Anyone based at Sparkes ?

[tetleys]

Good morning all

Anyone berthed at Sparkes ?

I am currently purchasing a boat in the marina and being off my home turf would appreciate any local knowledge.

I agreed purchase subject to the usual inspections and seatrial last saturday so will be up and down fron the north several times over next few weeks until moving the boat back to North Wales. Hoping for a few trips out from Sparkes before then though.

Any comments greatly appreciated

Cheers
Tetleys

 

[gjgm]

was based at Northney.. so if you mean where to go...
the harbour itself is outstanding, though the harbour patrol always seemed rather officious to me, so watch your speed. Its VERY tidal, so believe that depth sounder or you will be the next amusement for passing boats !!
The entrance can build up a really nasty swell over the bar, so just give some thought for wind over tide to be sure getting back in isnt going to scare everyone.
Otherwise, on the eastern end of IOWight, a couple of nice anchorages are Whiteliff Bay, and Priory Bay (watch the tide and small sandbank on the latter). Otherwise of course you have all the northshore of IOW to explore- but again, keep an eye on the tide... you can have to be a long way off the shore line.. and dont forget Brambles Bank at the mouth of Southampton Water.
Its worth noting that the mouth of S/hampton Water, and of course the Needles get huge volumes of water pouring through them, and get kick up some crapy conditions at times (eastern end just gets choppy), so again give some thought to wind/tide if its blowing a bit.
Oh, and there are some massive ships and alot of ferries, some very fast, so keep a good look out.

 

[MVP]

We're been dry berthed at Sparkes for the last year and a bit, and had a boat in the area for the last four years.

The marina is small and friendly, the MDL staff are excellent.

Sparkes must be one of the best positioned marina's, 10 minutes and you're out in the solent (it's a 30+ minutes from Northney), or if it's bad weather you can stay withing Chichester Harbour, or sail around to Langstone

It's also in an area of outstanding natural beauty

There are lots of drying sand banks and spits around, so you need to keep a good eye on your depth finder until you know your way around.

We're down there almost every weekend, so if you need a pair of eyes, let me know

MVP

 

[[2068]]

There are a couple of things to watch out for:

1.) An uncharted spit as you go past the sailing club. Aim to be a couple of boat lengths off the sailing club pontoon and NOT anywhere near the green hat or East Cardinal. In theory it's 24x7 access, but best to scout it out at low tide by going for a walk before attempting anything on a low spring.

2.) The entrance to Chichester Harbour: Not quite as scary as it seems, but try and time it to avoid being there if the tide is going out and the wind is onshore. Coming back on Monday in an onshore F4-5 was a bit bouncey even with the tide going the right way (in!).

3.) The submarine barrier off Portsmouth. Marked with yellow poles out to Horse Sand Fort: a fair number of the Round Britain fleet went aground on it before the race even started. Either go outside the Fort, or there's a "gate" midway marked by a concrete thingy with a red marker on one side, and a green on the other. There is another gate very close to the shore, but that's a bit scary.

4.) Even if you survive the submarine barrier, either the hovercraft or one of the ferries around Portsmouth will probably get you Only kidding. Just be aware that some of the smaller/faster ones will take shorcuts outside of the main shipping channels.

5.) Other than the above, have fun! There are lots of places to explore within easy cruising distance.

 

[tetleys]

Thanks for all the information. Will get reading the Almanac !!

Sea trial is early next week so will let you know how it all goes.

Cheers
Tetleys

 

[yankee1]

We have been at Sparkes for a year or so and really like it. Great access to Solent and you can always stay in the harbour and go to West Wittering/East Head or Chichester on the rougher days. Marina can be a challenge in the wind for larger boats. You should not have any access issues at all tides. MDL crew always helpful. Good luck.