Bembridge

[l'escargot]

..I disagree about the comments re the bus...

Agree. Bus service on the Island is superb...

When did you last catch a bus on the island? Southern Vectis are cutting timetables on an already depleted winter service and Bembridge isn't on a main route to anywhere. Wrap up warm for hanging around bus stops waiting for the service "cancelled due to sickness".

The ferries are little better these days with almost daily reductions and cancelled services.

 

[VicMallows]

When did you last catch a bus on the island? .

OK. Well good job I always have my walking boots

 

[IanL]

Sandown-Bembride coast path: is it passable again? .... it was apparently closed earlier this year due to erosion?[/QUOTE]

A section is still closed but there are signposted diversions. You can still walk from Yaverland up to the Yarborough Monument and on to Whitecliff Bay. You rejoin the path just before the Crab & Lobster.

 

[FWB]

I've not been to Bembridge for thirty years. Just had a look at the Navionics Chart.
Those buoys look interesting ! Depths/heights shown in feet.

 

[l'escargot]

I think you will find the buoy positions are updated more regularly based on observations of the actual channel and the chart showing the position of the channel probably hasn't been resurveyed for some years. I would go by the buoys and not the charted depths coming in or going out. Things do move about off Bembridge, a couple of years ago it looked like there was going to be more water to the east of the fort and there was even talk of moving 1 & 2 buoys to the east rather than coming in from the west and across the causeway.

 

[VicS]

I think you will find the buoy positions are updated more regularly based on observations of the actual channel and the chart showing the position of the channel probably hasn't been resurveyed for some years. I would go by the buoys and not the charted depths coming in or going out. Things do move about off Bembridge, a couple of years ago it looked like there was going to be more water to the east of the fort and there was even talk of moving 1 & 2 buoys to the east rather than coming in from the west and across the causeway.

But watch your depth sounder if you are pushing the limits and be aware that strong winds can blow the buoys away from the channel into shallow water...... Dont ask!

IIRC at one time the entrance channel was to the east of the fort, at least that is where it was shown on the first chart or the area I ever bought, but I thought they subsequently dumped a lot of spoil from dredging in that area. Maybe it's washed away again.

Bembridge may not be everyone's ideal but I'd certainly not discourage anyone from visiting the place.

it was nicer maybe years ago when visitors moored in St Helens marina, could access the club directly and buy provisions from the nearby caravan site ( and petrol for the o/b from a nearby garage) although in those days on a scale of 1 to 5 the toilets and showers barely registered!

 

[Seajet]

it was nicer maybe years ago when visitors moored in St Helens marina, could access the club directly and buy provisions from the nearby caravan site ( and petrol for the o/b from a nearby garage) although in those days on a scale of 1 to 5 the toilets and showers barely registered!

Indeed, the big spiders in the loo's certainly got my attention.

B.. was a bit of a tyrant too, possibly not a graduate in customer relations.

Bembridge is still a lovely place though, with some great walks; whether one wants them or not !

 

[VicS]

B.. was a bit of a tyrant too,

IIRC we made him a temporary member of the owners association and treated him to dinner in the YC....

Sensible enough not to argue with people. Once when I was there someone was insisting on bring a catamaran into the marina. He just sent for the Harbour master who walked down the pontoon saying, "Good afternonn I am the Harbour master, I am empowered to .......... " That did the trick!

 

[Seajet]

If it's the same charachter we're talking about, we saw him take delight in yelling at people, particularly women.

Otherwise yes I miss the old Bembridge and while I hope the promised investments happen, it's probably an idea to take lots of photo's now before it's lost forever - East Cowes Marina's visitors' section being a sad example !

 

[Iain C]

Well thank again for the advice guys. We went along and had a great time. Gordon the harbourmaster could not have been more helpful, taking lines (although a bit academic in a 27' boat with a totally empty pontoon!), telling us where everything is, bringing brochures/maps to the boat, and even going up to BHYC personally to pull in a favour and get us booked in for Sunday lunch (which was excellent by the way).

We explored on our folding bikes...coming back from Seaview along the beach in the dark on a rising tide was a bit of a laugh...and we finally saw the Illusion fleet in the boatpark...amazed just how small they are...I want a go!

Bought crab from the Fisherman's wharf (which will soon be offering a dine al fresco balcony), marvelled at the houseboats...marvelled at how colossally inaccurate Navionics is on the channel markers, and all in all had a great time. Looking forward to going back in the summer.

 

[r_h]

...and we finally saw the Illusion fleet in the boatpark...amazed just how small they are...I want a go!

That can be arranged - pm sent.

 

[VicMallows]

Well thank again for the advice guys.

Great to have up-to-date feedback. The 'attitude' at Bembridge has swung wildly over the years (it has had enough different owners!) so good to know it is currently on the up. The winter rate is certainly attractive. (BTW, excellent cockles/mussels/winkles can be collected at Priory Bay at appropriate times of year).

 

[l'escargot]

...Looking forward to going back in the summer.

it's a lovely place in the summer too but quite different - anticipate being rafted up to five deep, with the associated melee of comings aand goings at peak times on a busy day for a start....

 

[rwoofer]

I don't know if your Sabre is bilge keeled, but the beach is also a lot of fun in Summer. I've met a much more eclectic bunch there including someone who cruises a mirror dinghy with no auxiliary other than oars. That day he took 8 hours to get to Bembridge from Soton, five of those were rowing. Most times I take a disposable BBQ to use on the beach.