Portsmouth Harbour to IOW

[gjgm]

I'd change instructor then.
Solitaire and his mob are top trainers. A weekend with them and you could park your boat anywhere!

 

[Solitaire]

I'd change instructor then.
Solitaire and his mob are top trainers. A weekend with them and you could park your boat anywhere!

You are so kind - but I couldn't possibly comment! I haver to say that the comment made by the OP's instructor was a bit odd. All sports boats are susceptible to wind at slow speed, it knowing how to work with it that makes the difference.

 

[stuartwineberg]

When you get there

Wonderful advice from all but no-one seems to have answered your initial question about where to go when you get there. The Folly is a great place to head for. It has a few places on a pontoon which you can walk ashore from straight to the pub but the majority of the berths are on a floating pontoon in the middle of the river. When you get near the folly, slow right down and look out for the harbourmaster in a small hard boat - he will ask what you want to do (overnight stay or short stop) and will direct you to a space. If for some reason he isnt there - take whatever space you like. If he is in a good mood and its windy he will even push your boat gently on the side to hold it against the pontoon while you sort your ropes. If you are on the mid river pontoon you can radio for a water taxi to take you ashore.

The advice about speed limits is important although it is actually more about not making a lot of wash which damages the river bank and annoys people on other boats. Don't even think about messing with fenders and ropes until you are past the chain ferry, you have ages before you get to the Folly and it is much quieter in terms of wind and waves the further up the river you go.

People have mentioned safety - I would add that in a small open sports boat PLEASE have and wear lifejackets for all (by the way - that might prove a controversial point on the forum). Check your bilge pumps and get that VHF licence and a floating, waterproof hand held VHF to go with it (charged!!!)

Have fun - if you pick a nice calm day the trip you asked about is a piece of cake and very enjoyable.

 

[stuartwineberg]

Slight correction on the yacht club name

I agree that the tough charts are not ideal when compared to either full sized charts or the smaller Small Craft Folio chart packs which are easier to manage without a full sized chart table. The problem is this an open sports boat and so any paper based charts will get destroyed. As a general overview and aide memoir I still think the tough chart is useful in a sports boat. At circa £35 they are / were expensive compared to a Small Craft Folio of the same price but sometimes needs must.

I suspect the reason for their demise is that very few sports boats out in the Solent carry any form of charts. They rely solely on chartplotters and even then I would say the majority of smaller sports boats aren't even fitted with them! They do visual trips were they assume they know where to go.

To the OP we are also based in Gosport though actually out and about at the moment but would happily act as escort should you be unsure of you fist venture or ventures out. I'm also happy to talk you through the area using a larger scale chart on our boat. I'm sure others based in Gosport would be happy to do the same. It's a great marina full of people who actually use their boats and there is a collective wealth of knowledge.

It might be worth contacting the Gosport Yacht Club based in Haslar. A relatively new group within whom there some very experienced motor boaters. As a point of contact either go to the club website or get in touch with Brian (Tallulah on here).

Either way I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself and the fact you took the time to lost here shows a sensible approach.


Henry

All good advice again. The yacht club is Haslar Yacht Club - website is www.haslaryachtclub.co.uk based, as said, in Haslar Marina (The next one from you with the green lightship). Unlimited welcome and support there.