GXSA Sailing Event 11^th Sept

 

 

Weymouth Rally 3 day trip – 11th September 2015

In a prime location overlooking Weymouth harbour, the clubhouse is an ideal location to visit

The Royal Dorset Yacht Club is on the right hand past the ferry terminal, on the quay side – See google earth picture below.  The club advises on its web site:

‘Comfortable surroundings, a well-stocked bar and excellent menu.  The club’s history at the heart of Dorset sailing is on display in the trophy cabinets, photographs and memorabilia.   All of this makes the clubhouse a welcoming place to socialise’.

Weymouth lies in the middle of the Jurassic Coast, providing a spectacular sailing backdrop en-route between the Solent and Weymouth. A trip out from the Needles will take you past St Albans Head near Swanage and then into Weymouth Bay.  From here you pass some fantastic locations including Lulworth Cove and then sail to Weymouth town harbour.

Agenda

The location and mileage of this destination makes it sensible (and ideal) to split the outward passage into 2 manageable pieces. GXSA members are berthed at different locations in and around the Solent and therefore we need a rendezvous point to gather at the day before the main leg of the cruise.  Aim is to get to Yarmouth on Friday and then head-off to Weymouth on the Saturday morning tide arriving in time for a pontoon party at 6 pm – The usual ‘nibbles and refreshments’.  This will be followed by dinner at the Royal Dorset at 7.30 pm. 

Alternate Plan – Poor weather Met forecasting / BBC weather will give us an indication of the conditions 5 days in advance.  On Wednesday if the weather is not favourable the trip will be shortened (email notification circulated) and we will use the alternate plan to meet at Yarmouth on Saturday evening for a pontoon party and make merry whatever the weather!  Arrangements for an evening dinner at a local pub / hotel restaurant would be sorted out at the time.

What’s the plan?

Friday 11 September – Rendezvous at Yarmouth

Yarmouth Harbour has been improved over the recent years and now offers excellent facilities and pontoons that you can now walk ashore from.   Arrival is optional but suggest getting there in good time to be relaxed and ready for an early start on Saturday morning.  No dinner arrangements.

 

Saturday 12 September morning – Sail to Weymouth

Tides to consider – HW Portsmouth is mid-day on Saturday (Yarmouth HW  is an hour earlier an 11am). The west going tide starts about 1 hour before HW Portsmouth / It will take approx. 1 hour to get to the Needles. Therefore aim to depart at 8.30am and motor out to the Needles against a weakening tide, setting sail as the west-going kicks in at around 10.30/11am. The distance is 39 NM and,  based on a reasonable south westerly we should arrive from mid to late-afternoon.  Saturday afternoon arrival at Weymouth –  TheHarbour master ‘Ian’ has a note in his diary of GXSA planning to arrive during the afternoon.  Normally small yachts are expected to moor on the left/west side and larger yachts on the east / right hand side as you enter.  However, depending on numbers Ian will locate us all together / moored in front of the Royal Dorset. The ‘Pontoon Party’ starts at 6pm and dinner at 7.15pm

 

Sunday 13 September – Day of rest or high seas!

In a hurry?  For those who do need to get away on Sunday, a return to the Solent with an early afternoon start at around 2pm is an option.  It would require punching tide for several hours but would then give a long tide through the Needles.  An alternate option would be to go around St Albans, past Old Harry’s Rocks and make for Studland Bay or Poole and anchor for the night.

Why not stay in Weymouth !  Some members may wish to extend their stay and have a full day in Weymouth or beyond.  Sunday is completely open to member’s wishes and ideas but as an example a bus ride to Chesil Beach, see the old light house plus a visit to the fort or a visit to the brewery are all very do able! 

14 September – Prefer a leisurely return on Monday?

For those departing on Monday, a 2.30 pm afternoon departure is an option.  Again, it would require punching tide for several hours but and would then give a sufficient tide through the Needles with an option to stop-over at Yarmouth.  Alternatively extend your trip further and take a longer  route around St Albans, past Old Harry’s Rocks and make for Studland Bay or Poole.

Administration

Costs

£29 per person, to include:

• Pontoon party
• 3 course dinner at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club
• Tea/Coffee

As always, skippers and crews must pay their own mooring fees.

Booking

If you would like to come along for this trip, please contact Nick.Lemon@orange.com

Payment via BACS to GXSA account, or cheque (payable to GXSA). 

Locations of Interest

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