'Priory Bay' Cruise Report

Sunday 22 June 2025

The forecasted weather was for fairly strong winds, making Priory Bay untenable. Alternatives were considered by the six signed up, one being going over on Saturday instead of Sunday. The consensus was to stick to Sunday which meant revising the long-gone Dell Quay 'Pilsey Picnic'; this used to be an annual affair involving BBQs and a cricket match.

Jevon skippered by Derek Poole and crewed by our new Hon Secretary Robert Thomson decided on a day trip to the Nab Tower on the Saturday and a good sail it was too.

In the end, Fairwind (Sue and Barrie), Larus (Zander, Edwin and Beatrix) and Sante (Simon Steele) braved the gusty conditions on Sunday. The holding at Pilsey is very good and is far more sheltered than East Head in a SW blow. This was the first time that Larus and Sante had anchored at Pilsey; always a bit daunting. Single handed Sante was the first to drop anchor. Fairwind followed and then Larus. The crew of Larus enquired if we might get shot by the Thorney military or dealt with in other ways by the RSPB, but no problems and following a brief picnic we walked around south to the very long beach on the west side. All very bracing.

A big thank you to the crews who braved the conditions and Sue and I look forward to seeing them again soon.

Sue and I stayed aboard Fairwind on Sunday night to attend the British Schools Regatta at Itchenor which started on Monday. Sue and I were in awe of the youngsters who set out from ISC to sail down harbour to do back to back races between Eleanor and Fishery and in such heavy conditions. What a thrilling experience for them!

Barrie Pearson
Fairwind