Round the Isle of Wight in a sports boat

[colingr]

A group of us are planning a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight on the 26th June assuming the weather is favourable.

The boats range from 16 to 22ft. A mix of bowriders and cuddies.

On the 26th, if my chartwork is correct slack at St Catherines is near enough 11:30 so we're basing the passage plan on that.

We're intending to go Cowes - Needles - round the back - Bembridge - Cowes, stopping off as appropriate Sandown bay, Bembridge etc for breaks.
We will be passing the needles between 10:30 - 11:00.

Comments on the plan? (preferably helpful ones). How much leeway is there in respect of the race at St Catherines?

 

[benjenbav]

Just had a quick look at a passage plan I prepared for this trip. (No, it didn't just say "keep island on left" ). Assuming you depart the Needles at 11 and make 20 knots you will be at St Cat's at about 11.45. I wouldn't have thought the overfalls will be massive - maybe not visible - at that time if you are right about the tides - I didn't check. You don't need to stand off more than 1-2 miles to avoid them anyway.

 

[colingr]

Thanks for that, I wasn't sure how far out the overfalls ran. If just a couple of miles then even if we get it a bit wrong we can avoid them fairsy easily.

Cheers

 

[Scubadoo]

Pretty much straight forward, I usually follow the tidal flow (south of the island) and note the wind direction etc and do that trip a few times a year and never had any serious overfalls at St Cats and never been that far offshore either. I usually stop at Ventnor and use one of the visitor buoys, very friendly harbour master and a lovely fresh sea food place in the "harbour".

Back in the early 90's I used to do that in my 16ft Fletcher and don't remember hitting any particular rough bits to worry about.

Just keep further offshore on the west side of the island and also of course watch out for the bembridge ledge!

 

[[2068]]

I think the overfalls around St Catherine's Point are a bit overrated, given that the conditions are suitable to go around in the first place. I normally just slow down a bit and turn the wipers on.

I've seen much bigger waves around W.Princess going around Bembridge Ledge...

 

[colingr]

Thanks for all the replies. Bembridge ledge noted

Also well aware of the sand banks off Ryde.

Just need some sensible weather now

 

[ricky_s]

Hey Jokerboat. How much fuel do you think you will use? Would be interested in hearing how much you did use after the event.

 

[colingr]

Well I know that at leisurely cruise speed I'm burning about 5.5 gals per hour.

It's about 60 miles around so I'm assuming 4 hours total running time so about 22 gals. I've got 55 gals on board so am well within a safe margin.

Some of the other guys might be cutting it a bit fine though so we're all carrying spare fuel for those with tiddly tanks.

I'll give more detail after the event though.

 

[Scubadoo]

Well I know that at leisurely cruise speed I'm burning about 5.5 gals per hour.

It's about 60 miles around so I'm assuming 4 hours total running time so about 22 gals. I've got 55 gals on board so am well within a safe margin.

Some of the other guys might be cutting it a bit fine though so we're all carrying spare fuel for those with tiddly tanks.

I'll give more detail after the event though.

If I remember correctly, my old Fletcher (80hp Outboard) did it with 20gals and the engine cut out just as I got back to Calshot slip, learnt my lesson and always took an extra couple of gals.

 

[colingr]

Well it's all go ahead for tomorrow. Looks like 6 boats meeting on Cowes and heading west, then south then east then borth the west again. If you spot us give us a wave. 6 sports boats in a gaggle.

Looks like perfect weather.

 

[ricky_s]

Well it's all go ahead for tomorrow. Looks like 6 boats meeting on Cowes and heading west, then south then east then borth the west again. If you spot us give us a wave. 6 sports boats in a gaggle.

Looks like perfect weather.

Good luck Jokerboat, looks like a good day for it.

Will look out for you.

 

[matt13]

Bring it on! Cannot wait, I thought we were going the other way round?

 

[colingr]

Bring it on! Cannot wait, I thought we were going the other way round?

You can if you want, we'll meet you half way

 

[[2068]]

Well it's all go ahead for tomorrow. Looks like 6 boats meeting on Cowes and heading west, then south then east then borth the west again. If you spot us give us a wave. 6 sports boats in a gaggle.

Looks like perfect weather.

Looks like we might be joining you ...
... going the other way?

Will wave if able to.

 

[colingr]

Good luck Jokerboat, looks like a good day for it.

Will look out for you.

Cheers ricky, one of my crew has a Larson 240 cabriot, he chickened out of taking his as it would use too much fuel.

 

[colingr]

Interesting looking at some of the posts on this thread how many are IT bods. Just goes to show what a great bunch we are

 

[ricky_s]

Cheers ricky, one of my crew has a Larson 240 cabriot, he chickened out of taking his as it would use too much fuel.

Nah, £400 should do it

 

[colingr]

Nah, £400 should do it

 

[Firefly625]

Well it's all go ahead for tomorrow. Looks like 6 boats meeting on Cowes and heading west, then south then east then borth the west again. If you spot us give us a wave. 6 sports boats in a gaggle.

Looks like perfect weather.

I am sure you will have a great day!! Enjoy!!

I am about, Hamble to Lymington this weekend... must be feeling daft as booked a berth in Berthons.... eek... but will look out for you en-route!

 

[ricky_s]

Well, how did it go?