Round Britain day 112

[Concerto]

Entering the Solent today, I just cannot believe how busy it is here compared to everywhere else I have visited. With about 25,000 moorings, berths and dry stack for boats in the area it guarantees that Lake Solent will always be busy. Hate to think what it is like at the weekend compared to mid week.

This morning I slipped out of the berth at 9.10 along with a dark blue Southerly, it was either a RS32 or a RS35. The Southerly motored quite hard, but I hoisted the main as soon as possible and motor sailed. He raised his main halfway across Poole Harbour. By the entrance I was fairly close to his transom, as he had to wait for the chain ferry to cross. As soon as possible I unfurled the full genoa and started sailing close to the wind, whereas the Southerly continued motor sailing and to windward by following the coast.

After about 3 miles I passed a Seal 26 and just walked away from her. If you know the owner pleae let him know I have a short video of him sailing.. At this time I could see a further 4 yachts heading from the Swanage area. One of these yachts was nearly on the beam, but about ½ mile to lee and pointing higher than I was. At one time the wind increased for a while and I considered putting a reef in the main as I was on the limit of full rig. When I was off Hengistbury Head near Chtistchurch, the Southerly finally unrolled the genoa. Despite being on a close reach, we both arrived at Hurst Castle at the same time, but he then furled his genoa and motored up wind. The boat to lee had worked to slightly higher than my course but was about 150 metres astern. The two of us then beat up the western Solent and there was little difference in speed despite not not being able to point as high. We parted company close to Cowes, as I tacked to head up Southampton Water. Then when I was off the entrance to Beaulieu, the wind evaporated with the turn of the tide, so I dropped the sails and motored the last few miles. Crossing Southampton Water I joined the procession of boats of all sizes heading north to the marinas and berths nearby. At one time I gave up counting boats when I reached 50. I feel that was almost as many yachts as I saw sailing on the rest of my previous 111 days of this trip.

Motoring up the Hamble and seeing so many boats moored in the marinas and moorings just reinforced my impression that the area is too busy for my type of sailing. Watching a number of the yachts sailing, I could not believe how badly they were being sailed. There were sails with luffs all crinkled, badly adjusted sheeting angles, badly set sails like mainsails without any kicking strap tension to reduce the twist in the sail and make it more efficient. There were a pair of modern 40 ft sail training boats that I out pointed and sailed faster than them. There were so many others yachts of all sizes that just fell astern so quickly, even one fully crewed Fulmar. The standard of sailing was appaling and does nothing in my opinion to enhance the reputation of the Solent being the mecca of sailing.

Currently I am now berthed in Mercury Yacht Haven, arriving at 15.30. I am glad to be berthed now for the next 12 days than join the chaos of sailing in the Solent, let alone trying to get a berth in one of the famous haunts. The Solent is just too busy for my liking and cannot understand why so many want to remain in the relative safety of Lake Solent. There are so many beautiful places I have visited and many were never busy. I certainly enjoyed the peace and quiet of the northern waters and am also looking forward to returning to the muddy waters of the Thames and Medway as they are so much quieter and interesting to sail.

Tomorrow my bike comes out so I can cycle the 7 miles over to the Boat Show. I know the show will not be open, but I will be picking up my exhibitors badge and seeing if the WOA needs any help setting up the stand. Then for the 9 days the show is open, I will be at the show everyday. Last year I had little chance to view any boats, see many stands, buy any bits for the boat or chat with friends. If any of you would like to come and say hello, then I will be on the Westerly Owners Stand (J115 in Ocean Hall ) at 2pm everyday for about an hour. Several friends and the daughter of the original owner have arranged to meet me at other times. A few people have even asked to see Concerto, which I am happy to do in the early evening. My aim is to encourage some of you to do things to your boats and/or take them to places you have never been to before. Not everyone has the time or stamina to undertake a full Round Britain trip, it may just be going abroad or visiting another area of the country.

I have not mentioned my bike for a while. Well I have now covered over 200 miles. After the boat show the mileage will be similar to going from Southampton to Carlisle. Put that way I still cannot believe it and thankfully I did not have to do that distance in one go. Just proves how useful the bike is to have on board.

During the show I will continue to update you all with things I have found or seen, or the people I have met. All of the reports will finally cease by the end of the month as I will have finshed the trip. Normally I do the last part of the trip in just 2 days, but I may make an extra stop and make it 3 days. The only thing you will be able to look forward then will be the rst of the videos of the trip as I edit and load them over the next month or so. The latest video I posted about the trip from Newlyn to Brixham has become the most viewed of all my videos and in a relatively short amount of time. It is the first to have over a 1000 viewings and is only just short of the greatest number of likes as well. So I will try to keep the standard high on all future videos.

My about forum details have been updated, (click on my avatar and then the about tab) as it now has all the links to the PowerPoint presentations on renovating Concerto, all YouTube videos and every Round Britain report.


The Seal 26


Cropping the odd wave made the foredeck wet


The Needles were a little hazy


Hurst Castle with the Southerly to windward


Fort Albert


Looking astern at Hurst Castle


Another Fulmar



For anyone wanting to read the reports from the start, this is the link to first one.
Round Britian day 1
All the links with place names are in my about me page available from my avatar.

 

[wully1]

I too was astonished at the number of boats in the Solent but glad that the hoards remain in their little puddle ?

It is the best place to buy a boat I think. It certainly is a great place to get work done with lots of skilled and efficient craft and trades to help you out.
There are also lots of warm, welcoming places to eat and drink - with some excellent beers.
But as a place to sail…..?

Or should that be marina hop in your Ikea Kraft?

 

[Derek ide]

Perhaps on consideration a less superior tone is appropriate for an experienced yachtsman.
The Solent is an excellent “learners pool” and there are always people getting their first days of sailing.
Those who have the time and experience to go off on longer passages are very fortunate and would do well to remember their own first steps in boating.

 

[benjenbav]

Entering the Solent today, I just cannot believe how busy it is here compared to everywhere else I have visited. With about 25,000 moorings, berths and dry stack for boats in the area it guarantees that Lake Solent will always be busy. Hate to think what it is like at the weekend compared to mid week.

This morning I slipped out of the berth at 9.10 along with a dark blue Southerly, it was either a RS32 or a RS35. The Southerly motored quite hard, but I hoisted the main as soon as possible and motor sailed. He raised his main halfway across Poole Harbour. By the entrance I was fairly close to his transom, as he had to wait for the chain ferry to cross. As soon as possible I unfurled the full genoa and started sailing close to the wind, whereas the Southerly continued motor sailing and to windward by following the coast.

After about 3 miles I passed a Seal 26 and just walked away from her. If you know the owner pleae let him know I have a short video of him sailing.. At this time I could see a further 4 yachts heading from the Swanage area. One of these yachts was nearly on the beam, but about ½ mile to lee and pointing higher than I was. At one time the wind increased for a while and I considered putting a reef in the main as I was on the limit of full rig. When I was off Hengistbury Head near Chtistchurch, the Southerly finally unrolled the genoa. Despite being on a close reach, we both arrived at Hurst Castle at the same time, but he then furled his genoa and motored up wind. The boat to lee had worked to slightly higher than my course but was about 150 metres astern. The two of us then beat up the western Solent and there was little difference in speed despite not not being able to point as high. We parted company close to Cowes, as I tacked to head up Southampton Water. Then when I was off the entrance to Beaulieu, the wind evaporated with the turn of the tide, so I dropped the sails and motored the last few miles. Crossing Southampton Water I joined the procession of boats of all sizes heading north to the marinas and berths nearby. At one time I gave up counting boats when I reached 50. I feel that was almost as many yachts as I saw sailing on the rest of my previous 111 days of this trip.

Motoring up the Hamble and seeing so many boats moored in the marinas and moorings just reinforced my impression that the area is too busy for my type of sailing. Watching a number of the yachts sailing, I could not believe how badly they were being sailed. There were sails with luffs all crinkled, badly adjusted sheeting angles, badly set sails like mainsails without any kicking strap tension to reduce the twist in the sail and make it more efficient. There were a pair of modern 40 ft sail training boats that I out pointed and sailed faster than them. There were so many others yachts of all sizes that just fell astern so quickly, even one fully crewed Fulmar. The standard of sailing was appaling and does nothing in my opinion to enhance the reputation of the Solent being the mecca of sailing.

Currently I am now berthed in Mercury Yacht Haven, arriving at 15.30. I am glad to be berthed now for the next 12 days than join the chaos of sailing in the Solent, let alone trying to get a berth in one of the famous haunts. The Solent is just too busy for my liking and cannot understand why so many want to remain in the relative safety of Lake Solent. There are so many beautiful places I have visited and many were never busy. I certainly enjoyed the peace and quiet of the northern waters and am also looking forward to returning to the muddy waters of the Thames and Medway as they are so much quieter and interesting to sail.

Tomorrow my bike comes out so I can cycle the 7 miles over to the Boat Show. I know the show will not be open, but I will be picking up my exhibitors badge and seeing if the WOA needs any help setting up the stand. Then for the 9 days the show is open, I will be at the show everyday. Last year I had little chance to view any boats, see many stands, buy any bits for the boat or chat with friends. If any of you would like to come and say hello, then I will be on the Westerly Owners Stand (J115 in Ocean Hall ) at 2pm everyday for about an hour. Several friends and the daughter of the original owner have arranged to meet me at other times. A few people have even asked to see Concerto, which I am happy to do in the early evening. My aim is to encourage some of you to do things to your boats and/or take them to places you have never been to before. Not everyone has the time or stamina to undertake a full Round Britain trip, it may just be going abroad or visiting another area of the country.

I have not mentioned my bike for a while. Well I have now covered over 200 miles. After the boat show the mileage will be similar to going from Southampton to Carlisle. Put that way I still cannot believe it and thankfully I did not have to do that distance in one go. Just proves how useful the bike is to have on board.

During the show I will continue to update you all with things I have found or seen, or the people I have met. All of the reports will finally cease by the end of the month as I will have finshed the trip. Normally I do the last part of the trip in just 2 days, but I may make an extra stop and make it 3 days. The only thing you will be able to look forward then will be the rst of the videos of the trip as I edit and load them over the next month or so. The latest video I posted about the trip from Newlyn to Brixham has become the most viewed of all my videos and in a relatively short amount of time. It is the first to have over a 1000 viewings and is only just short of the greatest number of likes as well. So I will try to keep the standard high on all future videos.

My about forum details have been updated, (click on my avatar and then the about tab) as it now has all the links to the PowerPoint presentations on renovating Concerto, all YouTube videos and every Round Britain report.

View attachment 142996
The Seal 26

View attachment 142997
Cropping the odd wave made the foredeck wet

View attachment 142998
The Needles were a little hazy

View attachment 142999
Hurst Castle with the Southerly to windward

View attachment 143000
Fort Albert

View attachment 143001
Looking astern at Hurst Castle

View attachment 143003
Another Fulmar

View attachment 143004

For anyone wanting to read the reports from the start, this is the link to first one.
Round Britian day 1
All the links with place names are in my about me page available from my avatar.

I think it must be the foreshortening effect of the photo of Hurst Castle and the Southerly that you weren’t racing, but the SW Shingles East Cardinal in the foreground almost looks as though it’s being seen from a point on the Shingles.

Many yacht owners have to live and work in the South East to support their habit. The Solent is, for this tribe (of which I was a member for many years), the most accessible and least impractical place to sail.

Which is not intended to detract from your observations which, for the last 112 days, have given me a lot of pleasure and for which I would like to thank you; for your candid and insightful recording of an epic journey.

 

[dunedin]

Well Concerto, you may have blown it on here - daring to criticise the hallowed Solent

And right on cue ……..

Perhaps on consideration a less superior tone is appropriate for an experienced yachtsman.
The Solent is an excellent “learners pool” and there are always people getting their first days of sailing.
Those who have the time and experience to go off on longer passages are very fortunate and would do well to remember their own first steps in boating.

Equally perhaps a less presumptive tone could be appropriate. There are a massive number of places other than the Solent where people go for their first sails, and “longer passages” don’t always need to start in the Solent - as for Concerto, for many the Solent is one place to visit on a voyage rather than a starting point.

 

[Minerva]

Come on Concerto - Everyone knows that the Solent is the Best Place in the WORLD to sail. You can't dare criticise it. it's perfect.

Congratulations on your voyage! I bet you must be looking forward to slumping into your couch at home and sleeping in your own bed soon!

 

[Concerto]

Maybe I was being over critical, but to see so many yachts after so long with virtually nothing on the horizon on lots of days really brought home at how incredibly busy the Solent is to sail . Yes it is a relaitively sheltered area with lots of interesting places to visit, but they are all so close together. Having sailed mainly from the Medway, where there are a few local places to visit, but eveywhere else is usually a tide and a bit away. It makes me realise how much I enjoy sailing longer distances in empty waters.

I agree that it is a good place to learn to sail and have work done on boats. Part of the problem I see is too few beginners then continue to expand their knowledge to get the most out of our sport. It is not difficult to learn how to adjust a sail to work better, maybe not perfectly, but the extra performance can add half a knot or more to the boat speed. Many years ago someone said to me there is a difference between someone having 25 years experience and someone having 1 years experience 25 times. Sailing is a continual learning curve, even now I still keep learning things I did not know even though I started sailing in 1965. A lot of my sailing skills were honed whilst racing from the late 1960's and till the end of the 80's. Getting a good performance from a yacht is not difficult, very few people can achieve it all of the time. I aim for 90 to 95% of the maximum potential speed, but too frequently I see boats that are sailing at a level of around 60%. I accept there are some cautious sailors, but the mistakes I see are so blatently obvious to see. These sailors don't see them or do not know what to look for. When you are only sailing a short distance, which is normal in the Solent, I suppose it adds only a little extra time to the journey, but go across the Channel, head for the Isles of Scilly or even the dauntingly shallow East Coast and it will add hours to the journey and with a higher possibility of missing a tidal gate. I was always taught that on a sailing boat an engine was an auxilary source of motive power, not the primary one. Sailing rather than using an engine is far better for the planet and also means we slow the useage of the world's scarce resources.

There is certainly some very high performance racing in the Solent, normally at the weekends. During the week it is mainly the domain of the cruising yachtsman and sail training schools. For those in the Solent who only cruise, do try and hone your sailing skills to make the Solent a more impressive place to show why it is considered the mecca of sailing.

 

[lustyd]

Did it occur to you that midweek in September the majority of boats you'd have seen were training and new sailors? Because it is a "sailing mecca" it has more than its fair share of new sailors so unsurprising that a few boats will be badly sailed. Most sailors don't have time to sail around the whole of Britain, let alone become experts at setting sails.

I'd argue that Salcombe was a lot busier than Solent when inside the harbour. At least in the Solent there's usually a channel to follow!

 

[Telstar26]

I've let the owner of SuperSeal 79 Stromboli know!

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

I dont dislike the sailcruising in the Solent; like Concerto I've done so from time to time since the mid 60's-most recently in 2018. Midweek isn't too bad outside school holidays but at weekends in the summer it's like trying to find a car parking space in Cornwall(and proportionately at a similar price!). I think the reduction in the places you can anchor, since the 60's, and the growth of marinas has reduced the sense of space and peace and replaced it with "must get to the marina whilst there is still a berth left". It's no longer a tranquil experience type of cruising in the season. However, those who have to keep their boat there can always cruise afar from time to time to the sort of places Concerto mentions.

 

[steveeasy]

Well I love the buzz of the Solent. The more boats on the water the better. Plenty to admire and some nice places to visit for a day. It’s a Haven really with plenty of racing to participate in.
Of course it goes without saying we have some truly amazing coast line that could keep all of us busy exploring for ever. Time and money are however limiting factors but we make the most of what we have.

Oh I like seeing sails not set properly makes me not stand out quite so much.
Steveeasy

 

[SaltyC]

I agree wholeheartedly with Concerto, too busy, bland coastline, my landmark of Fawley tower has gone!!!!!! and too expensive ( Jealous of those who can afford?). I am used to the West Coast, if I see another vessel it is an event, a Yacht is a rare event - except on club cruises or races.

However, I do enjoy the occasional 'fix' this year in July I participated in Blind Week, chaos, boats everywhere, had to phone ahead to book marinas BUT thoroughly enjoyed the week, if not the costs being against the religion of a Yorkshireman.

Totally different from my first experience in the mid 70's when small boats understood the channel to Southampton and Ships didn't need a guard boat to clear the way. Plus Yarmouth had piles not stern to Med morring!!!"!

Each to their own, all areas have their advocates, advantages and disadvantages. In line with the current Project fear of the Government it is a 'safer' option than the west Coast of Scotland, poor weather, raging gales, freezing temperatures and starving midges. Hopefully that will deter many and leave us with deserted anchorages, awesome scenery and good value moorings

 

[E39mad]

You'll also find some of the best sailors in the UK on the Solent - the racing used to be ferociously competitive in most classes and presume it is still is. Doubt you get that in many other places in the UK. If you think the sailing standards are bad in the Solent you should you go to the Med in the summer particularly the charter meccas of Greece and Croatia.

 

[dunedin]

You'll also find some of the best sailors in the UK on the Solent - the racing used to be ferociously competitive in most classes and presume it is still is. Doubt you get that in many other places in the UK. If you think the sailing standards are bad in the Solent you should you go to the Med in the summer particularly the charter meccas of Greece and Croatia.

The highest concentration of top flight racing sailors are generally found at the Weymouth & Portland centre - which is better for serious international racing as less of a tidal lottery.
The Solent as a racing venue benefits from volume of yachts and “character”, including strong tides, shallows etc - but has somewhat fallen out of favour as a venue for serious international championships

 

[steveeasy]

Bland!!. It was not and is not, even when the sun is not shining.

Steveeasy

 

[ashtead]

Those sails on Flapjack might invite a few comments though from non Solent sailors?

 

[Concerto]

The next report is about the Southampton Boat Show.
Round Britain day 113 Southampton Boat Show

 

[sailingmartin]

My aim is to encourage some of you to do things to your boats and/or take them to places you have never been to before. Not everyone has the time or stamina to undertake a full Round Britain trip, it may just be going abroad or visiting another area of the country.

I have read quite a number of your “Around Britain“ posts and on more than one occasion I have thought to myself: “This man is nuts”. If you are really trying to encourage us to take our boats further and to more interesting places, then I don’t think the hardcore approach of going out willingly in a wet and windy F7/8 for more than 12 hours a day is going to entice anybody. I often have new crew aboard and I can guarantee that if I took them out on quite a number of your sailing days I would never see them again! I am sure you are a much better sailor than me, but I sail for pleasure, not endurance. I like travelling by boat and arriving in new places by sea. Like you I sailed from Dartmouth around Britain in 2018 (albeit with the softies option of the Caledonian Canal) and had a fabulous time, partly on my own and partly with family or friends. We never went out in a big wind (26ft sailing boat), visited 60 different ports or anchorages and probably used the engine a bit more than you have done.
A lot of those sailors in the Solent of whom you are so dismissive are probably like me - out for a nice day on the water and not bothered in the least that we are not the fastest in the fleet. It may be nice to feel superior at times but there is plenty of sea for all types of sailors.
I hope you enjoy the Boat Show - unfortunately I’ve sailed (slowly) down Orca Alley to Portugal this season so won’t be able to make it. From the Solent of course….

 

[neilf39]

Horses for courses and personal choice surely. If you have a boat you can sail where you want. I know people who won't go out of the solent and some who sail off to the baltic or Scotland for the summer. We are all part of the same cruising club, none of us disparage others choices.

 

[ashtead]

Had the pleasure of meeting Concerto today at SIBS so many thanks for your time and insights - and also seeing his electric bike which is definitely on my Xmas wish list .also saw the centaur which took me back to the mid 70s . It seemed fairly quiet at show but gave time to speak to helpful Simon on the harken stand plus the guy from up lancs way selling some interesting cool boxes . Also if going a lady from Plymouth selling cushion and mats/pictures with old maps on .

Could not believe prices of new boats though but very easy to view theose of interest with no waiting. Lovely old motor gun boat on the pontoon just in front of the Fleming was going out just as we walked by worth seeking his manovering- - I don’t know if they are offering a run down Solent but might be on offer.