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5 Maxi’s – and 13 people – meet in Nieuwpoort, 4-6th August, 2005

Published 21st April 2010 | By chris

 

5 Maxi’s – and 13 people – meet in Nieuwpoort, 4-6th August, 2005

 

The Nieuwpoort ‘meet’ during the first week of August proved to be a very worthwhile event for all concerned with both social and sailing aspirations being well satisfied.  This was despite the weather being less than compliant for a projected stay on the continent.  Most boats enjoyed a good round trip, although Vouvray perhaps being the exception on her return voyage to the UK. 
Interest for this “East Coast” Maxi meet seemed fairly laid back in the initial stages but firmed up quickly once the weather and tidal window for Saturday 4th August became favourable.  Much interest in Nieuwpoort as a destination was shown from the outset, but of course leisure sailing often loses out to other priorities and time/place commitments are never easily made.  However, a handful of boats is enough for a green light when your appetite is up for it, and some Maxi’s had the advantage of already being over the channel.  Bacchus, our host’s boat belonging to Francois and Els DeDecker, have Nieuwpoort as their home berth. Also, John and Olivia Mason’s Moonwisp 2 had been sailing in Holland along with friends on their own Westerly and were now aiming to sail south to meet us.  Coming the other way, north along the French coast were John and Nini Taylor in Amare, a Maxi 1200 from Southsea (John’s other boat is a Fireball!) so we had a very welcome participant from the South Coast. 
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Saturday, at 05.30 in the morning, Neroli and Vouvray slipped moorings and left the Orwell River just before a spring high water to take full advantage of the tide for an 80 mile south easterly crossing to Nieuwpoort.  An initially weak SW wind later veered to give us a rolly but direct ride over to the Belgium offshore banks with SOG’s of over 7 knots.   This had the bonus of arriving at the shoals off Nieuwpoort before low water so we could sail straight across Banc Small and into Nieuwpoort ahead of our ETA (a passage time of approx 12 hours).  This proved an agreeable arrival with Moonwisp 2 already berthed and John Mason waiting to take our lines.  Francois greeted everyone with invitations to apéritifs on Bacchus (great name for a boat  –  Francois was only too keen to live up to the God of Wine’s name!).  We followed this by an “Gastronomique” indulgence in town.
 Nieuwpoort is a good port of call with large marinas offering excellent facilities at attractive prices (my Maxi 1000 cost about £12 per night).  Good food is readily available, especially sea food in wide variety.  It is also well served by convenient transport in the form of trams/trains to Oostende, Brugge etc. plus being a good location for sailing passages up to other Belgium ports and Holland or down to the French coast.
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Soon, thirteen hungry sailors were shuffling into a well chosen fish restaurant (with port holes on the walls and waiters dressed in traditional sailors garb!) to plunge into the depths of the best that our seas can offer – with wines to match of course. All this was punctuated by much talk of sailing experiences, Maxi greatness, boat gear gremlins and general philosophies.  For me, at least, evenings such as this justify any efforts for such a meet up or rally as the relevant exchange of ideas and info between fellow travellers is priceless. 
 
Sunday we awoke to a dismal day, despite John Mason’s prediction that the Azores High would arrive at 13.00 hrs.  Chris and son Andy were on serious weather watch hoping to take Vouvray back to blighty P.D.Q.  A break in the rain around midday allowed us to explore the town square and even dine Al Fresco accompanied by “live” music in the square. Later, on walk-about, we were very impressed by Nieuwpoort’s fresh fish shops – you’ll never see better! 
 
Then Carole and I plus our crew Owen were impressed and entertained in style on John and Nini’s Amare (12 metres of luxury in motion) with the ladies as usual being treated to much “techno

-bore” talk that only us guys can dish up.  By evening, we were aware of a decline in the weather and pondering Vouvray’s prospects for a return passage. 

Monday saw everyone sitting tight and wondering when the wind and rain might ease.  Carole, Owen and myself abandoned Neroli for the tram and train trip into Brugge which proved a good day out despite constant rain.  Meanwhile Vouvray had departed and we all wished her well in what we knew would not be the easiest of voyages back. (See footnote!)
Tuesday and the weather brightened enough for Moonwisp 2 with their companions and Amare to depart – followed later by Neroli – to wander down the coast to meet up later in Dunkerque from where we would independently plan our homecomings.
This rally brought together different Maxi’s from diverse ports for a very worthwhile gathering and reinforced the common ground that all Maxi owners share.  And many thanks to Bacchus for the local arrangements – I’m sure we’ll be back for more!
 Rod Minkey (Neroli)  
 Footnote  ~ Vouvray’s tale:  We were in a classic “need to get home” dilemma.  Andy, my son & crew, was on a week’s leave and needed to get back for the delivery of a bathroom suite.  We then had just 4 days to get it stripped out and back functional in time for mum and 18 month daughter who, as it so happens, were elsewhere in Belgium visiting her family! 

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After hearing the 5.30am forecast, we decided we would give it a go as the winds were not forecast too strong (NW 5 and 6’s) although bang on the nose into what we knew would be short steep seas, around 3m height.  We powered out of Nieuwpoort with fully reefed main and took plenty of green water as we cleared the entrance in 30 knots plus of wind.  We then settled down and made good progress sailing until passed West Hinder, although the curren

 

ts and waves were not pleasant around any of the banks.  Our progress really dropped (even though we were now motor sailing) due to adverse tide as we tried to cross the wide Hinder TSS and we even considered diverting to Ramsgate for a short while.  However we managed to get into the relatively calmer seas near Kentish Knock, and the winds and seas gradually eased as forecast.  As we approached Walton on the Naze, the sea was dead calm and we saw the first yachts!  We then wondered why our speed suddenly dropped: we had picked up a pot marker.  Fortunately, the rope cutter did its work.

 
Our only real drama was when I looked up at the reefed sail near West Hinder and saw our Visiball radar reflector and tricolour assembly swinging viciously around on the end of the power cable, bashing everything at the top of the mast.  We were worried about several kilos falling down and damaging the deck or us.  There was nothing we could do: the cable was too well cleated to be able to ease it from the mast foot (we tried!).  Over an hour or so later, the light and reflector eventually severed the cable, falling safely into the sea.
 Chris
Posted in Rallies 2005 and before

Winter Wheels at Cafe Lulworth, Universal Marina, Sat 7th March 2009

Published 21st April 2010 | By chris

 

A brilliant turnout with 27 people, plus two hardy boats
 
The first rally of the season for the Solent Area was on Saturday 07th March.  Being early in the season with many boats still out of the water it was planned as our annual ‘wheels rally’.  However, despite the strong wind forecast for Sunday, two boats sailed in to Universal Marina, SHEARWATER from Gosport and LOOKIN FOR KLOOS from Lymington.
We had a great turnout for the event with a total of 27 people representing 12 boats.  We were well looked after by the staff of Café Lulworth who served us with a very enjoyable meal.
Boats Represented
Good Time Girl, Asante, Blue Rider, D’eaunuts, Huggy Bear,  Blue Lightning,  Lookin For Kloos, Shearwater, Intrepid, Caribou, Vouvray, Maxi Magic
 
  
 
Peter Sands, Blue Lightning
   
Posted in Rally Reports 2009

Sun, warmth & blue skies – Bembridge 23-25th May 2009

Published 21st April 2010 | By chris

Sun, warmth & blue skies – Bembridge 23-25th May 2009

What a contrast to last year!

Sun, warmth, blue skies… and 8 Maxi’s.   A perfect start to a bank holiday weekend!

 

The marina staff had prepared for two trots for us.  Blue Rider arrived at the top of the tide to find Blue Lightning already there and ready to take our lines.  The remainder of the fleet smelt the coffee and soon followed alongside to join us the cockpit and catch up on the news of winter holidays and refits.  This was to be a good Bank Holiday break.

 

We were able to welcome newcomers, John and Irene Taylor, with son Phillip, onboard Amare (38+), and Graham and Helena Douglas, with boat hound Hamish on Moon Shadow (999).  Helena is our new newsletter editor.  All relaxed in the pleasant afternoon, except for the crew of Blue Rider who were busy planning the progression of that night’s BYO Safari Supper — for 14 crew in six groups on two boats per course with three courses.

The evening was brilliant and started with pontoon party and ‘hors d’oeuvres’ in the warm sunshine.  At the allotted time we gathered our first courses and assembled aboard our host boat.  After this we had half an hour to cook our main courses on our own boats, before collecting desserts to eat on another.  Finally thanks to their kind hospitality we all gathered onboard Blue Lightning for coffee, chocolates and after dinner drinks to commend our good fortune with the weather and excellent company.  Some thoughts also turned to a possible Rally in Guernsey for 2010, now that we have Maxi owners represented there.

Sunday opened for a healthy day with most Maxis off for walks around the shoreline: some even managed the Crab & Lobster for lunch.  We did the windmill for education and met the Sunday Maxi arrivals around the town.  That evening, like clockwork the ferries were ready to take us to dinner at the colonial style Bembridge Sailing Club with its dining room facing the setting sun.  We all complimented the presentation of the excellent two-course meal and coffee.

Bank Holiday Monday started dismally following overnight rain, but the weather soon cleared for a necessary departure for most at about 10:30, leaving Blue Rider having coffee at Baywatch before leaving on the tide at 12:30.

Blue Lightning
Bilton Garth
Amare
Maxima
Blue Rider
Good Time Girl
Moon Shadow
Lookin for Kloos                                    (18 people in all)

Report by Peter Stonestreet Blue Rider and Helena Moon Shadow

Posted in Rally Reports 2009

Nimbus Power Boat/Maxi Yacht Rally at Bembridge in the Solent 16-18 May 2008

Published 21st April 2010 | By chris

 

Nimbus Power Boat/Maxi Yacht Rally at Bembridge in the Solent  16-18 May 2008

In 2007, our first Nimbus/Maxi rally had to be postponed from May until October due to the terrible forecast and limited access at Bembridge.  This year we were rather more fortunate with the weather.  It was however somewhat ironic that this year’s date coincided with the formal transfer of Maxi Yachts from the Nimbus Group to the Najad group.  More news soon on this move, but we hope that our excellent relationship with Nimbus Owners, many of whom formerly sailed Maxi’s, will continue.
"A very happy gathering of 8 boats. What a date to choose. The date of the Nimbus sale of Maxi to Naiad!  Despite this 2 Nimbi and 2 Maxi arrived late Friday evening to meet and compare different styles of boating.  On Saturday 7 more Maxi arrived in time for some to visit the excellent Roman Villa museum nearby at Brading which included lunch. Again, it was remarked how the owners of Maxi and Nimbus boats mix well so that no one was left out.
Following the delayed return we joined the others in discussion of modifications to 1100 and 1050 as well as anticipation of the 1300’s that have been sold through SD Marine.  Thumbs down for the evening BBQ in a cold NE wind, with preference for a quick thinking, seemless alternative of ‘progressive supper’ configured by the crews to ensure that all mixed at different boats for different courses.
Unfortunately a regular, Saphire, could not attend hence, by popular vote was recommended as a coordinator for Channel Isles where they have recently moved!
Boat Crew No’s
Blue Lightning  1100 Peter & Sarah Sands 2
Blue Rider  1000 Peter & Sue Stonestreet 2
Maxima  1100 David & Sandy Hodges 2
Asante 1100 Andy & Sara Horwood 2
Magewind 1050 John Skipper, Rosemary, Ruben 3
Blue Demon 1100 Guy & Ros Warner 2
Footloose  Nimbus Don Lucas & Avril 2
Vilana  Nimbus Micky, Brigitte, Gabor, Idkila 4
   
Posted in Rally Reports 2008

Bucklers Hard Rally, 21 – 22 June 2008

Published 21st April 2010 | By chris

Bucklers Hard Rally, 21 – 22 June 2008

Even the met office did not even know what the weather would be. Rain, wind, sunshine, it varied by the day.  Perhaps a little grey to begin with, but lovely surroundings in a quiet up river location, next to the maritime heritage village houses of Bucklers Hard…

"The mid summer barbeque for the Maxi Owners proved a popular event, with a total of 10 boats and 22 people attending.  The weather started a little damp and gloomy on Saturday morning, but by the time most boats had arrived, things were clearing up and getting decidedly warmer.

The BBQ, provided by Bucklers Hard Marina, was set up on the green by the waters edge in front of the Bucklers Hard cottages between the historic building slips of the earliest warships of England.  Things kicked off with traditional summer Pimm’s, beer and nibbles courtesy of the M-O-A while the charcoal heated up.  Then for the great ‘cook-off’ with all crews cooking their own meals on the coals, with salads and puddings to share.

The evening stayed dry until the meal was over, but then a few drops of rain were felt, so Peter Stonestreet to the rescue (with a little help from a few others) and up went the gazebo.  Well fortified with food and not a few drinks, and we all managed to shelter from the light shower in true British barbeque style!

The food was finished, the barbeque cooling and the drinks had disappeared, so crews slowly drifted off back to their boats for a good nights sleep, apart from a few diehard drinkers who went on for a nightcap on Huggy Bear.

Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny.  Boats started to depart from around 0930, with Good Time Girl the first to leave in order to make their way back to Birdham in time for the lock opening.  Looking for Kloos departed at the same time, with the remainder of the boats having a more leisurely morning, with a number of crews getting together on Blue Rider for a pre-departure coffee.

The wind had been picking up all morning, and I think most boats were surprised to be met with winds of 30 knots plus at the entrance of the Beaulieu River.  Blue Rider, Blue Lightening and Asante all came out of the river together; no mainsails were raised, but Blue Rider set full genoa and stormed off towards Gosport in fine style.  Asante and Blue Lightning took things a little more steadily, with just a small amount of foresail unfurled, but nevertheless had a speedy trip back to the Hamble.

All in all, a great weekend – possibly one to be repeated next year?

Boats attending were:-

Asante 1100 Sara & Andy 2
Blue Lightning 1100 Peter & Sarah 2
Caribou 1100 Tim & Sarah 2
Good Time Girl 1000 Kevin & Annie 2
Blue Demon 1100 Guy & Ros 2
Looking  For Kloos 1000 Carolyn & Julian 2
Tosara Blue 1100 Martin, Debbie, Becky & Katie 4
Huggy Bear 38 Colin & Christine 2
Mischief Maker 1100 Douglas & Sarah 2
Blue Rider 1000 Peter & Sue 2

Peter Sands

Posted in Rally Reports 2008
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