First trip to IoW

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SeaDave

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What a gorgeous weekend!

Since my boat's been in Brighton I've only really done shortish trips up and down the coast with a lot of fishing thrown in.

As the forecast the so good for the weekend I decided to go to the IoW with a few mates - am so pleased I did. I'm sure to you seasoned boaters these seems a trivial trip but I felt I'd really achieved something. When the IoW finally appeared through the faint mist I really grinned.

Was great to moor up at Bembridge for lunch - felt like I'd reached another country!!

One question though - as we came round Selsea, the Garmin showed up a danger area (the hole?) to be avoided - I assume that's some kind of sand bank or similar?
 
Around Selsea aka Selsey there are remains of Mulberry Harbour sections that didn't make it to Arromanches. Lotsa nasty concrete and iron to foul your anchor, but good fishing am told.
 
Dived on them a long time ago. Interesting as you have acres of flat sandy bottom with sod all life then the man made reefs smotherd in fish. Lots of nets, fishing lines etc al over them though so can be dodgy.
 
Ah right - that clears that up then! Cheers.

Is Cowes as easy as Bembridge in as far as finding visitors mooring space? Just thinking about next time....
 
cowes is all states of tide so no prob there. it can get very busy but that makes it intresting. for a short stay (2/3hrs) try inside the pontoon as you enter on starboard side BUT it can be abit lumpy cos of wash and ferries etc. up stream past the chain ferry
is calmer if staying the night
 
Cowes can be a bit tricky in high season and Cowes Haven will sometimes turn you away at the weekend, particularly if you just want a short stay, as they are too busy entertaining the likes of Scumsail. However, worry not. Shepherd's Wharf (next set of pontoons upriver) can normally find you a space and they're much nicer, though still a bit exposed to weather and wash. Cowes Haven (further upriver and on the opposite bank) is much nicer and much more sheltered but a walk and a chain ferry ride from the main drag. Go on for a mile and you'll get to the Folly, where you can moor on the visitor's pontoons mid river and go ashore for a meal. This isn't Cowes, strictly speaking, but it is a peaceful spot to overnight.

PS. The very first set of Pontoons in West Cowes as you enter the harbour is the small Royal Yacht Squadron/Royal London marina. Very definitely Members Only! I think SteveS24 means Cowes Haven, which is the next Marina along..... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
The one further up river on the opposite bank is East Cowes Marina. I think the pontoon he refers to is the inside of the Trinity Landing which is between the RYS Haven and Cowes Yacht Haven.
 
evening lescargot. you are correct about the pontoon. sorry to everyone for any confusion, i forgot tosay the name. only the inside is public. on low springs DO NOT go to close to the parade wall lots of nasties to do damage on!! just for info, when moored there turn left at top of gangway then right up alleyway. at the top is cafe with "voodoo carvings" in the window MEGA BREKFASTS DONT MISS!!!!!!!.........for other moorings call H.M. on ch69.
 
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