Waterfront nostalgia

Back to Ocean Village today after a few days away, and I must say it is great to be back on the waterfront.
The closest I have been to sailing waters over the past couple of weeks is lakes, canals and, yes, the Thames — all of them intriguing and holding plenty of interest in their own way, but not quite the same as Ocean Village marina, or indeed any other marina or maritime community.
My visit today was primarily connected with preparations for the next magazine publication for the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, but as usual I could not resist a mooch round the marina village.
But take me to any sailing centre and my habit is much the same. I remember once at a small harbour in the south of France through making a visit to the waterfront, I had the privilege of being shown round an ocean going yacht, of the size you would not find in Ocean Village.
And who cannot deny the romance of places like Santa Margherita or nearby Portofino, the magic of Monte Carlo or even on home ground the varied waterborne activity at Hamble or Cowes, and of course the Beaulieu River and its historic associations, as well as being the home of the Royal Southampton’s other base, on the riverside at Gins on the Beaulieu Estate and often dubbed the Yacht Club’s “jewel in the crown.”

My first sailing experience was on the Thames so I by no means hold any misgivings about the river through the capital . . . just that when back in Hampshire it feels more like home.