Round Britain Anchorages Suffolk-Hampshire

[OrwellTiggerToo]

Next May Julie and I are off for... however long it takes, to do Britain on the extreme cheap. So we was wondering about anchorages along the way. We will have to enter marinas occasionally for washing, showers, shopping etc. But would like to compile a list of loverlee places to spend a a sheltered evening, maybe with the chance of experiencing 'real Britain'.

As there's a lot of country out there, I suppose it's better yo do this in stages; The first being Suffolk to Hampshire.

Any help or useful comments gratefully received.

 

[Malish]

You might find the tightwad sailor helpful for the Solent:

http://www.troppo.co.uk/tightwad/tightwad.htm

 

[A_7]

Steve, when you get to Cowes give me a shout and you can lie alongside us in Cowes Yacht Haven for free.

 

[VicS]

You know about Woodbridge Cruising Club Anchorage Notes ?

 

[shamrock]

Different bit, but the north east coast - Rattray to Humber, is beautifully covered in the RNYC sailing directions. Now, I note that you are doing this on the extreme cheap, so pop over to berth F43 at woolverstone sometime and you can browse my copy and make notes.

Nick (Ward - no relation, I guess)

 

[ColinHuggins]

Today, with strong Northerlies, you could drop your hook almost anywhere, but I don't know much after Cuckmere Haven (and you'd be bold to venture in there). Plenty of choice here in Chi Hbr and nextdoor in Langstone Hbr - make contact nearer the time and I'll supply more detail.

One warning: once you're in the Solent don't assume that anchoring is free: they'll be after your money if you just heave to for a cuppa!

And a question: you appear to have already decided to go clockwise. Why? Whatever the strategic issues about winds and currents, cruising the South Coast in the summer is best avoided IF you have the choice.

 

[EdWingfield]

What size of boat Steve, and can she take the bottom?

Up here in Northumbria your choice is very much wider and so so cheap or free of charge if you can sit on the bottom ok.

I have a mooring you could use at Holy Is.

 

[Rumtotty]

Surely this is an excellent topic for the YM to cover with a series of articles covering the Uk coast line:"Free Facilities", "Budget Berths" or "Cheap and Cheerful" for visitors.

 

[EdWingfield]

Disagree, that's the surest way for these to become recognised. How long before an 'orrible little man comes along demanding money?

No, let's keep these 'in the family'.

 

[kirielad]

Hi Steve

An excellent idea - would love to have a go at just the same 'one day'.

For a cheap-ish overnight stop in Portsmouth Harbour forget all the pricey marinas and try Hardway Sailing Club;

http://www.hardwaysc.org.uk/

Visitors berths alongside the walk-ashore are a flat £10 a night regardless of LOA. Club is very friendly and welcoming to visitors and facilities include (free)showers, bar, hot food as well as drying grids and mast lifting derricks should the need arise, and all very cheap.

On Springs the pontoons will dry to a very soft mud. At Neaps most should stay afloat.

Might sound like a cheesy advert, but not intended - I'm just a member of the club and thought it might be useful.

 

[OrwellTiggerToo]

Thanks for the replies so far, spending some time jotting down notes and putting locations on the map.

The boat we have is a bilge keeler, so will take the ground quite nicely, also gives us the chance to visit some of the shallower back-waters.
Being new to sailing (started 25-01-2005) but having put a fair few miles under our belts, we've decided that we're up to the task; definitely, a lot harder than crossing the north sea, but rewarding.
Sailing round Britain may not be new or exciting to many, but i love the British coast and want to see as much of it as possible, i'm not waiting untill i retire; it's to be done now, while I am young enough and fit enough to do it; who knows what tomorrow will bring?
The Clockwise direction, though not favoured by all, has really been decided by the flip of a coin. It also works out nicely with being able to see my daughter along the route, at uni in Chester, before she breaks up and heads to India for the summer.

Anyway, thanks for all the help so far along the route, expect more sectional questions in the near future.