Hamble river escape

[rodper]

So, this is my first post in this forum.

Just bought a sailboat in Bursledon. Planning on picking it up in the end of May and sail home to Sweden. I have 4 weeks to do the trip and I see it as a vacation.
So i can take my time and go when the conditions allow. We will be 2-3 people on board all the time. Well equipped and modern navigation in a safe Hallberg Rassy. So far so good.

BUT, since i´m from Sweden and we have no tides at all, this will be my first encounter with water going up and down. I have studied it, taking courses, downloaded tidal apps, reading forums, etc.
The seller tells me: -You will be fine, i´ll show you what you need to know.
Actually i trust him. I think i will learn this, at least theoretically

So what i need is practically advice from you guys and gals. I just want to get out of the river as fast as possible to get to more open waters where i dont need to worry so much about currents.
Bin reading in some forums about people having problem on the hamble river.

Do not need silly comments or stupid jokes, just serious advice to a first timer i tides


Thanks in advance.

 

[mlines]

This is the Thames forum, they are not used to water going up and down either

I realise youhave posted here because it is described as being for UK rivers but the Hamble is really more sea than river. You may get more response on the Scuttlebutt section of this forum,

The Hamble is fine. If you are nervous then move at slack water (High tide or low tide). During mid tide on both the ebb and flood it can run fast but this is only an issue when coming off a mooring or pontoon. If you are in the main channel at this point it is no problem providing your engine is ok. Sailing in the river is not advised due to traffic so engine is best.

On exiting the river FOLLOW THE CHANNEL until clear of the safe water mark as there are gravel banks either side of the channel that are hidden at high water. Do not be tempted by the vista of clear, empty water!!

 

[mlines]

And just to add.

Once clear of the Hamble and into Southampton water make sure you know where Bramble Bank and Ryde Sands are as they also collect boats on low tide. If you stick to the edge of the marked shipping channel you cannot go wrong.