Appleby Weekend 9th - 12th December 2011

A total of 15 members from 4 different units joined MVS APPLEBY for a weekend afloat. It comprised of 7 members from Bournemouth and Christchurch, 1 from London , 4 from Gosport and 3 from Portsmouth. Most arrived on the Friday evening and after a quick introduction a meal was soon consumed. Shore leave was granted and several glasses of Lemonade were taken at a local watering hole. Followed by, our now traditional, cheese, biscuits and Marmite back at the boat.

 

 

 

A lovely bright Saturday arrived at 0715 with the start of the generator and a call for hands to breakfast that others had prepared, consisting of;b acon, egg, sausage, tomato, toast, marmalade with tea or coffee. We fed them well on board Appleby.

The remaining crew smelt the traditional English breakfast and soon arrived.

A detailed Safety Brief was given and crew stations were issued along with various instructional hand-outs and a detailed SHIP ACQUAINT LIST and a ship recce. Heaving line practice followed with some interesting versions spotted. 

 

 

 

 

1015 was time to start the engine and single up. Permission from QHM was granted and we quietly slipped the berth and headed for the eerily quiet Solent. The weather forecast was good and stayed that way all the day, just a nice bone chilling breeze.

Out passed Outer Spit Buoy and from here all new members were given helming instruction and experience, up the North Channel past Calshot Buoy and turn towards the Western Solent .  Lunch of filled rolls was taken on the run. With further useful training to follow. It was decided to enter Cowes by 1530 and this gave the crew the chance to prepare a ship for coming alongside, this was achieved and secure by 1600. A generous outside berth was provided by SHEPHERDS WHARF at an advantageous charge to which we are very grateful - thanks. 

Downtime and a quick debrief followed. Shore leave granted until 1900 for Dinner. A good solid meal with some wine started of the evening well.

 

After Dinner the Galley was cleared and again shore leave was granted. Sign out as the crew went ashore was adhered to with many enjoying a superb evening at a local pub.

Again cheese, biscuits and Marmite before turning in and lights out. 

 

Again woken the next morning to the rhythmic note of the generator. Engineers cooked the breakfast of bacon, egg, sausage,tomato,toast ,marmalade with tea or coffee. Weather not so good but well within set limits. More tuition alongside with some last minute shopping in Cowes for wishing to snap up a bargain left over from 'the season'.

 

Slipped at about 1015 with David Lockwood conning her out. To the East and towards Ryde Pier where many anchor runs were achieved to a very good standard. Lunch on the run of meat pie, mash and beans. We did contemplate Anchoring in Stokes Bay but the wind was getting up and it would become uncomfortable. Deciding to return to RCY early we were alongside about 1400 via the swashway. Followed by clean ship, ships washup with no complaints from either side. Tea and cake was taken during a debrief before completion certificates were awarded and all crew departed.

 

A lot of training and a lot of input. All went well and thoroughly enjoyable by all. Plus Appleby did not miss a beat.

 

Thanks go to all.