Hugh’s Round the Island Rally 19th/20th June 2026.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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?