The weather was very kind to us as 15 members and our wives sailed to the Isle Of Wight, firstly with a visit to The Mermaid Gin Distillery where we were guests of the co-founders Xavier Baker and Conrad Gauntlett. Wonderful hospitality and an inspiring story of innovation and provenance. We all “kissed the Mermaid”.

Onwards to our home for two days at The Royal Hotel Ventnor, a splendid Victorian hotel above the cliffs. After a delicious dinner on Saturday night, we gathered on Sunday morning to be briefed by Steve Wilson about the Car Treasure Hunt across the island. With notes in hand and a fair wind, we all took off.

We lost no couples on the way and everyone appeared to be still “married” as we arrived at the beautiful Hut restaurant for lunch. Overlooking a calm sea in bright sunshine, we all enjoyed local seafood as Steve announced the winners of the treasure hunt who were Andrew and Susan Cox, just taking it by 1 mile from runners up David and Cara Wilson.