Blessed with beautiful ‘Indian Summer’ weather over the weekend, the last rally of the season took place at Cowes on 7 Oct. Notwithstanding the sunshine, the Force 5 gusting Force 6 on the way across was a bit of a surprise! Very early booking ensured that the fleet had pole position inside the South bay at Shepards, which was otherwise rammed with boats, some rafted 5 deep outside the marina in the Medina. All other marinas in Cowes were turning away boats, sadly including a last minute Maxi participant. Despite early planning our usual dinner locations (ISC or UKSA) were unavailable, but the adjacent Duke of York pub across the road turned out to be an excellent alternative, providing really good food and exceptional service. We will be back! Early departures to catch the tide going west on Sunday were achieved, despite the logjams in the harbour, but the wind had dropped away to nothing, so Mr Volvo was needed to get participants home. Maxis taking part were: Aloni, Ariam, Asante, Blue Lightning, Eye of Horus, Leda of Hamble, Lookin’ Foor Kloos and Huggy Bear.