Updated 20:08  Monday 23rd August! 

It is looking good for Ryde straight after The Fareham Rally. Information kindly gleaned by Hilary Martin, is that the Harbour has been recently dredged within the last 5 weeks although the approach is obviously not dredged. If those who are going to the Fareham rally, leave Fareham as soon as they are able (2hrs before HW) they will be going into Ryde at about the top of tide, possibly a little before. As I found when I went up to the entrance about five weeks ago, there should be adequate water on the approach (1~1.5M, we are Seals after all) and the same inside the harbour. I am attaching a picture of the entrance courtesy of Hilary that looks as though it was taken very close to low water and as can be seen, the most significant thing to bear in mind is that the sand has built up on the north side of the entrance so stay right over to port on entry! The bottom is apparently no longer mud, but hard sand (firm enough for vehicles to drive on at low water) Please note that the sand build up along the eastern wall is such that boats cannot now lie against the wall and in fact the the HM has said it is no longer allowed.

As far as evening meal is concerned, it being a Sunday, our choices are limited, so if it is a fine evening, I would suggest a BBQ on the beach, if not then plan B is to go up to Wetherspoons. Will look at the weather nearer the time. I plan to provide drinks and nibbles at 1830 to allow for Seals to arrive and moor up.

The sandcastle and Boule competitions will be held on Monday morning commencing at 1000, don't forget your bucket and spade and Boules if you have them!

Please contact me directly to let me know if you are coming, with boat name and type, and number of people in the boat. my details are in the handbook Martin Watson-P27-Frith. (email and mobile number)

Latest update on the weasther forecast is looking good for Sunday/Monday with Easterly or North easterly winds F3 or F4 and only a small possibility of light occassional rain showers and Sunny or at least cloudy bright.

So far nine boats are signed up, being:

Yours truly in Frith P27

Peter and Jenny Lowry in Sophie P275

Ken and Sue Surplice in Vol eu Vent P275

Steve and Di Drew in Tara SS26

Philip Linsel in Rascal SS26

Hilary Martin in Lesa SS26

Kev and Marney Gibson in Selah P27

Peter Scrivens in Zephyr P235

Paul and Zoe Morris Whitelight  P31 (tentative)

Come on and sign up, the more the merrier and we need someone to beat Phil at Boules and don't forget your BBQ.