Langstone Harbour Cruise organised by John Ellis

Despite a lack of wind we had 7 race boards on the beach ready to go very close to the 10:45 start time. As the water approached the beach Richard, Joe, David, Nick, Martin, Mike and I waded in to meet it, the plan being to cross the harbour to Eastney Lake and the Thatched House pub for lunch. 

The wind had barely lifted as we made our way against the tide and by midday we still hadn't made sufficient progress. The fleet was stretched out and without more wind it would be foolhardy to try and cross the deeper water currents.

We needed a Plan B and Richard suggested the Ship Inn at Langstone Bridge so we all started back up the harbour this time sailing with the current. We made good progress and negotiatied some choppy water before the old railway bridge where the incoming Chichester and Langstone currents meet. At high tide 5 sailors put ashore beside Langstone Sailing club, Dave and Mike having previously returned to the beach.

We then walked across the road to enjoy a pub lunch where we were later joined by Barbara and Maurice who had already had a good lunch whilst expecting us at Eastney.

After lunch with the tide now going out it was a simple sail back to Esso beach.

It was good to be on the water on a warm October day and I believe enjoyed by all despite the lack of wind.

John Ellis