With the first reasonable forecast will the MBM fleet get away?
Checking the Channel
Royal Clarence Marina, Gosport, Portsmouth
It was damp and misty morning in Portsmouth. As planned there was a quick weather check by Neale, then Richard and Claire hopped aboard Time Flies at 7am and headed out to check the conditions south of the Isle of Wight.
Unfortunately the conditions they found were unacceptable for a Channel crossing so the decision was made to stay put for another day. A dissapointed Time Flies crew returned to Royal Clarence.
A few boats have departed Royal Clarence for their home berths in the Solent so they would have access to a car, while Sealine T47 Sea Spirit joined the remaining fleet.
Time Flies went out again after lunch for another check of the weather and the conditions had worsened.
Cruising Club leader Neale addressed the fleet at 6pm with plans for tomorrow and the outlook for the rest of the week.
For the teenagers on the cruise exam revision has been made a top priority by parents in the miserable weather. However, there has been plenty to do around and beyond the marina. For the family crew of Poole-based Italian Job a trip to the cimema at Gunwharf Quays was on the afternoon’s itinerary.
The team will look at the weather again in the morning and, if necessary, send Time Flies out to have a look. Tonight the remaining fleet boats are sat in a deceptively calm Royal Clarence Marina, with the last of the sun casting its yellow rays. Meanwhile out in the channel there is a Force 5 blowing. What will tomorrow bring?
