Cowes Week Fireworks

[camper]

Could somebody tell me please where exactly the fireworks will be set off from and where there would be a good anchorage to watch the fireworks and stay over night?

 

[fireball]

Don't know exactly where the barge is parked - but we (and hundreds of others) anchor just off the eastern shore of Cowes. We and most of the others then depart elsewhere for overnight - you could drop hook in osbourne bay or a trip back anywhere in the solent is quite easy - just mind how you go with everyone else and don't forget the temporary speed limit.

 

[l'escargot]

They are off Princes Green just to the west of Cowes Roads at 2130 on Friday. The only really safe place to watch them from and stay overnight is over the other side just inside the Beaulieu River, but get there early. There are closer places to anchor up and watch from but not places I would be inclined to stay overnight- it always has the potential to be carnage within a mile or so of Cowes.

 

[epervier]

ever driven the M25? it will feel like a walk in the park compared to next Friday night off Cowes, and as soon as they finish, it's up hook and race for home, big fly bridges and the like, 20knots in the dark idiots that they are.

as the snail said potential for carnage is very high indeed.

at least on the road there are lanes and everyones going in the same direction.

 

[fireball]

QHM LNTM

QUEENS HARBOUR MASTER PORTSMOUTH
LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS
No 31/09
Cowes Week Fireworks Display Friday 7th August 2009 - Temporary 15 kt Speed Limit

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN jointly by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth and the Harbour Master Southampton that a speed limit of 15 knots will be temporarily introduced in the Solent and Southampton Water to ensure safety of navigation for the COWES Firework Display on Friday 7th August 2009.
2. The 15 Knot speed limit will be in force between 2130 and 2300 on Friday 7th August 2009.
3. Mariners are advised that this measure has been introduced to reduce the risk of collision between the many hundreds of small craft which gather to view the fireworks display. In previous years collisions have occurred, particularly after the event which has resulted in serious personal injury to passengers and crew of small craft.
4. Mariners are reminded of the importance of displaying the correct navigation lights, maintaining a good lookout at all times in all directions and, proceeding at a speed consistent with safe navigation, particularly at the conclusion of the display as spectator craft get underway and return to their home ports.
5. The only craft exempt from this speed restriction will be Red Funnel Jet High Speed vessels. Red Jets on the COWES to Southampton route will indicate their presence by illuminating their quick flashing yellow identification lights during the above period.
6. Cancel this Local Notice To Mariners Sat 8th Aug 2009 (19 days)

So - some plonkers do set off at 20kts (and clear the area quite quickly) - others run along much slower. If you set out shortly after the fireworks finish then it is important to keep a good look out all around - we had to fire our millioncandle light on the bridge of one PB one year as he was closing on our stern rather too quickly.
Alternatively, wait for 20 minutes then head off - it will be much quieter.

 

[mjf]

and..........on top of above watch out for people with no nav lights on ; people steaming with only anchor light on ; some even with bulbs out so e.g. no port sidelight etc.

Its a load of fun

 

[davedpc]

Dont anchor directly down wind of the barge or you may get covered in sshhiittee! Went over to Cowes last night for our regular boys out and the harbour was as dead as a doornail. Being cowes week start this tomarrow, unless the weather improves i think this year might prove to be a damp squib.

 

[camper]

Thanks Fireball

 

[camper]

Thanks I'Cargot

 

[camper]

Sorry, thanks I'escargot.

 

[camper]

Thanks Epervier

 

[camper]

Thanks MJF

 

[camper]

Thanks Davedpc

 

[Remmington]

and have a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand to hand. Despite various warning from the Police and HMCG a number of people fire off their out of date flares. Nothing like a 5 minute burning rocket on your deck or a parachute flare.....

 

[camper]

and have a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand to hand. Despite various warning from the Police and HMCG a number of people fire off their out of date flares. Nothing like a 5 minute burning rocket on your deck or a parachute flare.....

Sounds like a good idea - Thanks.

 

[alastair]

Red Arrows Too

Remember that the Red Arrows perform their fantastic display too! So be there early - they start at 1930