The OL Club Review OL Cruise to Cowes

Last April, six OLs joined me – John Hall (Olds 1960–1963) – at Chichester Yacht Club for coffee: Andrew Farquharson (Head’s 1970–1974), Anthony Eland (Second’s 1957–1961), Angus Ross (Second’s 1954–1959), John Covell (Head’s 1958–1961) and Peter Birts (Head’s 1959–1964). Once coffee was finished we then moved across the Marina and boarded Jazzbo (pictured below right). With me at the helm and Angus on deck as crew, the vessel left its berth and headed for the lock. Once through the lock, Angus remained on deck to secure the fenders and then joined the others inside.

We cruised through the harbour from Birdham to Itchenor and on to East Head and West Wittering. Through the harbour entrance between West Wittering and Hayling Island and once outside, we headed West towards Portsmouth, continuing South West across the Solent to Cowes.

After a fast and smooth crossing, with Angus back on deck, the vessel berthed in Cowes Yacht Haven. Once secure, the team posed for photos on the pontoon before walking along the High Street to the Island Sailing Club. This has become our regular haunt in recent times and one in which there is always a warm welcome.

After drinks and a leisurely lunch, our group wandered back to the vessel and retraced the journey back into Chichester Marina. The journey home was a little bumpy but no-one seemed to notice as they were too busy talking and catching up. Angus and I had to decide the best way in which to overtake a tanker which was heading in the same direction as us.

This has been a regular event in recent years although the first time for Peter. He and John Covell had both been in Head’s but had probably not seen each other for 50 or 60 years so there was a lot of catching up to do. It was a truly memorable day out and one to be repeated next year (if not before) and perhaps with another OL or two on board?

John Hall (Olds 1960–1963)