nick_anderson
Active Member
I decided to take my boat (Cranchi 34) to her new berth yesterday (Fri) in Southsea from Poole, a little blowy force 4/5 but with a south westerly and with the tide I thought I'll get blown most of the way, piece of cake, after all I have recently had some tuition and got my ICC so wheres the problem.
We (girlfriend who doesnt like water and Black lab) set off at 11am having checked the FC and it said F4/5. I should have known better given the wind and spray as soon as I left poole harbour past the ferry. The intention was to head south for a couple of miles and then head east therefore taking us across the top of poole and christchurch bay and on to the needles which although Ive read about but never had the pleasure.
Dont worry Lisa (girlfriend) I said with a smile as it seemed like sombody had climbed on deck and thrown a bucket of water over her nicely groomed hair and makeup making her appear as a Pete Burns double, it will get easier once we turn east and get motoring.
How wrong I was, the weather turned with visibility poor and a F6/7 with a swell far bigger than my boat. I tried to turn around but struggled as i didnt want to go side on to the huge swell and waves and when i did manage to it was worse given the wind, rain and tide.
We decided to carry on and became a little disorinentated, the charts were dripping wet and i didnt trust the plotter 100%. We very nearly rang the coast guard for assistance when we finaly saw the lighthouse at the Needles, but we really struggled to see any markers and went to far east only to turn back and by luck or just good fortune saw a marker that was on the plotter and the chart to get us through into the solent and around to Gosport for a break.
Never again will I be venturing out in such conditions, Ive had to bring the distraught girlfriend and wet dog back home this morning as she doesnt want to see a boat again, until the sun shines i guess.
Felt I had to tell the tale, its worse than the above as i got stopped in portsmouth harbour by the police for taking the wrong channel, but to be honest i was pleased to see him!
Anyway a quck question, whats the best way to get to the solent from poole somebody said I could have followed the coast line around and missed the needles out? and surley going with the wind and tide is best?
Nick.
We (girlfriend who doesnt like water and Black lab) set off at 11am having checked the FC and it said F4/5. I should have known better given the wind and spray as soon as I left poole harbour past the ferry. The intention was to head south for a couple of miles and then head east therefore taking us across the top of poole and christchurch bay and on to the needles which although Ive read about but never had the pleasure.
Dont worry Lisa (girlfriend) I said with a smile as it seemed like sombody had climbed on deck and thrown a bucket of water over her nicely groomed hair and makeup making her appear as a Pete Burns double, it will get easier once we turn east and get motoring.
How wrong I was, the weather turned with visibility poor and a F6/7 with a swell far bigger than my boat. I tried to turn around but struggled as i didnt want to go side on to the huge swell and waves and when i did manage to it was worse given the wind, rain and tide.
We decided to carry on and became a little disorinentated, the charts were dripping wet and i didnt trust the plotter 100%. We very nearly rang the coast guard for assistance when we finaly saw the lighthouse at the Needles, but we really struggled to see any markers and went to far east only to turn back and by luck or just good fortune saw a marker that was on the plotter and the chart to get us through into the solent and around to Gosport for a break.
Never again will I be venturing out in such conditions, Ive had to bring the distraught girlfriend and wet dog back home this morning as she doesnt want to see a boat again, until the sun shines i guess.
Felt I had to tell the tale, its worse than the above as i got stopped in portsmouth harbour by the police for taking the wrong channel, but to be honest i was pleased to see him!
Anyway a quck question, whats the best way to get to the solent from poole somebody said I could have followed the coast line around and missed the needles out? and surley going with the wind and tide is best?
Nick.
