Weather bound - Bad weather hits Portsmouth and the MBM fleet will remain in Gosport for another night
Position: 50°48.12 N 001°07.36 W
Participants awoke to grey murky skies and the pitter-patter of the rain overhead. At 9am cruise leader Neale confirmed over the VHF that yesterday’s weather forecast had been correct and it was blowing a Force 5 in the Channel and conditions were getting worse by the hour. As a result, participants had the day to themselves.
Photo – Ready and waiting, Fairline Phantom 43 In Motion, Nimbus 310 Coupe Puffin, Broom 39 Jomima and the two MBM control boats, Jeanneau Prestige 38S Blue Fin and Cobra 7.6 Time Flies
By lunchtime the wind had picked up to a Force 6 in the Channel and a rainy, miserable cloud had descended further on Portsmouth Harbour. Despite the gloomy, blustery weather, spirits were still high among the fleet in anticipation of crossing the Channel.
Photo – First-time channel crossers Bill & Jean of Sealine F37 Marjorie May
Many participants escaped their boats and crossed by ferry to Portsmouth and the shopping Mecca that is Gunwharf Quays, while others were happy to potter about on their boats or venture into Gosport to pick up supplies.
The MBM team was kept busy with a jobs’ list and used the time to get acquainted with new control boats Blue Fin, a Jeanneau Prestige 38 S, and Time Flies, a Cobra 7.6 RIB.
A briefing was held on the pontoon at 6pm during which Neale addressed the fleet with his thoughts on a possible passage to Cherbourg tomorrow and the fleet’s movements over the next few days. The weather looks slightly better for tomorrow, however Monday is looking like the best day. The MBM team will check the weather in the morning and a decision will be made by 9am.
Main Photo – Weather update; Neale addresses the fleet at a skippers briefing at Royal Clarence Marina, Gosport
