MEDINA COMBINED CLUBS

Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, East Cowes Sailing Club

Medina Mariners Association

LATEST NEWS - JULY 2008

A pub games evening held at the Cowes Corinthian on Good Friday evening was a great success with teams from the three member clubs enjoying some not too serious competition at pool, darts, shove ha’penny and toad in the hole. The undoubted attraction of the evening was toad in the hole, a traditional pub game that is believed to be almost exclusive to Sussex, although that does not stop a regular World Championship being held. The game involves trying to pitch small metal discs into a hole on a lead slate from about 8 feet distance, not a sophisticated game but not that easy, and yet great fun. Come and give it a try. Match referee Terry Webb had his work cut out keeping things moving along smoothly all evening but managed to conjure up an entirely appropriate three way tie between the Clubs. Unofficial competition went on late into the night between impromptu teams and everyone enjoyed a tasty beef crew pot prepared by Carole Webb and Emma Robinson. All in all, a thoroughly successful evening and one that it is hoped to repeat on an annual basis.

A boat jumble followed this on 20^th April, again held at the Cowes Corinthian, and which was well supported with all ten stallholders admitting to a satisfactory return. A highlight was Ian Botham dropping in (or was it his double?), but he left when he realised the bar wasn’t open. And on 4^th June, the Commodores of the two sailing clubs plus the Chairman of the Medina Mariners met with the Chairman of Cowes Harbour Commission and the Harbour Master to discuss various matters believed to be of interest to all members, including the increase in berthing charges as a result of the Outer Breakwater Project, and the impact of the breakwater on racing within the estuary.

The first planned cruise of the season, to Lymington on 10^th/11^th May unfortunately did not take place due to a combination of lack of wind, uncooperative tides and the organiser having to attend his father’s 70^th birthday. After a longish spell of reasonably settled weather, things went almost completely pear-shaped just in time for the second planned cruise, to Marchwood Yacht Club on Saturday 24^th May. Winds gusting at over 40 knots and heavy overnight rain tried to put a dampener on proceedings. Eleven boats were initially registered although one was withdrawn beforehand for the novel reason that a pair of ducks had nested and laid eggs on board. Seven more boats pulled out because of the conditions on the day, leaving a total of just three of the bigger boats and eight hardy souls to make it for a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the ever-welcoming club. The conditions on Sunday turned out totally against the consensus forecasts so allowing a pleasant return trip in calm and sunny conditions.

The third cruise in the programme, to Port Solent on the weekend of 7^th/8^th June was blessed with much more benign conditions, and a nice mix of three yachts, two motor sailers and two motor boats, which were found space alongside each other in the marina. Coincidentally, two groups of three boats arrived simultaneously about an hour apart, leaving organiser Debbie with Ian on Dabra arriving late and alone, nobody being convinced by the excuse of a MAYDAY incident off Gilkicker Point for the late arrival. Their arrival was not too late, however, for pre-dinner drinks and all fourteen participants squeezed onto the conveniently rafted Dabra and Suncracker for some enjoyable imbibing before heading off to Zizzi for some excellent Italian food followed by nightcaps on Rosimai. A long, hard day all round. Rosimai departed (relatively) early next morning for a spot of fishing whilst the remaining six boats joined the midday queue to eventually escape through the lock for the return to home berths.

WHAT'S ON OFFER TO ALL OUR MEMBERS?

Facilities

The following facilities are available to all at member rates:

MMA scrubbing berth – 36’ LOA, 6’ draft, 10 tons (Ring Gary at Folly Reach Harbour Management on 07887 7259922)

ECSC cradle – 26’ LOA, 4’6” draft, 3.5 tons and ECSC alongside - 26’ LOA, 4’6” draft average tide, no weight limit (Ring Stores Officer David on 07989 690328)

CCYC crane - stepping masts and 2 tons weight limit for wash off in slings (ring Tom the Bosun on 07870 301964 or 293403)

CCYC – limited visitor berthing (water and power available)

Plus, of course, the friendly CCYC bar, but please remember to have your relevant membership card available. Opening times are Monday to Thursday – 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm, Friday & Saturday – 11.00 am to 11.00 pm, Sunday – 12.00 noon to 10.30 pm.

Racing

Members are encouraged to support all three clubs’ racing fixtures. Details are available on club web sites. For ECSC Thursday evening fixtures contact Dave Casson on 293053 and for MMA dingy racing at the Folly contact Dan Lyons on 295301.

Cruising

See the Cruising Section for details of the full 2008 cruising schedule.

Discounts

Please note that Richardsons at Island Harbour now offer a 5% discount to members of all three clubs on purchases from their well stocked chandlery (except items on special offer). You are also reminded that Watts (“the paint people”) offer a 10% discount on products to all members.

Cruising Section | Welcome to Prospective Members