Patronus Summer Jolly 2018

For 2018 the popular decision for the annual Summer Jolly was a day’s cruise on the Solent. With the summer having delivered in terms of both temperature and sun, fingers were crossed that this day would continue in that vein.

Any concerns about this were swiftly dispelled though upon arrival at Port Hamble with clear skies appearing to be the order of the day. With all on board, the breakfast bacon butties devoured and the obligatory safety briefing completed we set sail for the Isle of Wight with Cowes being the opening destination.

The lack of wind ensured a smooth crossing and following arrival at Cowes, time was allowed for an exploration of the town with the local ice cream parlour proving a popular destination. However this did not remove any of the appetite for the superb and plentiful on board lunch which was waiting upon our return to the boat.

This having gone down a treat, focus turned to the afternoon and the variety of available activities. After finding a secluded bay the Jet Ski proved particularly popular with a couple of the younger members of the team coming back for a second go round. Both swimming and stand up paddle boarding were also enjoyed although the various attempts to stand up on the paddle board provided much amusement to all others on board. With energy flagging the variety of sandwiches and cakes for afternoon tea went down a treat.

Despite rumours of dolphins being sighted in the Solent on the day we were unable to spot them ourselves and following a gentle cruise back and farewells and thanks to the Captain and crew we disembarked after a thoroughly enjoyable day!