Learned a boaty lesson yesterday

[RIN]

Which was do not try to exit Chichister Harbour one and a half hours before low water with strong onshore winds.

It was like being on the big dipper at Blackpool beach but without the fun.

In fact we didn't manage to get on the plane until we were back at the forts.

Had a wonderful few days in the harbour though absolutely beautiful with fantastic walks

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Lol, didn't read the almanac did you!

 

[Fantasie 19]

A few too many years ago when I was young and fearless we used to to windsurf round Hayling Island - I've done a few trips across the bar in the conditions you describe! Very exciting.... on one trip I remember pulling a foot strap out of the board as a result of the pressure caused by the strong wind and the tide and fighting to remain in control...

 

[[2068]]

Coming back in those conditions can be quite fun in the right boat,

Trying to get out is another matter entirely.

"Bang, Crash, Splash, turn, vroom, bang, Splash, BANG" - it all sounds very exciting but you're doing 12kts using huge amounts of fuel, and all your fillings have fallen out

Things can get dodgy at low springs, because with only 6ft underneath you, the wrong wave could plant you straight into the sand

 

[RIN]

Lol, didn't read the almanac did you!

I read the almanac - It only has instructions for entering. There weren't any for leaving

 

[BrendanS]

I once spent a magical hour going in and out about a dozen times in 'challenging' conditions, whilst waiting for a bunch of boats to come out, who were a bit delayed. Someone took a shot of me going out yet again from astern, as I shot up a wave, with my boat pretty much entirely out of the water! Somewhere over the years, I've lost it, but it was a wallpaper on my computer for a while.

 

[Kawasaki]

I read the almanac - It only has instructions for entering. There weren't any for leaving

Ah well
That's the IALA system 'A'

On tother hand , yer cold have turned the almanac upside down

 

[nicho]

Some time ago, when we were based in Chichester Marina, we were visiting the Hamble. Our plan was to return on the following day, but having seen the weather forecast pinned up in the marina, which showed Westerly F3/4 for "today", but for a Southerly F6 for our planned day of departure, I decided to return a day early, especially as there would be a spring ebb at the time of our arrival (which is no problem in a Westerly F3/4).

It was a bit breezy, but as we left the shelter of the Solent through the forts, I was amazed at the awful sea state. We had a rough journey towards Chi entrance, with on one occasion, the boating literally falling on it's side into a vast hole between two large waves. SWMBO was not at all happy.

We arrived at the Bar to see huge seas hammering into the entrance. I thought about turning back, but the journey back to the forts would not have been good, so I continued for an exhilerating, but wild surf ride past the heavily breaking overfalls to the left of us. A couple of boats exiting saw our arrival and promptly had second thoughts.

I was cursing the forecasters - how could they get it so wrong?

"Seemples", as it turned out! The marina had not changed the forecast sheet, so the Southerly F6 for "tomorrow" was actually for "today".........tos*er!

I too learned a lesson - always check the date of any forecast pinned up on a noticeboard!!

 

[tinkicker0]

I was once out on the river in similar circumstances. Damned dutch barge going downstream, going at least 4 knots.
The wake he kicked up was over 6 inches and I had to turn smartish to hit it 45 degrees or so off the port bow.

I had to hold on to the wheel for grim death and SWMBO got a splash of water on her frock
Could not save me capri sun tho, it fell off the dash onto the floor.

No almanac can warn about errant dutch barges. I saw me life flash in front of me eyes.

 

[nicho]

I was once out on the river in similar circumstances. Damned dutch barge going downstream, going at least 4 knots.
The wake he kicked up was over 6 inches and I had to turn smartish to hit it 45 degrees or so off the port bow.

I had to hold on to the wheel for grim death and SWMBO got a splash of water on her frock
Could not save me capri sun tho, it fell off the dash onto the floor.

No almanac can warn about errant dutch barges. I saw me life flash in front of me eyes.

We had the same problems caused by the Thames rowers wash. Nearly had us over a couple of times!