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Additional Event | Summer Staycation Staycation Weekend Review 10 – 12 July 2026 The weather gods smiled on us for our 2026 “Staycation” weekend. The club enjoyed glorious weather from Friday evening in The Harvester, through Saturday evening’s Woodstock-themed party and on into Sunday brunch at the wonderful Koh Thai restaurant.
There were some amazing 1960’s hippie outfits on display for Saturday evening’s Portstock event. The PSYC buskers provided some appropriate live music, very ably aided on the spare microphone by some outstanding additional singers, joined later by a mystery guest guitar hero, and with “groovy” dancing all night. The delicious Caribbean food provided by “Susan’s Cruisin’ Cuisine” was perfect for the party atmosphere and in the heat of the summer evening. Susan and her team have been catering for PSYC’s Staycations for a few years now, and while they are always excellent, I think they might have outdone themselves this year with the best food yet. The evening wrapped a little earlier than planned, as there was apparently a football match on that many people wanted to watch… I like to think that it was the club’s rousing rendition of “Sweet Caroline” that inspired England to their success over Norway on Saturday night.
Beaulieu Feature Rally Review RALLY REVIEW
The rally leaders made sure to place an order for glorious weather for the whole four-day weekend and it certainly was delivered! Pontoon drinks of Friday evening was well attended and some crews took advantage of the food and bar trucks in the boatyard, which this year featured Thai food. On Saturday morning, 5 teams took part in a treasure hunt around Bucklers Hard, with some crews combining forces, leading to entertaining combined team names such as ‘Old Moon Clipse’. The team with the most correct answers in the shortest time was ‘Rubbish’ and the runner up was ‘Miamara’. Prosecco, novelty rubber ducks and bragging rights were awarded later during the evening festivities. Those not cracking codes, solving riddles and hunting for clues walked or cycled to Beaulieu village or relaxed on board.
With some vessels having departed, Sunday evening was a relaxed affair of wine, sunshine and good conversation. Some stayed up late to watch the football and those who got orders in early enough, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of buttery, warm croissants from the harbour shop before departure. All vessels left Bucklers Hard on Sunday to return to their home berth or to continue their seafaring travels. Steph & Steve Jones - No Faffing ** Additional Comment as Steph is too modest Well who knew.... ????
Thank you Steph. Perhaps an encore at the PSYC Christmas bash? Courtesy of Susan Scott Hugh’s Round the Island Rally Review We were a select few for this rally, balanced between sail and power. No Faffing, Happy Place and North Landing representing the Power Boaters whilst Falaise, Highland Lady and Astrid (with Marian and Andrew Nightingale also on board) represented the Sailing Yachts. Aeolus crew would later join us in Gosport for a meal at the Creek on Saturday evening, and Skoolie Too had unfortunately had to pull out due to being stranded by bad weather down in Dartmouth whilst on holiday shortly before.
Tea and chocolate cake followed shortly on Astrid, which quickly segued into pontoon drinks alongside on the pontoon before everyone dispersed to do their own thing for supper.
Ironically, just the two smallest vessels, one sail one power decided to continue their circumnavigation so Jen and Charlie on Falaise, and Steph and Steve on No Faffing were both awarded prizes for circumnavigation completed. Well done to both, and Falaise had the additional, magical gift of being accompanied on their way by dolphins. We have so many sailors in and around the Solent, but it is surprising when you speak to people, how few have actually sailed right round the Isle of Wight - so when you do, it does give you a satisfying sense of achievement.
On Sunday morning we all returned to our home berths, wondering what the forecast would be for the HRTI in 2027. Hugh - are you listening? |
It was good to see some new faces along with very welcome familiar friends on Friday evening. The recently refurbished upstairs area of the Harvester is a perfect place for the monthly get together, although I noticed that most of us clustered around the open balcony doors to get a little much-needed breeze in the heatwave warmth.
The team at Koh Thai put on a magnificent brunch for us on Sunday morning, with so much in the way of shared starters that many of us opted for a “doggy bag” option on main courses so that we could enjoy the delicious food on offer without feeling stuffed. Numbers coming for brunch were lower than expected, which was a shame as Jez and his team are keen to forge links with the club and had opened early for us. I suspect the Saturday football result meant that a number of people were feeling a little “tired and emotional”. Those of us who made it for brunch had a wonderful meal, and we are looking forward to many more meals at Koh Thai.
Seventeen
boats berthed at Bucklers Hard Marina on Friday afternoon (12 power and
5 sail) and after a bit of a chaotic arrival, the rally occupied the
entire length of the outside of the visitors pontoon, affording many
vessels a fabulous view of the river and local wildlife.
On Saturday evening, the BBQs were lit and the marquee was filled with live music provided by the fabulous ‘The Dinner Set’. They
took requests and cracked jokes while club members ate their meals and
danced the night away (until 21:30!). And like all good pop concerts,
there were VIP after parties on several vessels. **please see below for an additional comment on the evening
Six
tenders and two main vessels made their way down river to Gins Farm on
Sunday morning, where 19 members and guests enjoyed an excellent roast
dinner in good company. Some returned to the marina by tender and others
walked back. All made it back safely, some with the judicious use of a
bung!
I
don't think that anyone present at the Saturday BBQ evening will ever
again hear the song 'Baker Street', without thinking of the very
accomplished and wonderful performance delivered by its soloist,our very
own Steph Jones!! She simply 'nailed it', with, professional aplomb,
and made it a very memorable evening for all.
Astrid’s
Friday afternoon sail to Yarmouth was unexpected. Not much wind had
been forecast but we sailed out into the Solent into a good south
westerly force 5 - on the nose involving much tacking. As we rounded
Cowes, having reefed and now into a good force 6, wind over tide, lumpy
sea, the cry went up (from someone who shall remain nameless!) “This is
the last tack!”. When we arrived in Yarmouth shortly before 5 o’clock
North Landing and Happy Place were cosily set up in their cockpit
enjoying the afternoon alongside Highland Lady. Falaise came in closely
behind us (No Faffing to join us early on Saturday morning).
The
weekend forecast had been much scrutinised, having rounded the Island
on the previous Hugh’s Round the Island Rally in 2025 - and not being
able to even glimpse it due to the persistent fog, this year’s forecast
was also stating fog then mist at both the Needles and St Catherine’s
Point for the whole of Saturday morning so, late that evening Astrid’s
crew took the decision that, with very little wind forecast and low
visibility we would not go on round but would head up to Gosport Marina
via the Solent instead.
On
Saturday afternoon, the sun eventually came out and in the early
evening we walked from Gosport to the Creek restaurant at Haslar for
pre-dinner drinks on the Terrace followed by a convivial dinner in their
restaurant which everyone seemed to enjoy. A glass was raised in memory
of dear Hugh, with a tear in a few eyes and a debate as to whether he
was enjoying yet another little joke with us regarding the weather.
Port Solent Yacht Club - contact us by email committee@psyc.uk
or in writing - Port Solent Yacht Club, Marina Office, Lock Approach, Portsmouth PO6 4TJ