CRUISING UPDATES  by Philip Hoath 

 Both beaches are ideal for landing and have easy access to local refreshments and sightseeing, and the opportunity to have afternoon sails to Bournemouth Pier and Old Harry Rocks. Within the harbour Wareham is challenging but a great sense of achievement is felt if we manage to sail all the way to the Quay with the chance of a pint as well. Around the Islands with a lunch stop at Bramble Bush Beach is a favourite of mine, with tranquil views of Brownsea Island and the castle. In the event of bad weather Long Island is the perfect destination and ideal for a first cruise to test the water. More updates later but hope this has encouraged you to join us cruising beautiful Poole Harbour .

Philip Hoath GP 13081

Sunday. Another lunch and an overfed crew. The challenge, to emulate Arthur McEllen and sail around Brownsea Island. From the club slipway to the western end of Brownsea, Pottery Pier, is one nautical mile. This we did with ease but the beat around the south of the island was difficult due to plate and rudder touching the bottom. After rounding Brownsea Castle we were once again in deeper water and sailed across towards Parkstone Bay and broad reached and gybed all the way back to the club. Arthur’s record still stands, the wind being light and the water low. However a very pleasant end to the weekend. I should add that the week in August for our cruising has in general very favourable tides. Our Nationals web site shows photographs of many of the bays I hope we will visit. More updates to follow as “Hoath Robinson” explores more of Poole Harbour and the surrounding waters.

Philip Hoath GP 13081.

October 2005 CRUISING MEMORANDOM 

It is nearly two months since the Cruising Week took place at the Poole GP14 Nationals and as Autumn approaches, and we see an end to evening racing and cruising, it is good to reflect on what was a most successful event, both on and off the water. It is always a pleasure meeting GP sailors from other clubs and I could not have wished for a merrier bunch, the “Camaraderie” was very evident. Although the winds were mainly light the weather , in general, was perfect for cruising. We achieved most of my planned programme, not going to Studland was my only real disappointment. I hope that those of you who came to Poole enjoyed the week and I hope that I will see you again at future events. (You are all forgiven for not doing your homework !!!.) I  did see/surprise some of the cruisers/campers when I called in at Weir Quay on a return work trip from Cornwall. One major piece of news following on from the Nationals……David Le Page from Guernsey has talked to His Club GP14 sailors who have agreed to loan their boats, should we be interested in a visit cruising around the Channel Islands. I will shortly be working in Jersey and have arranged to meet David over a weekend to discuss a possible trip…..sounds great. Well that’s all for now, it only remains for me to thank all the cruisers who came to Poole, all the helpers on and off the water and last but not least, all my “Hoath Robinson” crews.

Philip Hoath GP14   13081