Can I ask about the Solent?

[Kukri]

We have been delayed in getting afloat and we will have a few days to kill in the Solent because the riggers who are going to fit the furler shut down for their summer holiday for the last two weeks of August.

So we are thinking of spending a few days getting to know the new boat before the furler is fitted.

Given that this is a big boat with a smallish engine and limited control going astern (fin and skeg but prop a long way from rudder) and a crew who are new to her, with all that that implies, where are the safest places to visit? LOA 55ft draft 8ft 6ins.

 

[dom]

Well, since you're now an expert on anchors, are you happy tendering in?

If so, Yarmouth buoys, and Newtown on quiet neapy day might work. I'm also deep; if you enter Newtown at springs, only turn left after deducting 0.5m minimum to last charted depths. If you don't fancy it you can anchor outside. Once again pm for exact location.

Other great anchor spots are Alum Bay, and poss Whitecliff Bay, both absolutely weather dependent. Pm if you want to know where I drop the hook (a Spade that is, sorry! )

Cowes, I think you know, and another option might be Premier Gosport. Tell them that you're not that maneuverable and that dead-end alleys are no go. They might be able to squeeze you into an easy access deep berth, of which there are really quite a few. Haslar may if you're lucky also have something. Also consider Port Solent, tell them you're coming and avoid peak w/e traffic. The lock keepers are very helpful and will take lines if asked. Also if you're lucky there is a pontoon at Hambe Yacht Services. Prob forget this at w/es when the Fast 40s et al are afloat, but during the week you might be lucky. Poss also any of the other marinas if you're lucky.

And don't forget Chichester Harbour: Itchenor has a visitors pontoon (you'll still need a tender). Be careful of tidal flows, which are of course great if you can harness them.

 

[Jungle Jim]

Assuming you would like to park with minimal requirements for three point turns, the lower reaches of The Hamble come to mind. If I recall the visitor pontoons for e.g. The Royal Southern and Hamble Point are up-and-down the river and I believe you will have room to turn your boat in one turn across the river. Ocean Village in Southampton have some quite big pontoons right by the entrance which may suit (or raft up with the impounded Superyacht right in the entrance )

For the Isle of Wight I'm racking my brains for somewhere with a marina where you could easily manouver a 55ft boat. Possibly Cowes with riverside pontoons at Sheperds, or maybe further up the Medina at the Folly, but I'm not sure what depth you get up there and low water anywhere near the Cowes chain ferry can be a bit of a challenge I believe.

 

[RichardS]

We have been delayed in getting afloat.

Was that a result of being beached for a few days?

Richard

 

[Kukri]

Thank you both. Have dinghy and anchor. My Solent experience has been limited to Lymington and Hamble. I’ll be waving one of those MDL season tickets so Hamble Point is definitely a starter. Any opportunity to anchor or to grab a suitable sized buoy will be very welcome.

Edited to correct Hamble Point

 

[Kukri]

Was that a result of being beached for a few days?

Richard

I had what I took to be «*man flu*». It wasn’t.

 

[LadyInBed]

Just out of interest, do you have a bow thruster?

 

[PhillM]

Thank you both. Have dinghy and anchor. My Solent experience has been limited to Lymington and Hamble. I’ll be waving one of those MDL season tickets so Port Hamble is definitely a starter. Any opportunity to anchor or to grab a suitable sized buoy will be very welcome.

The tide and lack of space in some areas of Port Hamble can make it tricky for larger boats. Also the charter crews are, err, interesting to watch if you are 24 foot on a 10 M pontoon and well tucked in. Not so much fun if you are the one sticking out so more easily clobbered. With that said, I am sure you would be fine, but given a choice, I would suggest Hamble Point instead.

Also, I am sure you are perfectly capable of handling your boat yourselves, but there is absolutely no shame in calling the marina guys up and asking for help. They are usually only too pleased to catch lines etc.

 

[Bobc]

Pick up a buoy outside Yarmouth
Anchor in Osborne Bay (near Cowes)
Anchor in Priory Bay (near Bembridge)
Anchor in the lower Beulieu river (behind the spit)

Marinas/pontoons:-

East Cowes pontoon (just below chain ferry), Folly Inn (avoid weekends)
Gosport Marina
Hamble Point Marina
Port Hamble Marina
Shamrock Quay Marina
Marchwood SC (on the outside pontoon)

 

[lw395]

With adequate planning, Beaulieu should be no problem?
Yarmouth buoys would be my top choice.
River Medina offers a fair range?

Anchoring off Bembrdige/Seaview/Priory Bay worth a thought?

In a boat like that, Swanage and back is a mere leg-stretch from Yarmouth and might be a good shake-down?

 

[Kukri]

Just out of interest, do you have a bow thruster?

No.

 

[ashtead]

Some fairly large berths at Gunwharf which you might be able to book if you can put up with wash but as said Haslar has hammerhead berths (dont hit the Boss boats ) and tidal effect might be less than in other 2 Gosport marina ?

There are buoys at Itchenor in Chi harbour but dont knowif the depths will suit your draft and you might not feel happy manoeurvering up there with restricted turning etc.. Otherwise buoys off seaview bay but check (Seaview Yacht club might know? if they will hold you as they might be too small.

 

[burgundyben]

Yarmouth, bouys outside or call in advance and they will find space on quay or on first pontoon which should be fine. You might try Harold Hayles too, that would be easy enough.

Totland Bay and Colwell Bay both have eateries ashore.

Anchorage inside Hurst.

Lymington - Dan Bran pontoon would be fine.

Masses of room at the Folly mid week.

Cowes - you might try East Cowes Marina for a hammer head or Yacht Haven.

Southampton Town Quay Marina I reckon would be fine, visitor pontoon is a big concrete thing.

 

[Kukri]

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Hi Minn

You could also try Swanwick Marina, lots of big berths, and room to turn. I'd avoid times of peak flow.

Port Hamble (also an MDL) also has good access, if you can ferry glide then not so hard to get in / out but syndicate and school boats aplenty. Hammerheads relatively easy.

I found Gosport pretty shallow (1.7m at LW) so you might be tidally limited there (may be dredged better now).

Chi Harbour as far as Itchenor is fine for depth as long as you cross the bar with enough, it's pretty deep. I always tried to traverse on a rising tide. Past Itchenor it gets, err, interesting.

As mentioned, Beaulieu R behind the spit, V buoys. R as far as Bucklers hard would be OK on a rising tide, there are some relatively deep pontoon spots but the easiest one to get onto is very shallow at low water. Peak ebb flow at Springs is something to be avoided at all costs....(river empties like a bath with the plug out) !

Lymington YH is a bit tricky when it's busy (or blowy).

Southsea Marina a definite no unless you like living on the edge. (especially at low water) . Great indian there though.

 

[James_Calvert]

Cowes Yacht Haven already mentioned, but a little story to amuse...

Went there a couple of times as guest/crew on a Nic 55 like yours.

Last time, just leaving when skipper realised one of our party had been left ashore. He performed a quick 360 and a robust going alongside manoeuvre to facilitate the pier head jump.

Accompanied by a very loud bang as a fender exploded.

Take it easy when you can!

 

[DJE]

Ocean Village in Southampton should be able to cope if you fancy a bit of city life. Also an MDL marina I believe.

 

[maby]

Ocean Village in Southampton should be able to cope if you fancy a bit of city life. Also an MDL marina I believe.

With that draft, he will be in the mud at low tide in many parts of Ocean Village.

 

[PhillM]

With that draft, he will be in the mud at low tide in many parts of Ocean Village.

Didn't they just finish dredging Ocean Village last year or the year before?

 

[capnsensible]

Be cheeky. Turn up at JSASTC.......

Cowes Yacht Haven and Haslar are doddle. :encouragement: