Let us hope for some really good turn-outs this year, with lots of new faces peering out of new tents, and of course the maximum number of old faces under worn old tents (and fishing brollies!).

Following John Q’s system, I give grid references of proposed meeting points.

21 May — ‘Shake Down’ rally at Wootton

Blow away the cobwebs on this nice easy one at one of the nicest locations. The usual meeting place (551926) and bless anyone who brings a tender.

May I suggest that those trailing and launching in the Hamble River (both Hamble and Warsash have good hards), meet in or around the Rising Sun, Warsash (488062) at about 1300 hours, and sail over in company. If you see anyone who looks like one of us, give him a hail.

18 June — Shalfleet Quay, Newtown River

It’s a full mile to the pub but they do make you welcome and they run a free ‘taxi’ service back to the quay (415904) at closing time.

16 July — Keyhaven

Watch the tides for this one. I suggest we meet afloat (308915) and see if we’re invited into the sailing club by Stuart Jones!

6 August — Cowes

The usual spot opposite the Folly (507928). This was the best attended last year with perhaps 10 boats, some having arrived for the fireworks on the Friday.

20 August — Poole

Brands Bay (020856) offers the possibility of a barbeque or a long walk to the pub. If anyone sailing from the Solent wants to keep company please phone me to make arrangements.

3 September — Bembridge

Try 641887?

17 September — Chichester Harbour

Fowley Island (743044) — said to be ideal for camping ashore or afloat.

If anyone unfamiliar with Solent launching sites would like advice they may phone on Lymington 682502 and I will certainly try to help.

Well, good luck to anyone planning more ambitious cruises than those suggested here, and let us all be blessed with moderate winds, fair tides and good landfalls.