For first impressions of the new Maxi 1200 by two Maxi 1100 owners, please click here
A flying visit to the Dusseldorf Boat Show by Andy Horwood and Peter Sands
Having heard that the new Maxi 1200 was to be on display at the Dusseldorf Boat Show, Peter and I got talking about whether it was feasible to go out to the show and get a first look for ourselves. After a few drinks following the recent committee meeting, it seemed more and more of a good idea and before we knew it, flights and a hotel were booked for a ‘boys weekend’ away.
An early start on Saturday morning saw us at Heathrow for the 8 o’clock flight to Dusseldorf. Having taken off on time, we were looking forward to a full day at the show; it was then that the announcement came over that Dusseldorf airport had been closed due to snow and there would be a delay of around 45 minutes while they cleared the runway! After about 30 minutes the announcement came to prepare for landing and we began to look forward to the day ahead. No sooner had the wheels been lowered than the plane suddenly accelerated and climbed; more snow on the runway and a further delay. About another 30 minutes passed before it was announced that the runway was still closed and we were diverting the Hannover for more fuel! An hour or so on the ground at Hannover and it was announced that we were off, but as it was now snowing at Hannover the plane would have to be de-iced before take-off. After some rather alarming spraying with de-icer, we took off for the short flight to Dusseldorf. A final delay while they found some steps for the plane and we got off at last, only three hours late! Continue reading
Maxi Association Rally
Island Harbour, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th July
Peter & Sue Stonestreet, Blue Rider are arranging this Rally which previously has been a welcome Rural break giving the opportunity of relaxation or walks, combined with a ferry ride, to Newport, the Folly, Whippingham village. Now the marina own-ferry can personalise the trip.
The plan: HWPortsmouth; 12th 12.00; 13th 12.46 BST
1800, gather at the BBQ area where:
Drinks & canapé will be provided (the well-known Maxi Pontoon party arrangement, bring glasses, plates and cutlery)
Main Course, provide your own drinks and meats to cook, also please bring a salad to share around. (Heat provided)
Dessert Course will be provided
Wet weather routine, may it never be tested, will be a Maxi known safari style/ rotating dinner. Own cooking on own boat, eating aboard another boat as per a magic plan provided.
Notes:- good website, http://www.island-harbour.co.uk/ 01983 539994, chl 80 on arrival
The Island Harbour is down the Medina just past the Folly Inn on the left. The advice is to follow the channel till the stbd hand buoy opposite the lock and turn port 90 along the line of the waiting pontoon. Clear water ±3hours at 1.8m draft, free flow -1 to +2 hours.
If you wish to preplan, Ferry: 07825 016943 chl 08, info@islandharbourferry.co.uk & web www.
Booking: Owing to our own sailing plans and booking berths, please book by 3rd July using email, if you can’t, let me know as best you can additionally by text will help.
| Boat Name | Boat length | draft | Crew names | Crew numbers |
Peter@stonestreet.me.uk mobile 07976 486492 tel 02392 501320
Maxi Rally to Poole – 14th-15th June 2014
When Neil Niven on Rubymax offered to help organise a rally in Poole, we jumped at the opportunity as Maxi Owners have not had a rally in Poole for some years. Neil secured berths at the Parkstone Yacht Haven and booked South Deep for the evening meal while I co-ordinated with members and Carolyn prepared the pontoon refreshments – an excellent division of labour which made organising the rally simple.
Saturday saw light winds, first from the South East and later from the southwest. While some got enough wind for a sail, Lookin Foor Kloos motorsailed from Lymington to Poole so that we would be in time to get organised to host the pontoon party. We had 4 visiting boats in the marina with Lookin Foor Kloos, Suive, Blue Rider and Leda of Hamble – the last 2 having only just got back from the D-day celebrations in France. The afternoon was spent with the usual boat hopping and catching up followed by the pontoon party at 6pm when we were joined by Neil and Debbie Niven (Rubymax), Rob and Trisha Ware (Maxi Magic) both from Poole and Andy and Sara Horwood (Asante) who had driven down. While showers threatened (indeed we had Rob Ware standing over the food with his umbrella just after we got it out), just after 6pm the skies cleared and we had a lovely evening. The South Deep proved an excellent choice with good food and excellent company.
Back on the pontoon after the meal, we said our goodbyes with Suive, Blue Rider and Leda of Hamble all having 6am starts to make the most of the tide with further to go.
The following morning after what would have been a very restful night except for a noisy, territorial oyster catcher, we had a more leisurely start on Lookin Foor Kloos. When we eventually stuck our heads out, we were surprised to see Suive and Leda of Hamble still on the pontoon. With the spring tides, we were all aground in the mud! Blue Rider had been on the other side of G pontoon and was able to slip out. In the Maxi, stress-free way, we waited for the tide to fill and one by one departed to travel back to the Solent. The weather on Sunday was fair with a north-easterly force 4 to take us back in 3 tacks to Lymington.
With a successful and enjoyable Poole rally accomplished, let’s hope we can include a Poole rally in the programme for 2015.
Julian Trimming – Lookin Foor Kloos.
Participants
Asante Andy and Sara Horwood
Blue Rider Peter and Sue Stonestreet
Leda of Hamble David Brown
Lookin Foor Kloos Carolyn and Julian Trimming
Maxi Magic Trisha and Rob Ware
Ruby Max Neil and Debbie Niven
Suive Richard and Lorraine Sams, Rowena