Club members embarked on the SS Shieldhall last Friday morning to watch the J Class yachts racing in the Solent.
Bright warm sunshine and 15 knots of breeze made for a perfect day as the venerable old steam ship followed the fleets every move in the Western Solent. The start line off Newtown Creek was crammed with spectator boats, RIB's and tenders to the yachts themselves whilst the air buzzed with sound of helicopters filming these elegant vessels.
After a well contested start with plenty of shouting, the two mile beat to the top of the Needles Channel then saw the fleet bear away and set their huge kites (video) for the run to Hampstead Ledge.
Turning to windward back to the top mark the fleet split and made for some exciting viewing for the spectators on Shieldhall as she tried to keep out of the way of the cross tacking beauties (video).
Ranger came up quickly from astern so the Captain our old friend Gareth Peaston (owner of Wahenee Waves) bore away to port to allow her to pass under our stern only for Rainbow to tack dead ahead of us and turn the 1800 ton former sludge carrier into the meat in the sandwich, with the engines on full revolutions astern the old girl managed to avert an embarrassing coming together.
Rainbow popped out from under the bow of Shieldhall giving the passengers the chance to see the crew (all 38 of them) up close (video). This was filmed from the stern some 260 feet away!
Once up to the top mark they bore away again for the run back to Gurnard off Cowes.
Velsheda crossed the line first with Rainbow, Lionheart and Ranger following close behind.
A gentle steam back to our berth alongside the Ocean Terminus at Southampton gave our group the chance to view the engine room and the bridge.
Next time the Shieldhall is in Weymouth give her a visit you will not be disappointed.
Steve Dadd
Submitted on 23rd July 2012