Going West – Extending the Adventure After the NBOC Rally 2026

While the annual NBOC Rally officially concluded following the AGM at the Royal Southern Yacht Club, for some members the adventure was only just beginning.

Capability, Alliance, Cygnet, Siren and Evening Star in Yarmouth

Over the past few years, an informal tradition has developed among a number of rally attendees. Rather than heading straight home after the rally, several boats choose to spend a few extra days cruising together, enjoying the company of fellow members while exploring destinations around the Solent and further afield.

This year was no exception.

With farewells said and rally formalities complete, five boats set off to continue the fun. Alliance, Evening Star, Siren, Capability and Cygnet formed this year's "Going West" flotilla, with the first night's destination being the ever-popular harbour town of Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.

We had hoped that our Dutch friends aboard De Bark and Flamenco would be joining us for this part of the trip. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas. Having been delayed in Dover by challenging conditions in the Channel, they decided to make the most of their time exploring the East Coast instead. While we were sorry not to have them with us, everyone agreed they had made the sensible decision.

Yarmouth proved to be the perfect place to ease into the next stage of the adventure. After securing berths and settling in, crews gathered aboard Alliance for what can only be described as one of those special boating evenings that seem to happen naturally when good friends come together.

As the sun gradually dipped lower and the harbour settled into its evening rhythm, the aft deck on Alliance became the centre of activity. Stories flowed as freely as the wine and port, with conversations wandering effortlessly between recent voyages, memorable passages and adventures from years gone by.

Like many NBOC gatherings, the evening also provided an opportunity to remember friends no longer with us. Tales of treasured club members were shared with warmth, humour and affection, reminding everyone how much of the club's history is carried not just in its boats, but in the people who have helped shape it over the years.

Combined with excellent food and wonderful company, it was one of those evenings that no amount of careful planning could create. It simply happened because a group of like-minded people found themselves in the right place at the right time.

The following morning brought a change of plans for some of the fleet. Both Capability and Cygnet needed to return to their home berths due to prior commitments, leaving Alliance, Siren and Evening Star to continue westward towards Weymouth.

The passage proved to be a reminder that boating adventures don't always come with calm seas and favourable conditions.

While perfectly manageable, the trip was certainly lively at times. Heavy rollers struck the boats beam-on for much of the journey, providing crews with a thorough reminder of why cups should be secured and loose items stowed away. Conditions around St Alban's Head were particularly energetic, with the sea becoming noticeably more confused and choppy.

Of course, overcoming less-than-perfect conditions together is often part of what makes these trips memorable.

Arriving safely in Weymouth, the remaining boats secured berths on the Harbour Commission pontoons, rafting alongside two motorboats from Emsworth whose owners were preparing for their own rally the following day.

Rafting is all part of boating life and generally works perfectly well, but transporting two dogs across multiple boats proved to be a challenge. The following day, an opportunity arose to move directly alongside the pontoon, making life considerably easier for both canine and human crew members alike.

With the boats safely settled, attention turned to enjoying everything Weymouth has to offer.

Few places capture the charm of the traditional English seaside holiday quite like Weymouth. With its sweeping beach, bustling harbour and colourful quayside, it remains one of the South Coast's most attractive destinations for visiting boaters.

The days were spent exploring both the town and surrounding area. Local buses provided an easy way to venture further afield, allowing crews to enjoy some sightseeing without needing to move the boats.

Evenings were equally enjoyable. Sometimes dinner was shared aboard one of the boats, while on other nights crews sampled the many restaurants, pubs and eateries lining the harbour and quayside. As always, the company was every bit as important as the food.

One of the great pleasures of travelling with other NBOC members is the complete lack of pressure or rigid planning. Everyone can do as much or as little as they wish. Some choose to explore ashore, others prefer to spend a quiet afternoon aboard, and somehow the group naturally comes together again at the end of the day to share experiences and enjoy each other's company.

After several very pleasant days in Weymouth, it was time for the flotilla to begin making its way home.

Alliance needed to return to the Solent, while Evening Star remained in Weymouth. Alliance and Siren therefore set course eastward, making Lymington their final overnight stop before returning to their respective home ports.

Lymington provided a fitting conclusion to what had been a thoroughly enjoyable few days away. Nestled on the edge of the New Forest, the town combines maritime activity with a relaxed charm that makes it a favourite destination for many boaters.

The final evening was spent much as the first had been—sharing good food, enjoying a few drinks and reflecting on the adventures of the previous week. Conversations ranged from memorable moments during the rally to future cruising plans, with no shortage of ideas being suggested for next year's post-rally voyage.

Looking back, the "Going West" trip perfectly captured what makes the Nelson Boat Owners Club such an enjoyable organisation to be part of. The boats may be what initially bring us together, but it is the friendships, shared experiences and willingness to help one another that keep members coming back year after year.

For those who have never joined either the annual rally or the informal cruising that follows, perhaps this provides a small glimpse into what you've been missing.

Whether you own a Nelson, a Nelson-inspired boat, or are simply passionate about these remarkable vessels, you'll find a warm welcome, good company and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories.

We look forward to seeing where next year's rally—and perhaps another "Going East" adventure—will take us.