I joined the Dinghy Cruising Association (DCA) two years ago and have since had some great voyages with the UK South group, who have rallies around the Solent and Chichester Harbour.
The DCA is an international organisation whose president is Roger Barnes, the author of the 'go to' Dinghy Cruising Companion book and creator of some amazing video diaries of his voyages, now mainly set in Brittany where he lives most of the time.
As readers of this blog may observe, when rowing I use some sails. When with the DCA, who mainly have sailing dinghies, I sail using some oars.
In the winter the UK South group do a rally once a month and I decided to join one on a brilliant cold December day in Langstone Harbour.
I launched on the east side of the entrance, at the Ferry Boat Inn.
Just inside the entrance is a Phoenix Caisson. This monster landmark is a left over from World War II, when the British build prefabricated harbours which they floated across to the French coast just after D Day in 1944. This caisson cracked and sank in a prominent position and has been left there ever since. It is now used as a fishing platform.
We were due to meet up in a tidal beach called 'the Kench.' The rally attenders were somewhat camouflaged against the background in the low light, I nevertheless spotted them.
I arrived to a friendly welcome. With much common, there is always a lot to chat about.
It was cold. We were well prepared and so enjoyed a good lunch together. It was soon time to go, half our attendees having come from the far north of the harbour and not wanting to miss the tide for landing.
On the way back, I looked south and saw some house boats and holiday lodges just in side the harbour, well presented but not ostentatious.
Looking north across the harbour it seemed flat and featureless apart from the Phoenix Caisson. Some people like the wild austerity of Langstone compared to other South Coast Harbours and it is a haven for wildlife.
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