Hamwic Cruising Association

1999

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1999, last year of the century and of the millennium. How would Hamwic finish off this momentous occasion? What exciting events did we have planned to see us through to that big moment when the clocks rolled forward to 2000?

Well I've had a look back at last year and the most exciting event had nothing to do with us at all. Much as we'd like to be able to provide such spectacular entertainment, this one was beyond our control. The Eclipse of course had the whole country gripped in a fever of anticipation. Several Hamwic stalwarts were able to take their holidays to cover the crucial day and headed west to get the best view. Bellapais, Catinou and Cariad ni rendezvoused at Brixham whilst Hirondelle headed cross channel to Alderney. The weather of course spoiled the moment by deciding to be cloudy. What a spoilsport!

Well, what about the rest of the year. January and February are traditionally quiet after the madness of Christmas and the sailing season is still a couple of months off. We had thought of a Valentine's dance but the Scouts beat us to it, so we went to theirs. Much easier!! So our first proper event was a winter's walk at Cheriton. The weather was dry and bright and we completed the four mile hike without too much bother.

Next came the skittles night. The usual bread and cheese was served up and a quiz sheet handed out to get those brain cells moving. It takes me weeks to work out the questions. How does Lynn manage for those quiz nights she organizes several times a year? Have you been to one yet? They're great fun, not to be taken too seriously. Beware though, she's bought a new question book!!

Lynn also took us through the Chunnel twice. First to Brugge in April and then to Le Touquet in October. We all took the opportunity to stock up with wine and spirits and taste a few of the local delicacies. If enough people are interested we may persuade her to organize another trip this year.

So what about rallies afloat? We try to arrange them around the bank holiday weekends as this gives us the extra day to get further afield. Easter took us to Haslar marina. Not too far for our first time out. An impressive turnout of boats, and visits from our boatless members, made for a very enjoyable weekend.

Next came Brighton, the first time Hamwic had ventured this far east. Three boats made the trip, setting out before first light (2am on Karic!) to arrive about mid afternoon. The sight of dolphins just off Brighton suddenly enlivened an uneventful trip. We spent the next day enjoying the delights ashore and all got together for dinner that evening, with the crews of Catinu and Bellapais.

June took us back to a favorite haunt, The Folly Inn. Jenny booked us spaces on the pontoon, which was very handy, as it was the Hoya round the island race that day and places would be limited. As it turned out the race finished late as the wind had died and we were able to enjoy a very pleasant meal before the hungry competitors poured in.

Poole was our destination for the August bank holiday. Mooring up here can be a bit of a nightmare, especially on a holiday weekend. Eventually we all got fitted in but not together which was a shame. Next day Karic and Cariad ni set off for Studland Bay whilst Catinou and Bellapais elected to explore some more of Poole. Studland was packed with boats and we had to anchor far offshore. Not having an outboard motor we decided against trying to row ashore and settled for a quiet afternoon and evening aboard. We were keen to get moving again next day and managed to get the spinnaker up for an hour or so during the trip home. After we had all returned home Bellapais ventured all the way to Wareham.

September took us back to the Folly. It really is a very handy destination. The sail is just long enough to not be boring or too exhausting and even if we can't book the Folly pontoon there is always space on the river pontoons and at a reasonable rate.

With the main sailing season behind us it was back to land based activities again. The Millennium Committee was really into the swing of organisation with advance tickets for new year on sale. Lynn took us to Le Touquet to stock up for those new year parties and then subjected us to another of her famous quiz nights. Joy booked a Christmas Dinner Dance at the Botleigh Grange, twenty one of us turned out and had a great evening. The children weren't left out. For a change this year, we took them along to Millbrook superbowl for a special Christmas party. An hour's bowling was followed by lunch, a pantomime and a visit from Santa with presents for everyone.

Finally it was time for that event we'd been talking about all year, The Millennium Eve Party. We spent two whole days beforehand decorating the hall and I have to say it looked brilliant. Lights twinkled from every corner and glistened off gold and silver garlands festooned around the hall. Everyone was in party mood with the gents looking suave and sophisticated in their dinner suits and the ladies in their elegant evening gowns. We toasted in the New Year with glasses of champagne and danced the night away into the early hours. Kevin was the hero of the evening having provided music continuously from 7.30 p.m. Many thank to everyone who turned up to next day help with the clearing up and dismantling. It was all done in about 2 hours!

Well that was it for 1999. Discussions are already underway for the 2000 season, the main one being a planned weeklong rally around the Solent on the Whitsun Bank holiday. If you've got any good ideas for social events or sailing rallies let us know and we'll see if something can be arranged.

Claire

Thanks to Weymouth for the background