Astrid, along with 3 rallying motor boaters exited Port Solent lock at 10 am on Friday morning. We left Portsmouth Harbour, with the wind on our nose and out into a very choppy Solent. All was well though and throughout the early afternoon all boats arrived safely into Bembridge Harbour and with the ever helpful marina staff at Duver were soon safely alongside. 22 yachts arrived (some on Saturday) to enjoy the rally.

Our Friday evening BYO drinks and quayside BBQ was very well attended. It was “ Grease - Totally Devoted to you” themed, and once again everyone got into the spirit of the evening and we had many Sandys, Dannies and Pink Ladies. It was difficult to choose winners, but Gail Farrington as a young demure Sandy took shared first prize of an exclusive Port Solent Yacht Club mug, along with Richard Taylor, who really looked more like a (very good) Elvis Impersonator than a Danny but it was the right era so he won the mug too. Derek had once again organised the 50s and 60s music in the marquee for all to enjoy, and at one point Andy Cassels-Brown and the crew of Westray gave us their own rendition of a Grease song which we all enjoyed. Some ate their BBQ outside in the evening sunshine while the rest of us dined in the marquee, but, as ever in England, as the sun went down, so did the temperature, forcing some now blue members into an early retreat whilst the diehards stayed on to party in the marquee.

On Saturday we had a photographic competition - which had to have been taken after leaving Port Solent, accompanied by a poem. This was really well supported and, out of 22 sail and motor yachts attending the rally, 20 brilliant poems were received, we have some loving dog owners among our members, along with Captain Flamingy drunk in his dinghy (off Moonshine) who got a special mention. We all voted democratically on WhatsApp and our two clear, joint winners were Jennifer and Peter on Brilliant who wrote about the Flower Moon and Nikki and Howard on Riptide writing about exiting Port Solent Lock, with Jane on Bright Future coming third with a brilliant poem about the warship Liz. (Poems & Photos Below)

It turned wet on Saturday afternoon, but fortunately cleared over before we took a water taxi or walked to Brading Haven Yacht Club where we were met by the BHYC Commodore Nigel and his wife Barbara for our pre-dinner drinks followed by a very enjoyable and well served dinner. The (volunteering) waiter had also made beautiful table flower decorations for us all which made the evening feel quite special. Happily the weather had remained clear during the evening and after we’d eaten, we all walked safely back over the causeway by torchlight.

After our prize giving presentation on the quayside on Sunday morning, the weather was looking suspect so a few decided to return to BHYC for a Sunday lunch, and others did their own thing. There were 8 of us left, the beach picnic idea was abandoned and we all shared a convivial lunchtime feast aboard Astrid.

Everyone did their own thing on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. Then, one by one, as the tide rose at lunchtime we all headed out of Bembridge and back to our berths in the warm afternoon sunshine on a very flat Solent sea.

Flower Moon by Jennifer Largesse, Brilliant

The tide rolls in gently
Tis the first moon in May
It’s golden spun petals reflecting the way
The sky making space for this month’s Flower Moon
A blue one will follow our journey to June
Hard to imagine as skies turn grey
Maybe I dreamt that moment in May

The Solent by Nikki Richardson, Riptide

The lock gates are open, the water runs free
From narrow confines to wide open sea
Off to Bembridge and the sky’s looking bright
The crew’s brought Prosecco - so we’ll be alright.

Yachts attending (in no particular order) were: Sail: Westray, Legato, Bright Future, Paxi Moon, Old Possum, Adriana and Astrid . Motor Vessels: Reef Knot, Moonshine, Moonshadow, Sea Hawk, Riptide, Saskia, Brilliant, Ammonite, Gite, Thomas Hardy, Blitz, King Hi, Merlin and Lucca

Lymington Dan Bran Review
17th - 20th April 2026

Eight yachts (Adriana, Astrid, Bright Future, Falaise, Ismana, Jango, Legato, Nicknack and one powerboat (Moonlight Shadow) participated in the Dan Bran Rally this April hosted by Jenefer and Charles from Falaise. The majority arrived in time for pontoon drinks on the Friday evening. Emma and Ian Bourne joined too as their trip west had been curtailed due to the weather and Marian Nightingale also came along. All had a great catch up particularly those who had not seen each other since last year.

Blue skies and sunshine greeted all arriving in Lymington although as soon as the sun disappeared in the evenings it turned chilly. On the Saturday, Jenefer had arranged an RNLI lifejacket clinic and tour of the Lymington RNLI boat house for all. The added entertainment was Falaise’s old liferaft being inflated and some of the group experimenting what it is like to sit in a liferaft. The lifejacket clinic was very well-received however it resulted in a few trips to the local chandlery and a big expenditure for some of the group. Better safe (and broke) than sorry! Pontoon drinks were hosted by Falaise again on Saturday before heading to The Haven. Dinner was much enjoyed by all with good service and food. Sunday dawned with blue sky and sunshine for a third day in a row. Unfortunately four of the boats had to depart that morning due to work or other commitments. Jenefer and Charles led a walk via the marshes to The Fisherman’s Rest for a tasty Sunday roast lunch. All remaining boats departed Dan Bran on Monday morning. We would like to express our thanks to Jane Kelvey who provided great support for our first rally.

Jenefer & Charles, Falaise