The cruise began with a motor in wintry conditions and occasional snow showers to Portsmouth harbour ( Gunwharf quays) with Atlantis and Nerdvana in close company. Some went to the Cinema others chose to eat out in one of the many restaurants so abundant at Gunwharf.

The next morning was brilliantly sunny and almost spring like apart from the cold. It was a very welcome change from the day before.

In the morning breakfast was prepared on Nerdvana whilst motoring across the Solent to the visitor's pontoons off the Folly Inn. 'Atlantis' sailed most of the way to Cowes after motoring out of Portsmouth Harbour.

The Folly Inn is quite a way up the Medina River away from the bustle of Cowes in pleasant surroundings with fields on either side.

After breakfast at the Folly we paid a short visit to to the Marina at Cowes where most went for a walk ashore in the town, some visiting second hand book shops and returning with one very notable purchase of a very thick book on 'Rock' (not the seaside variety) for a mere £3 .

Both yachts returned to the Hamble under motor as the Northerly wind had increased to 25 knots apparent, making it very cold on deck. The wise guys stayed below with the heater and some even slept most of the way back!