Plymouth to Southamton........................................ ......

Having just done falmouth to portsmouth if you are going across the bay nothing to worry there. Near Salcombe depending on tide and wind just be aware of the rocks close into shore, and again the portland race. Can be big but depending on the tide it moves, but you can normally see it and get around it avoiding the really bad water. Are you taking the inner route to the solent of going via the needles, if the inner route, just watch the sandbank that will be on the starboard side as you approach. And as you are approaching southampton just be aware of the bramble sand bank, it's well marked on your Charts and on the water apart from that if weather is good it's a great scenic journey if you want any more information PM me

Lionel
 
Hi Paul

The Plymouth to Solent run is straight forward with two main routes - offshore keeping south of the Shambles bank south of Portland, or close inshore round the Bill.

The inshore route is best approached with the tide fair, and this weekend with westerlies forecast the wind behind you will keep the sea more kindly.

As you approach PB on the east running tide the current runs south east down the side of the Bill, then rounds up into Weymouth Bay. The Race sits to one side or the other down tide of the Bill and is clearly visible. As long as it is below a 4-5 westerly no real issue, and the inshore passage is several hundred yards wide.

As you approach the Bill aim for a point about 1/2 mile or more north of the Bill Lighthouse, then as you approach the tide will take you round, and you won't inadvertently run into the race. You can pass the Bill at apple core throwing distance from the shore.

Once round head up to stay north of the rough water, then onto the Solent, where you can either stand off at least 2-3 miles from St Albans, or again apple core distance from the shore. The race off St Albans fans out, so the further off the longer the rough water lasts. The inshore route is very worthwhile to see the Tillywhim caves between St Albans and Anvil Point.

Easiest route into the Solent is via the North Channel north west side of the Shingles. You head towards North Head buoy then once behind the shingles you can bear aawy to stbd round into the Hurst channel - no need to go right around North Head. As you enter at Hurst stand off from the shore at least 300 yards to avoid The Trap, which can get a bit bouncy and shallow.

Look forward to seeing you when you get here.

Watch our for Dolphins and Whales crossing Lyme Bay.
 
Hi Rafiki - We are presently lying immediately astern of you, next pontoon to the east at Mayflower, having got here from the Hamble River a while back, moving very slowly as befits a trawler yacht, with many diversions to potter in and out of creeks and suchlike. I wouldn't presume to offer navigation advice, not after what happened a couple of weeks ago, but if you have time please say hello, or even just wave as you head out. We are meandering towards a winter berth at Penarth and a lift-out next Spring at Portishead so we are swapping the blue water for the brown at the same time as you do the reverse!
 
Hi Rafiki - We are presently lying immediately astern of you, next pontoon to the east at Mayflower, having got here from the Hamble River a while back, moving very slowly as befits a trawler yacht, with many diversions to potter in and out of creeks and suchlike. I wouldn't presume to offer navigation advice, not after what happened a couple of weeks ago, but if you have time please say hello, or even just wave as you head out. We are meandering towards a winter berth at Penarth and a lift-out next Spring at Portishead so we are swapping the blue water for the brown at the same time as you do the reverse!
Good to meet you this morning TwoHooter. I hope your passage goes as well as ours. The fog cleared quickly this morning and we had a great trip, arriving on the Hamble at 5 ish. Your Nordhaven is stunning!
 
Good to meet you this morning TwoHooter. I hope your passage goes as well as ours. The fog cleared quickly this morning and we had a great trip, arriving on the Hamble at 5 ish. Your Nordhaven is stunning!

Nice to meet you Rafiki, thanks for the compliment. Glad all has gone well. Good thing you didn't ask for my navigation advice, might have been a different story....
 
Spotted that Nordhaven after we abandoned Paul and Rafiki in Plymouth, after our trip down from Portishead, very nice boat indeed.
Maybe see you in Cardiff next year?
Glad Rafiki made the third leg safely.
 
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