Another trip to the wonderful setting of Cobnor House grounds, on the pretty Chidham Peninsular by Chichester harbour. We saw a good turnout of Cody campers and sailors. Despite heavy rain mid-week, the field was OK for camping. Steve and Mel were due to be the first to arrive, but came a day late as they were not sure the field would be OK to camp. So, the first to arrive was new member Bill on his first Cody camp. He arrived on his own to an empty field and must have wondered where all those Cody campers he had seen in pictures on the website and dinghy show presentation were. Bill had met Stephen and Simon a few weeks earlier at the Round Isle of Sheppey race. Luckily throughout the day, a steady stream of Cody members arrived to set up camp and go for a sail.

Steve and Mel arrived on the Friday morning and were there just for the day due to a wedding to attend the next day. They went for a day cruise to Emsworth in their Comet Trio with Bill sailing single handed in his Pacer dinghy. Simon C, David, Anna, Simon M and Anne arrived after mid-day and did a short sail towards East head and met up with Steve, Mel and Bill returning, then they sailed to Chichester yacht club for drinks. Simon, Anne and Anna were joined on the boat with Cara the Cocker Spaniel. The weather was mainly dry, but a heavy rain shower did cause a slight squall for a few seconds just as we were leaving Chichester yacht club to return to the camp.

Others had arrived by evening, including Rob, Emma, Ash and Harry with two spaniel dogs. Rob B was also there along with Stephen, Martin, Debbie, Morgan, Del, Elliot, Edmund, Isabel and Joshua.

People had brought wood for small camp fires but nobody had brought a fire pit! Everyone who had one at home though someone else would bring one! Luckily, there were a few BBQs that acted as a fire pits after BBQing had finished. It was quite a chilly evening so a fire was very welcome.

Saturday was gloriously sunny. Alan and Stephanie arrived with their newly purchased Trio ready to take it for a sail. Once everyone was ready, ten boats from Cody sailed to East Head joined by Eight boats from the DCA. At East Head we met Ginny with dog Pheobe on the beach.

A few carried on to sail to Hayling Island to the sailing club for drinks and food, while others stayed on the beach at East Head or went for a walk.

Most got back to the camp in time to start the BBQs and we all wished Debbie a Happy Birthday and she provided cake! Phil arrived for the evening with Cocker Spaniel – Sybil. Cara had a good play mate!

After a good night’s sleep with warmer weather than the previous night, we woke on Sunday morning to what sounded like quite strong wind in the trees. Many were put off going sailing. However, a few boats did later take to the water. Anna, Rob B, Bill, Stephen and Simon went for a lively sail. The two Comet Trios did the short crossing to Itchenor for brunch at the café and a drink at the pub. Bill sailed to East Head. Rob H and Emma and family came across to Itchenor on their boat by motor. Everyone was back at the field by early afternoon to pack up boats, tents and return home.

We had a very pleasant time once again at Cobnor. It was great to have a good number of people there for the last programmed Cody camp of the season. Cobnor is a lovely place to camp and sail, especially when the weather is nice. We look forward to returning next spring.

Simon M