Cowes 2023

Cowes (Shepards Wharf) Rally

Saturday 22nd April to Sunday 23rd April

Three boats took part, 'Plover' a Cornish Shrimper with Mike Baldwin and David, 'Jewel" 22ft Trailer Sailor with Pete Haigh and Sarah Eggleton and 'Mandalay' Moody 31 with Sarah and Martin Greenhalgh.

Only Plover and Jewel set off from Chichester with Plover making good time with a north easterly wind, arriving around 15.00 followed by Jewel at around 17.00. For both crews it was their first sail this in year in their new boats into the Solent and they were positively bubbling with their achievement.

Mandalay had been on the Bembridge Rally and arrived in Cowes 2 days before.

We were all moored up in the rally area of the marina so a good welcome was on hand. Plover had made arrangements to meet friends in Cowes so did not join the meal in the evening. The original plan was to eat in the Island Sailing Club but it was fully booked with a regatta so we booked a table at The Coast where the food and service was good and with excellent company; it was a late finish.

The sail back on Sunday started at 09.00 with a westerly wind but not enough hence a motor sail some of the way to Chichester. Mandalay led the way with Plover close behind which enable regular communications. Jewel left Cowes around 10.00 and with light airs and an electric motor they diverted in to Haslar Marina and returned home on the train.

Every one enjoyed the 'shake' down trip into the Solent and all learnt a lot about tides and shipping from the experience.

Martin Greenhalgh
Mandalay