The Wanderer Edition 119, Autumn 2018
WandererFest 2018 A sunny curry with new friends by Robin Gabbitas and Simon Edsforth 2018 brought us back to the wonderful Cobnor Estate for the fourth year in a row. And why not? Nestled in the heart of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Chichester Harbour, the house and its grounds are a permanent home to 150 dinghies small and large and, for one long weekend in July, the Wanderers. For the whole season the weather has been superb and it was sure to bring wanderers from far and wide, and come they did making it the most well attended of the events on the calendar.
First things first the marquee was erected, the tents pitched, boats unhitched and masts raised ready to beat up the various creeks and passages throughout the Harbour. For the uninitiated Chichester is a haven for all water craft and the natural habitat of the Wanderer, many having been built in Emsworth. And so to the sailing. Day 1. Thursday. A breezy F4G6 was whipping up from the ENE and the tide ebbing from noon. Some intrepid explorers set out to Dell Quay, no doubt to partake of the hostelries provided at the sumptuous Crown and Anchor. The Perils of the moored boats through Itchenor reach and Chichester Lake in a headwind proving too much even for the seasoned and mastered Meadowcroft, winner of the Nationals three times! Although apparently opting for a safe haven on a beach to “enj-
oy a picnic”. Never the less, beaten up, reefed and (egos) bruised, those Wanderers set foot on shore at Apuldram for a well-earned refreshment. Tide and wind behind the journey back was not so perilous. Especially as Philip had promised to light the barbecue(s!). Which he did on arrival back at camp some three hours before cooking was attempted. The food seemed to warm through, mainly due to the hot air temperatures than the coals but much burger was eaten and beer imbibed.
And to Day 2 and Friday. Not too early a start. Some new arrivals brought with them continued breezy weather. Ray’s safety brief resembling more an explanation of reefing and the importance of weather forecasts. The target, Prinsted. A tricky passage through the goal posts at Thorney Channel to avoid the WW2 boat traps proved not too difficult for most. Rather the foiling windsurfer enjoying the stiff breeze and flat waters buzzed the fleet just off the Crake. Some of the fleet made it to Nutbourne Creek, alas the tide ebbing making the hot tea and flapjacks at the Prinsted Scout hut unreachable.
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