Mike Brooke has just had a trip to the Isle of Wight to confirm details of our cruise to Bembridge and Wooton Creek on the Isle of Wight. The following email from Mike demonstrates that we'll get a warm welcome:
"Had a wonderful ‘round robin’ day over on the Isle of Wight today (over on the Fast Cat and back on the Car Ferry) and I’m glad to report a very warm welcome wherever we went. In summary:
Bembridge.
Malcolm Thorpe, Harbourmaster, has granted us full rally rates with figures to follow once the 2016 tariffs are published. Given our minimal on board facilities, he agreed to put the fleet near the ramp with good access to the shower block 24/7. He offered the use of their self help BBQ for £30 but I think the Brading Haven YC is a much better option.
Gemma Wall, Secretary Brading Haven YC, delighted to have us for supper. I guessed at 30-35 at this stage and Tracey, the Chef, said she could do Main and Pud for £15 per cover. Choice of Steak or Fish or Veggie. She’ll let me have some option in due course. Forgot to ask about breakfast but will cover that as we go – no probs I’m sure. Really good atmosphere – nice people.
Wotton Creek/Royal Victoria YC. Lovely welcome from Keith, the Manager, and Rachel the Secretary. We can berth the fleet on the jetty for a rally rate of £1 per metre – amazing value as this includes full use of the Club 24/7. Met Gail, the chef and Wednesday 1st June is Pie Night. These are home-made (meat, fish and veggie) and she can offer Pie and Pud for £11 per head or individually at £7 and £4. Also, Breakfast the following morning. Possible activity in the morning for those who would like a short leg stretch (about 15 mins) is Quarr Abbey which still has some monks... quite historic. We can set off about 1200 as its neaps and Keith estimates approx 1 metre of water around the jetty."