pushing against the tide so they opted for a berth in the marina that was closer. After a drink on board Moody Maid we moved to the Jolly Roger pub where we met up with Simon and Judy.

We had a lovely evening with most fun coming from the game of remembering your bill number, which nobody could and we had to rely on Katie continually reminding us of the number so we could order food and drinks.

Overnight we had a lot of rain and wind. Next morning we were pleased to be able to get away a bit quicker than expected and enjoyed a nice motor and sail past the two aircraft carriers and back to Dell Quay.

On arrival at Dell Quay we were asked if we could give Juniper of Leigh a tow back from where it had come to a halt at Itchenor (failed engine) and had fun trying to miss the numerous Fireflies racing in their open event.