Cowes week

mad_boater

mad_boater

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Anyone had any near misses trying to cross through the yachties?.The last time I was stupid enough to try, it gave me nightmares for weeks.The last thing you wan't is to have a 60 footer tacking across your bows and two others following.Scary or what.I learned my lesson if you must go, get up and cross early before they start. I know it sounds obvious but unless you have experienced the sheer terror of being faced with so many sailors competing it is definately not for the faint hearted.
 
We had the same a few years ago. We gave up trying to head for the hamble and just went East trying to keep out of the way of everything. We keep away during Cowes week now. Its not just the racing, the place seems full of ghastly Hooray Henrys
 
TBH - I think you're nuts if you try and go through the many race fleets in a mobo - you need eyes everywhere and have your wits about you ... and I sometimes find it tough even in a rescue rib - and I've got race knowledge (ie know where they're heading) !

The vast majority of race boats will expect you to abide by the colregs - and there will be a few tits about who expect the impossible.

Those at the top of their game are unlikely to deliberately put themselves in a position where they're reliant on you getting out of their way - because if you don't they have to move instead and that'll cost them.
 
Thought it was always Like that, it's a no win situation, you pick a gap go for it, then one turns and has the front to say something if you make too much wake.
 
Not really a problem if you understand that they draw at least 2 metres and you dont. I keep well inshore along the north Solent, where they dont come close in shore. Also yachts dont sail directly into the wind, so if you head directly into the wind they wont follow, I only can do a max of 10 knots, so cannot use speed to get out of the way
 
It's not too bad if you can see the buoy a bunch of boats will tack around, and there is space either between the boats or outside of the buoy.

Or it can be a complete nightmare: really not a good idea to be anywhere near the start line of a busy race :eek:
 
I can't believe the carnage that is the Solent for Cowes week - especially when we have learnt this week that the Cowes Torquay Cowes race will start and finish at North Head as the Royal YACHTING Association have decided it is too dangerous to even finish outside Cowes despite having the asked for number of safety boats!
 
RIN said:
We had the same a few years ago. We gave up trying to head for the hamble and just went East trying to keep out of the way of everything. We keep away during Cowes week now. Its not just the racing, the place seems full of ghastly Hooray Henrys
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I can understand your comment on Hooray Henry's, may have been like that a few years ago but I disagree this year.

The new sponsor has bought a new lease of life and the whole of Cowes has got its "vibe" back, its not just people sailing its about the kit, the clothing, the sails and everything else that goes with it. Its a much needed boost to the Yachting Industry and quite a pleasant environment to be in.

Anyhow if you want some fun why not barge through the Extreme 40 course...:D
 
I've sailed in the Round the Island Race, a few times, the biggest yeacht race in the world. 1500+ yachts, of varying speed, with crews of highly variable capabilities. Rounding the Needles used to be great fun, with several hundred boats all wanting the same water at the same time.

Don't be too sure that yachts will not get too close insure, we went aground 1 year, and only refloated by crawling out along the boom to tip the boat off its keel.

Madness.................but huge fun. Would do it again any time.
 
RichardShead said:
I can understand your comment on Hooray Henry's, may have been like that a few years ago but I disagree this year....:D
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Yeah ...? We must remember to be inclusive and also give mention to the Henrietta's?! Particularly those at the "top" of the social hierachy (and the Royal YACHTING Association).
 
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It's a nightmare, I've been across from Portsmouth to Cowes yacht haven four times this week, three skippering a charter boat and once on mine. You've definitely got to have your wits about you and eyes in the back of your head! Too many boats, not enough water!
 
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