Spring Excuse Beaulieu/ Poole — 25 April '08

25 April –27 April

Following the success of last year's foray to Poole via Lymington, this year's Spring Excuse holds to the same general pattern, with just enough variation to keep the programme fresh.

Low Water Portsmouth -    Saturday 26th   1.4m      0733BST

High Water Portsmouth -    Saturday 26th   4.1m      1544BST

Following the success of last year's foray to Poole via Lymington, this year's Spring Excuse holds to the same general pattern, with just enough variation to keep the programme fresh.  The weekend has been chosen both to give plenty of time to let members get sailing again after Easter (very early this year) and to find a weekend when the tides most ideally suit a gentle weekend peregrination from The Solent to Poole and back. In Poole, the Cumberland Fleet will combine forces with our Racing Brethren who will have been indulging in some Random Pairs team racing in the indigenous Redwings at Dorset Lake for an informal buffet supper at the delightful clubhouse there.

Friday 25th:

Gather in the evening in Beaulieu River off the Royal Southampton YC's clubhouse at Gin's 50°47'N 01°27.8W, below Buckler's Hard. We shall have that venue to ourselves for pre-supper drinks (cash bar) and our own supper. Swinging moorings are available off the clubhouse, or one can go round to Buckler's Hard Marina. There will be a launch service between both and the clubhouse. Dress Code for the weekend will be informal.

Saturday 26th:

We will make our way to Poole Harbour to join up with those Royal Thames members team racing in the local Redwings based at the Lake Yard Marina and Yacht Haven near Hamworthy: http://www.lakeyard.com  52°40.6'N   02°01W (approx). The tide serves best from just before mid-day for a start down Solent to pick up the west-going stream as it turns at Hurst Narrows and across Christchurch and Poole bays - distance about 15 miles.  Arrive at Poole Harbour entrance ideally no later than 1700 to save plugging the ebb all the way to Dorset Lake. Moorings available off Dorset Lake and launch service ashore for drinks and an informal supper in the charming little clubhouse there.  Event organiser Tom Montgomery promises we shall this year really be 'in' the clubhouse, and if there is music - we shall chose it.

Sunday 27th:

The tides could hardly be better for a return to The Solent and beyond. There is no need to set off much before 0900, and from 0930, or thereabouts, the stream sets eastwards until mid-afternoon.

Below is the Booking Form and the Menu Choices for the weekend.


Booking Form

Gins Farm Menu Choices (Please return by Tuesday 22nd April)



Please fill these in and return to Jonathan Beeston, Sailing Secretary by

email: sailsec@royalthames.com

post: Royal Thames Yacht Club, 60 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LF

fax: 020 7245 9470