Trafalgar Wharf Rally
Sat 11th September 2010
Report by
Martin Hopton, photos by Geoff Turner
"Mud, mud, glorious mud, - nothing quite like it for cooling the blood", so the Seals found out when sitting comfortably
in their newly-found venue for the early September rally at
Trafalgar Wharf in Portsmouth Harbour. This used to be the Vosper Thorneycroft shipyard and has a small and very sheltered dock with pontoons,
a newly-built shower block and other facilities. Being somewhere different from the usual rally spots, this turned out to
be ideal for lift keel boats.
Nine boats arrived on the top
of a high spring tide. The crews were joined by others who came by car. After informal drinks
on the pontoon, the group enjoyed a short walk along the tow path into Porchester Village. Twenty-five members and guests
sat down for a pleasant evening meal at The Cormorant before
returning for a very peaceful night on board.
The following morning a small group relaxed in the sun over a fine breakfast at The Waterside Café which is on site, while
waiting for the tide to lift the boats to enable them to depart.
It was generally agreed this is a good place for future Seal rallies. We were well looked after and made to feel very welcome
at Trafalgar Wharf.
Boats in attendance
Dawn |
Parker 21 |
Cleo |
SuperSeal 26 |
Zephyr |
Parker 235 |
Rascal |
SuperSeal 26 |
Jans Express |
Parker 27 |
Red Seal |
SuperSeal 26 |
Blythe Spirit |
Parker 285 |
Lucky Devil |
Parker 325 |
Shemar |
Parker 335 |