Motorboat group cruise to Portsmouth 17/18th July 2025
Four boats from the Club carried the flood tide down to Portsmouth in fine weather on 17th July, berthing overnight at Gunwharf Quays Marina. As has always been required, permission was sought on VHF Ch 11 to cross the harbour from Ballast beacon to the marina, and back again on the return. In the 'old days' the call was made to QHM (Queen's Harbour Master), but with the death of Her Majesty this was changed to KHM. The harbour is now transitioning to a new call sign, "Portsmouth VTS"; somewhat of a loss to tradition perhaps but in line with the call signs used in other major ports, including Southampton.
The crews enjoyed a convivial dinner at the Old Customs House pub, a building with an interesting history. Of late 18th century construction, it was built for the Storekeeper's offices for Gunwharf which was established in 1706 for the repair, servicing, and storage of the Royal Navy's guns and other armaments. In 1923 Gunwharf was re-established as HMS Vernon, the home of the Navy's Torpedo Branch, and the building was used as the Captain's office and the administrative block. Notwithstanding the name, it is believed that the building was used only briefly by HM Customs and Excise.
Digestifs were taken aboard RUBY, berthed in the lee of Spinnaker Tower which is magnificently illuminated in the evening. The intention is to re-run this cruise at a future date with a two-night stay that would allow more time for visiting the many attractions. It may be noted that the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's Ultimate Explorer ticket has a one-year validity and covers all the naval attractions, including those on the Gosport side of the harbour.