Bembridge entry tonight - any tips?

[CalmSkipper]

I'm planning my first entry into Bembridge tonight, 1.9m draught. Tidal calc shows enough water HW+/-2 (ish) so can make the entry before it gets too dark - Any tips and where is the best alternative if for some reason I have problems?

 

[Steve Clayton]

Check the marker pole depth outside Bembridge. Re-check your calcs and go in on the rising tide. Know when you want to leave and again; come out on a rising tide.

If you can't take the bottom make sure you are on a berth with appropriate depth.

 

[r_h]

With your draught, tonight may be a little ambitious for a first-time entry. Tides are on pretty much mean neaps at the moment - which gives HW height at Bembridge of only 2.4m over datum (the range at Bembridge is much smaller than that of Portsmouth).

If you do go for it, you'll need an accurately calibrated depth sounder and take it slowly - you may encounter spots with only 1ft (0.3m) under the keel.

 

[Jobs_a_ good_ un]

The least depth is between buoys 2-3 they are at the start of the channel
the channel bends round sharply to the right after a couple of hundred metres
not all the port and starboard markers are in place I usually count down the buoys
Its a great place the little shop in the village is open till 8-9 each night
Theres a brilliant walk along the beach and through the woods to seaview
Have a good trip

 

[CalmSkipper]

Thanks all - and if I have problems getting in, whats the best alternativ overnight ioption from there (forecast is West backing southwest 4 or 5, occasionally 6.)

 

[Whitelighter]

If the wind is West then the Acnhorage just to the north of Bembridge entrance is lovely. There is a pool which is deeper than the surrounding water, but is marked on the chart, which is quite close in. You will be in the lea of the Island, so protected from the wind. I think it is Seaview but could be wrong

 

[jhr]

Priory Bay?

 

[Whitelighter]

I genuinly don't know. I also get the names mixed up round there. Important thing is I know how to get in and where to anchor!!!

 

[fireball]

It is Priory bay ... could get a little lumpy in Wind over tide conditions though - with 6' keel you won't be able to anchor that close in ... quick options are: Porstmouth - Haslar, Gosport Marina or Southsea Marina .. if you want a nice anchorage then a run into Chichester Harbour would see nice anchorage at Pilsey Island (north of East Head) which will be nicely sheltered from the Westerly wind and good holding.

 

[Dave99]

Portsmouth is definitely the easy option for navigation.

 

[RestlessL]

If boats are rafted 5-6 deep at the Duver, keep close to them - the channel becomes very shallow further out.

 

[davidfox]

1 ft under the keel! situation normal for us east coast sailors.

 

[BrendanS]

The difference is that you don't have 0 ft under the keep 30 seconds later as the tide rushes out! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[CalmSkipper]

Mission accomplished!! - Slow and careful won the day - thanks for the advice