Bournemouth air show

[Andrew M]

Hi,

We're new to the whole Solent/South coast thing and have had our berth at Lymington since November.

Am hoping to have friends stay on board with us and motor round to see the Bournemouth air show later this year.

The threads on leaving the west Solent have been brilliant to read and I have been studying all the mentioned passages.

Are there any recommendations anyone can give that apply to going to see the airshow please ?

Where to moor/anchor, what we MUST do or MUST NOT do ?, What sort of times to be there, stay overnight or just motor round each day etc etc ?

Thanks,

Andy

 

[gjgm]

Don't go unless it is calm !It gets pretty bouncy otherwise.
There are bouys/patrol ribs keeping the flight path clear, so you can't wander into a wrong area, but you will still get plenty of over head activity.
I can't recall the depth- depends on the tide of course but maybe 10metres, so that is a fair amount of chain, and you can expect plenty of boats to drag anchors and swing into each other he he.
Obviously the middle of the show is the best location.. there is a red or orange marker of the beach for the parachutists, and also the busiest, but anywhere you can find room to drop anchor is going to be ok.
Expect plenty of wash and wake on the way there and back.

 

[rhino_mac]

You can't go wrong really. There is an exclusion zone but it's pretty clear and won't have any boats in it!

You'll see where the anchorage is because it is full of boats. Honestly, all very simple and a great show. It can get a little bouncy in the anchorage.

If you fancy staying in Poole I would say Poole Quay Yacht Haven is the best bet but make sure you book it in plenty of time. It's right on the Quay and there are loads of places to eat/drink in the evening and it is (relatively) quiet at night (and well sheltered). The run back into Poole once the show has ended is a bit of a free for all especially when getting past the chain ferry.

It's a great show - nothing like a Red Arrow flying right over your boat with a beer in your hand. We did all four days the year before last with different friends on board (but I moored in Poole and live in Bournemouth so a bit easier for me). Everyone loved it.

 

[henryf]

And tune your radio into the air show radio station for some superb commentary from past and present display pilots.

Henry

 

[lionelz]

Im planning on going to it this year will leave early as im going from gosport will be a new experience for me

 

[wipe_out]

We went for the first time last year and it was quite an experience.. Coming out of Poole Harbour with literally hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes was something to see.. With so many boats the water was very choppy and lots of rolling around on board at the slow speeds.. Once anchored it was great but still lots of rolling around so some got a little sea sick but watching the show from there is simply amazing..

 

[Andrew M]

Thanks folks, that gives me a bit more of an idea what to expect.

Andy

 

[crust]

bmouth air show

taken in 2013 hand held from a rolling foredeck, and probably the best free show you will ever see!

 

[Andrew M]

Re: bmouth air show

This is now fast approaching, many going from on here ? And any other tips about what to do ? We went up to Portsmouth for the Americas Cup and handles ourselves ok in the melee going out from/to Port Solent and hovering around for the racing on the Sat, but I guess we will most likely be anchored, weather permitting, for the air show ?

Andy

 

[lionelz]

Re: bmouth air show

I plan on going from gosport work and weather permitting

 

[gjgm]

Re: bmouth air show

This is now fast approaching, many going from on here ? And any other tips about what to do ? We went up to Portsmouth for the Americas Cup and handles ourselves ok in the melee going out from/to Port Solent and hovering around for the racing on the Sat, but I guess we will most likely be anchored, weather permitting, for the air show ?

Andy

The airshow is 4-5 hours, so I hope you will anchor !
Swing in close to Hurst castle, and staying well off Christchurch Ledge will miss many of the lobster pots. If you plan to get there at the start of the show, dont expect any prime anchoring spots!
Hope for clear skies and very calm sea

 

[colingr]

Re: bmouth air show

We usually anchor just East of Boscombe Pier and get a fantastic view plus get some fishing done.

Not prime spot but the planes fly directly overhead.

Realistically you will get a pretty good view from anywhere and don't have to struggle through the traffic to get there and back.

 

[z1ppy]

Re: bmouth air show

we are hoping to get there to watch this year. weather permitting of course, maybe we need a forum area down there!?

 

[Andrew M]

Re: bmouth air show

we are hoping to get there to watch this year. weather permitting of course, maybe we need a forum area down there!?

That would actually be quite nice....... Does YBW/MBY have a staff or test boat that could be liveried or flagged up so we could all moor in the vicinity ?

 

[Bazzer]

Re: bmouth air show

We are going, we are staying in Poole Quay Boat Haven and motoring round each day. We normally anchor out by the big warships, its about 10 to 11m deep so unload all of our chain dont get to many other boats out there either.

 

[Hugo_Andreae]

Re: bmouth air show

That would actually be quite nice....... Does YBW/MBY have a staff or test boat that could be liveried or flagged up so we could all moor in the vicinity ?

Sadly not. I have taken my own boat there in previous years but can't make this years show I'm afraid.