Is this actually the middle of winter?

[Hurricane]

What a wonderful day.
Apart from the cold it could have been midd summer.
But where was everyone?

Leaving the Hamble on a crisp January (yes January) morning.

And out into the Solent

Some of the locals poped out to play in our wake

So, Where are we going and where is everyone?
The Solent is empty.

Ah - We've arrived
And yes - a little empty harbour.
You wouldnt recognise it in the summer would you?

Then a spot of lunch in the village

And its "Home James" before the sun sets.

Before it gets too late

Finally, the end to a perfect day

 

[No1_Moose]

I was out and about today, albeit at the other end of the Solent. There were quite a few boats between Portsmouth and Chichester.

 

[brianhumber]

Its whats we said as well, consensus was its been been colder in August.
My Club had fast cruise jolly from the Forts to Nab and around, 8 raggies and motorsailers had a great day in the Sun, then we went up to Northney for a meal and glass or several at the Royal Oak.
Winter weekends have been great so far this year.

Thanks for popping over to say Hi No1 - its the first time I've met a forumite in the flesh.

Brian

 

[peterandjeanette]

Yep, just as you show. Had the boat dropped back into the water after two months of antifouling, repairs, anodes etc. on Friday.

Picked her up at Shamrock Quay Saturday. What a change. Got rid of all winter S.A.D. with just a quick blast around Southampton.

Let's hope for more weekends like this over the winter.

 

[Xenopus]

We were out and about too - it was one of the most beautiful days of winter boating we've had this (or probably any) year. Just marred by the fact that I'd forgotten too fill up with LPG so ran on petrol.....also the most expensive day of winter boating we've had for about 7 years! Agree though - where was everyone?

 

[acbruce]

We were out too. Lunch in Cowes, blasting around. The jetskier was jumping our wake and racing us too. Even at 35knts he balasted past us!

Great day.

 

[FenderGirl]

Hi,
We had a lovely weekend of boating, over to Poole saturday morning for an overnight stay, the 4 motor boats we were the only visitors in Dolphin Quay although there were some residents about. Left just before lunch on Sunday in time to pop into Lymington for a spot of lunch.
Very nearly went to Cherbourg saturday morning as it was so nice!
FenderGirl

 

[terryw]

We went for a run from OV to the Needles around midday, and was suprised by the number of boats about (expected less).
Felt sorry for small raggie in Southampton Water on way back as there were 2 ferry's, 2 Cat Ferry's, 1 container ship, 1 ship turning round, and 3 Mobo's all in the same place at the same time. He got bounced about a bit, but as he was under motor I suppose he was technically a Mobo.
Anyway, great run, and filled up at Itchen Marine in record time (47p litre)

 

[Chas25]

Enjoyed a nice blast out as well!! Had to drop the boat round to Hamble for yet another service so thought we'd take the oppotunity to have a blast down to the needles!! a few others out including the lifeboat heading out towards the needles at full speed, must admit the waves were pretty spectacular to watch, although don't think I'd want to be caught it them!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[djefabs]

Hi Hurricane.
Yes its was hard to believe it was January. Left Saturday late morning and had a great trip down to Brighton. We thought that was good but it got even better on the return trip yesterday. Must try and remember my camera next time. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[No1_Moose]

hehe, the shock even made you forget you were a forumite /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[terryw]

What waves?
Absolute mill pond midday Sunday. We put the boat in neutral for about 15 minutes at the Needles and hardly moved off the spot.

 

[oldgit]

amazing how much wash is created a 6 knots /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[CLOUD9]

Great pics. Im going to have to get SWMBO better trained. Havent yet got the knack of just getting to the boat on a clear winters day and heading out. Seems to need as much planning as a task force to the South Atlantic... Now spent a couple of weekends like last looking longingly out on a flat sea with the boat only 40 mins away. How do you do it?

 

[Pinnacle]

Was out with my brother in law on his raggie and we too went to Yarmouth, but only at 5 knots so no wash! It was a delight to be out in such wonderful weather ( and the lunch in Yarmouth was pretty good too.

 

[hlb]

Answer is, you just go when you can, some times it's crap, some times not. Mind we have proper sea, not the boating lake!!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[rickp]

Yup - the weather was great over the weekend for us too:

However, today feels like the middle of winter /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Rick

 

[Nick_H]

It looked more like this from where we were, but then we were 20 yards to the left of you! (T46 Endless Summer), I guess we'll all have to get forum burgees.

Agree, what a lovely winters day cruise, really cheered us up.

I'm now in Hungary however and its -16 C!

 

[Renegade_Master]

Some of the best UK cruising to be had in winter windless highs. Also no crowds.

 

[Coupe]

Damn and blast you guys for posting these images /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Weather over here last weekend was similar and all I can do is watch boats come and go while I wait for new prop /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Should be any week now /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif