The Wanderer Class Owners’ Association is organising a gathering of Wanderer dinghies at Keyhaven, at the western end of the Solent, on Sunday 3rd October 2004.

The Keyhaven River and its creeks (known as lakes) offer the opportunity of sheltered tidal sailing as well as different routes out into the Solent. Landing (and sunbathing!) is possible on Hurst Spit at the mouth of the river. The event is kindly being hosted by Keyhaven Yacht Club which will provide changing facilities, shelter, bar and bar snacks. Visitors will need to be signed in as guests and arrange for KYC members to buy from the bar – this is a condition of the bar licence.

Visitors are most welcome from local sailing clubs and further afield. The programme for the day will be decided on the day in the light of forecast and actual weather, wind direction and sea conditions. High water is at about 14.00. There is a prolonged high water of about 2 hours which means that there will be a good depth of water in the river and creeks for the whole afternoon. A provisional programme is as follows:

9.00 Club open (Kettle on)

Trailed boats will be met on arrival. Boats should be unhitched and cars removed to the adjacent New Forest District Council car park as soon as possible – you will need £5.60 in coins (no notes or change given by the machine and nowhere in Keyhaven to change notes for coins) to park your car. On arrival visitors will be directed to the best place to rig and where to leave road trailers and launching trolleys.

10.30 Briefing / signing in at the clubhouse

11.00 Sail in western Solent possibly to IoW or Lymington depending on conditions.

13.15 Return to clubhouse area for lunch leaving boats as directed at the briefing.

14.15 Option of an informal Wanderer race to follow the club racing start (or not) depending on the collective wishes of those attending. No compulsion but plenty of help and advice for anyone new to racing. Otherwise free sailing in the ‘lakes’, sail to Hurst Castle or outside in the Solent.

15.30 Cruise in company through the channels and creeks through and around Keyhaven marshes.

16.45 Recover boats. Tea and depart.

Visiting boats to Keyhaven will be liable for a modest launching fee for use of the hard that is mostly gravel with a shallow slope (possible to recover a Wanderer single-handed). Whilst KYC may be able to provide an escort craft for part of the time, this does constitute safety cover and you are reminded that sailing, as with other sports and pastimes can be a hazardous activity. Those participating in this event do so entirely at their own risk.

Keyhaven is best approached via Milford-on-Sea. Follow signs to Keyhaven and after passing The Gun Inn, do not enter the NFDC car-park at this stage but take the next turning left, past Hurst Castle Sailing Club to Keyhaven Yacht Club. Please do not enter the club car park but pull up temporarily on the south side of the approach road near the club, leaving the entrance to the boat compounds clear, and you will be given further instructions.

The western Solent can be rough and although the water will still be relatively warm, the wind may not be. Please wear appropriate sailing gear – personal buoyancy is compulsory. An alternative means of propulsion such as oars and/or outboard, an anchor and a means of reefing or reducing sail are strongly advised. The bar will be selling filled baguettes at lunchtime but you can of course bring your own lunch as well as refreshment for when you are on the water.

If you are also attending the Poole Harbour cruise on Sunday 26th September, it may be possible to leave your boat for the week in Sway, four miles from Keyhaven, by arrangement. Although the Keyhaven Wanderer gathering is now a one day event, it is perfectly possible to come and sail from Keyhaven or Lymington independently on the Saturday too. If you want to do this, please telephone for the necessary information.

If you intend to be at the Keyhaven gathering on October 3rd, please telephone me on 01590 682442 leaving your name, boat number and a contact telephone number if the line is engaged. Addresses of a nearby campsite or local B&B also available from me or on the web. Also please let me know, if you subsequently change your mind about coming.

If the weather forecast nearer the time looks unpleasant, please telephone me on my mobile on the Saturday to check if the event is to go ahead – 07766 508069.

Hoping that you will be able to join us on October 3rd.

Andy Peter

Tel: 01590 682442 Forest Cottage, Pitmore Lane, Sway, Lymington. Hants.
SO41 6BW e-mail: andypeter1949@hotmail.com