Having had a day sail taster, I and my daughter Bethany (14) decided to complete our comp crew course towards the end of last year. 

One of our instructors was Pauline Errey, who told us about the RBYC. Even though we live only a few miles from the Jack O'Newbury, we didn't know about the RBYC. Having signed up as probationary members, we registered for the Weymouth trip.

As our first trip with the club, we weren't sure of what to expect or the normal customs and procedures. However, meeting Neil and the rest of the crew beforehand answered all our questions. We couldn't wait to get started …

Thursday

We had a good run down to Hamble, arriving at 1730. We found Neil and "Rude Knot 2", a Bavaria 38. All handover had been done; just a leaky kettle to sort out - essential equipment - and we were off. Neil pinned up the watch list - "Fish Watch", Neil, Richard and Bethany, and "Chips Watch", Rob, Clare and me. Rob announced that he was "IC Chips Watch" and that Clare was thus "2IC Chips Watch". We had a short motor sail over to Yarmouth with Clare doing sterling work down below, creating an excellent supper of pasta with Bolognese sauce, salad and garlic bread, despite there being only just enough room in the pan. By the time we tied up in Yarmouth we were all well fed and the dishes were done. Some members of the crew went off for a nightcap, but for me & Beth the sleeping bags called.

Friday

An early 5am start! But the sight of the sun rising over a dead calm, empty Solent more than made up for it. Clare "2IC Chips Watch" decided to follow Neil's watch system (at least that's how she explained her lie in!) but everyone else was up on deck to watch the sun rise.

Down to the Fairway buoy under motor, then up with the sails and a great sail down to Worbarrow Bay. We stopped to investigate a "Marie Celeste" on the way - a yacht with no visible crew on deck, not under motor and with sails flapping - being blown backwards onto a lee shore. They responded to a radio call with a rather begrudging thank you, and informed us that they were in a race. Rather strange way to race - drifting backwards - but we left them to their own devices. We pressed on to Lulworth Cover where we anchored with Quintessa and Loxley B, Purple Mist having nosed in and deciding not to stop. Still quite early, so bacon rolls all round for a mid-morning treat.

Repast over, up with the sails and anchor and, more or less, a single tack all the way to Weymouth. We found Purple Mist and Quintessa already there, so rafted alongside.

Time for an ice-cream!

Loxley B arrived some time later, the crew opting for an extended siesta in Lulworth Cove.

Later, everyone met up at "The Stable", a pizza, pie and cider bar above the Harbormaster's office. 25 for dinner! Clare was considering the "The Bridport Blaster", a fiery chili laden beast, but after taking advice from the staff, opted for the selection of five ciders instead (oh, and a pizza!). Rob, having no fear or perhaps acting in ignorance, went for the Blaster, only managing half of it before reaching simmering point. There followed much swapping of pizzas and tasting of ciders. Steve on Loxley B reportedly finished a whole Blaster, but regretted it the following day!

Saturday

Next day and the forecast was for force 5 - 7 SW. A much more leisurely start. Loxley B was first away, hotly pursued by the Habourmaster in a RIB. Steve was adamant that he just forgot to give back the "No Mooring" sign hanging from the port side, but we're convinced he wanted a souvenir.

We slipped at midday and, despite a minor panic when the whole raft started to drift away from the pontoon, got away without incident. A quick look around the Olympic sailing area then off in the direction of Swanage with just 3/4 of the jib still giving a speed of around 8 - 9 knots.

The big swell was a bit much for Beth, who went below to lie down and close her eyes. Many thanks to Clare and Neil for keeping an eye on her. I also was feeling somewhat green until the second Stugeron kicked in, but remained on deck (don't think I could have gone below!). Winds were constantly in the high 20's and we saw 33 knots at one point!

We were overtaken by both Purple Mist and Quintessa so, when we rounded Old Harry rocks and ventured into Studland Bay, found both already anchored. Rob "Mechanic" Hammond's diagnosis skills were in demand as Kate's windlass failed to work and, later, when Loxley B arrived, they could not get their engine started but managed to skilfully anchor under sail.

Time for some soup to warm up - too early for dinner yet. After a thorough but vain search for a tin opener it looked like Beth would not be able to have some of her favourite tomato soup. But then Clare kindly pointed out to me that the tins had ring pulls. Doh! Saved the day again Clare!

Later, Rob prepared an excellent chili con carne with salad and garlic bread. Thanks Rob. Apple pie for pud, then a chance to relax and take in this wonderfully peaceful setting. The winds abated and we had a very quiet night at anchor.

A plan was hatched to host a pre-dinner Pimms party on the boat the following day, and Clare was appointed "IC Pimms Party". Her first action was to appoint Rob "2IC Pimms Party" with special responsibility for mint chopping!

Sunday

Spot of breakfast, then off to Poole harbour under motor. Richard helming, dodging the chain link ferry, traffic and buoys all the way up to the Town Quay, then Clare taking us all the way back out again. Then off on a course towards Christchurch Bay.

We had plenty of time, so an ideal opportunity to practice MOB under sail, says Neil. No objections from the crew so our "man" (the usual fender and bucket) was thrown over the side to cries of "man overboard". Clare crash tacked the boat at brought it to a stop hove-to. Our "man" drifted past frustratingly just out of reach. Never mind, wear round, go past on a reach then tack back up. While doing this we lost sight of the "man", the white fender lost amongst the many white crests. Despite tracking back and forth several times we didn't spot our "man", so if you find a fender and bucket on your travels it might be ours! A salutary reminder of how easy it is to lose sight of someone in the water.

On to Lymington via the North Channel without further incident, mooring at 1600. Clare "IC Pimms Party", Rob "2IC Pimms Party" and newly appointed Neil "3IC Pimms Party" swung into action, with the rest of the crew chopping, slicing and sticking cheese cubes and onions onto cocktail sticks 70's style for all they were worth. At the designated 1730 crews from the other boats started to arrive, some bearing gifts. Kate had caught a mackerel on the way to Lymington and had turned it into mackerel pate on crispbread topped with olives - very skilful! The Pimms (Clare's secret recipe) flowed, the nibbles were consumed and everyone seemed to be enjoying our impromptu reception. Even Bethany had a Pimms, her first and, I suspect, not her last - Clare, what have you done!

At 1900 all the crews congregated again for a walk to the Fisherman’s Rest pub and dinner. Neil’s navigational skills failed him on the way back to the marina afterwards, sending us down the wrong road! Perhaps he needs a chart and lateral buoys to find his way? Or maybe he didn’t allow for alcoholic leeway?

Monday

A low mist delayed departure, so time to swab the decks, clean below and fill the water tanks. We slipped at 1100, shortly after Purple Mist.

We headed over to Newtown Creek, the mist bank still clearly visible towards the Needles. We tried the sails but there wasn’t really enough wind to make sensible headway against the outgoing 2kn tide. So we motored into and out of Newtown Creek (Bethany at the helm - well done!). Then back to the Hamble with the flotilla of other bank holiday sailors. A short wait for the diesel, but soon topped up and back on our berth.

Bethany and I both thoroughly enjoyed our first trip with the RBYC. Hopefully there will be more to come. Many thanks to Neil for patiently explaining everything to us and giving us the opportunity to practice helming, navigation, etc.. Thanks also to Rob (mate and "2IC Pimms Party") for all the experience and tips passed on over the weekend. To Clare for doing an excellent job as "IC Pimms Party" and keeping us all organised with food and drink (still amazed at how you can prepare a lunch with the boat rocking and rolling!). And thanks also to Richard for being a good crew mate.

Doug Hughes