ESC Cruiser Rally to Bembridge
Published 10:38 on 16 Oct 2025
ESC Cruiser Rally to Bembridge review by Martin Stewart:
To round off the sailing season in style, six intrepid boats from Emsworth Sailing Club's cruiser section set off for Bembridge on Saturday 11 October. The rally, at fairly short notice organised by a willing volunteer (who may or may not have drawn the short straw), promised a weekend of gentle adventure, good company, and pub grub. It turned out to be a cracking end to the season, with just the right mix of calm seas, camaraderie, and coastal charm.
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The weather gods, clearly favouring motor cruisers (in particular, my boat 'Dolphin') over sailors, served up an almost flat calm for the crossing. While the sailing contingent may have longed for a stronger breeze, spirits remained high as boats tiptoed over the Bembridge bar with no casualties to reportalways a win when the tide plays gatekeeper.
Berthing was handled with nautical charm by the marina's dory-bound 'berthing master', who directed each boat to its spot with the precision of a traffic warden on water. Berth No.74 became our home for the night, and the newly refurbished marina facilities were a pleasant surprise, though six male showers for 80 visiting boats did spark a few tactical timing discussions.
The evening saw all 12 rally participants navigating the unlit footpaths to St. Helens, where the Vine Inn welcomed us with open arms, a hearty menu, andunexpectedlya live band. Thankfully, the music was distant enough to allow for conversation, laughter, and tales of tidal triumphs. Even a few non-rally ESC and ESSC members also made their way to the Vine, proving that good pub food is a universal draw.
Sunday morning brought a leisurely start, a water taxi ride for myself and crew, and a front-row view of the RNLI lifeboat launching dramatically down the slipwaypure serendipity and a highlight for many. By midday, the tide returned and so did our sense of direction, as boats formed a stately procession out of the harbour, bound for home.
A cracking end to the season, with just the right mix of calm seas, camaraderie, and coastal charm.