Needles

[Moose]

I thought you lot would know the answer to this question because once a year to all try to bomb around the island as fast as possible/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

I have heard that it is possible (not that I would) to go in between one of the gaps in the Needles. Is it? Has anyone done it?
Just Curious

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Moose

 

[BrendanS]

I've done it a few times, for good photo shots, but only in flat conditions at high tides... Buy the book 'Solent Hazards' and you'll see where you can and can't go.

<hr width=100% size=1>Err, let me know if Depsol enters the forum, I'll go and hide

 

[Twister_Ken]

Cheat!

Race instructions state you have to go outside the Needles! Which for all but the very brave, very foolish or very lucky also means going outside of the Vevassi wreck.

Don't know if anybody has ever threaded the Needles in a yot, rather than a dinghy or a mobo.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[burgundyben]

Re: Cheat!

never been between the needles, but always go inside the wreck out side goose rock, loads of room, just follow a bigger boat and if he stops panic!!

<hr width=100% size=1>Sod the Healey - I think I'll buy an E-Type.

 

[rhinorhino]

Re: Cheat!

I know of a commander RN who took a minesweepr through, mind you they draw less than many yachts.

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[billmacfarlane]

Yes you can thread the Needeles. A guy from my club did it last season at HW , in an HR 345 that draws 1.8m , and was closely followed by Westerly Ocean 33 that draws 1m. I don't know which gaphe went through though. I'm not bothered as there's no way I'd try it.

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[nicho]

A well known racing skipper, Chris Law tried it a few years back in a 60 footer (I think a Maxi 60?), I think during the Round the Island Race, or some record breaking attempt. He didn't make it and the boat lost it's keel. Local fishermen do it all the time, and it sounds like one or two forum members know someone who has done it. Me?? not a chance in hell!!

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[terryw]

The gap is where the Needle rock used to be. I am told the water is reasonably deep through the gap, and the main danger is hitting the wreck which is about 200m away. Once saw a powerboat go through at about 25 knots, and the yacht next to me in the marina has been through.

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