Quote:
Originally posted by Charles
F7/8, massive seas...
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It's quite an epic story...
Here's a brief summary:
16-ish boats depart Weymouth Saturday, and a couple less arrive Weymouth Sat. pm. I don't know the details in full, but some did turn back. Needles channel very bumpy and Christchurch bay difficult. Smoothed out a bit, and then going round StAlbans Head was grrrreat!
Then into the shelter of Potland Bill, smooth 40kt ride to Weymouth breakwater.
Sat. night, good meal, good speeches from Roger Lyas (very nice man) and Alan Priddy (very nice man as well) - Roger advises small RIBs to leave early as forecast for deteriorating weather.
Sun morning - weather briefing at breakfast, but small RIBs have already left. Some decide to go by train/taxi/car. Gary Tickner goes out in "White Waters" and comes back. Micklewrights go out in "Awesome" and come back (Andy make some sort of gesture like he's trying to describe a rollercoaster). Barbour family in"Stravaiger" go out and come back. Some of us hitch a ride out in "Hot Lemon IV" and, err, come back! "Kermit" and "Selva" get as far as Lulworth and come back.
"Flyte" makes it to Poole, "Bumblebee" (4.7m
) gets all the way home (Christchurch), and "My Pleasure II" gets all the way back to Lymington - crew very complimentary about Gordon's skippering.
In the meantime, we've alerted the Coastguard about the two small RIBs being out, and the Coastguard immediately send a helicopter up. We make contact with Daniel on Bumblebee as soon as he's ashore and the Coastguard stands the helicopter down. We all breath sigh of relief. Much respect to Daniel and Dylan on Bumblebee (and Flyte's crew).
Daniel (DJL) - looking forward to your account, unless you're saving it as an exclusive for RIB International?
Lots of activity later at Weymouth slipway with trailers.
Big, big thank you to the organisers (Roger Lyas, and I believe that Julian did loads too). And those whose generosity and good company I shared once again. Pictures to follow (only a few this time!)
Rich.