Report on Rally to Southampton Town Quay 16th /17th May 2026 Mixed forecast, but willing attendees as there was promise of sunshine at one point Six boats went, Mike in Kaikoura, Tim in Norm, Tom and Julia in Who Jota, Paul in Monty Don, Shuan in Get Reel and Graham, Maria and Connie (The dog). The weather was fair from the start with sunshine and some cloud with a light breeze. Most people arrived about midday, after stopping off to watch some of the power boats fly down Southampton water. It was around a two-hour trip, somewhat more for Tom and Julia. The fisherman four (Paul, Tim. Shaun and Mike) went together and dropped our lines for 5 minutes to see what the birds were working on. No fish! Interesting approach to the Marina next to the red jet, but behind a concrete wall with a small gap. We all moored up, paid and had a warming coffee / hot chocolate in the marina lounge. The price is very reasonable at under £30. The Marina host Graeme was very Kind and helpful. After lunch people went for walks or a kip. Some of us watched the cruise ships leave about 5 o’clock then it was time for another warm drink in the lounge as it started to rain. Around 6pm we walked up to the Platform Tavern across the road for pre-dinner drinks. Dinner was excellent with the choice of pies, burgers etc. Some of us managed to have room for sticky toffee pudding! Time for bed, not before having a night cap with Graham on Madrina. We eventually got used to the Red Jet Sunami which rocked the boats before it arrived and most people had a good sleep The net day brought glorious sunshine, most boats left about 9 or before, but Mike and Paul had more coffee and left around 11 we didn’t have to fight the tide down Southampton water. Hower the wind got up and it took longer than we anticipated. In all a great trip. Look forward to the next Rally on the 13/14 June at Gins Farm. Mike 1