Solent is OK

[graham]

I have just returned from a week sailing in the Solent.Last time I was there was about 15 years ago and I feared its magic would now be lost after reading reports on the forum and yachtie mags.

Pleased to say I thoroughly enjoyed some of the more tranquil bits Beaulieu Newton Creek and Wooton Creek Southampton Waters require a high level of concentration to avoid shipping but we also enjoyed Yarmouth and even Cowes .

I wouldnt go there during the peak season or a bank holiday but still think the Solent is a beautiful place to visit with a lot to offer for the visiting yachtsman with a safe haven never more than a short sail away.

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[LORDNELSON]

Quite right, on the right day/week the Solent is a magic place. There seem to be fewer such times now because of the intensity of water use. We still have a mooring on the Hamble and enjoy the Solent but get away to less used areas in July, August and September.

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[Windfall]

Solent is wonderful if you know all the places that the others don't! And there are still a few out of the way corners that the crowds don't seem to find....but I'm not telling where!



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[Jeremy_W]

That\'s a relief!

I'm planning a charter on the Solent this spring, not having sailed there for years.

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[Eudorajab]

Of course it is ok. Who on earth could possibly imply otherwise ?? If it wasnt okay there would be far fewer boats out there thats for sure.

Glad you enjoyed

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[nicho]

We've been boating in the Solent for about 7 years now, and never get sick of the area. We also venture across the Channel from time to time, and down to the West Country, but feel we are coming home when we pass Hurst castle. Our favourite Solent spots include Bembridge, Stokes Bay (anchor for extended lunch), Osborne Bay (ditto), Alum Bay, Newtown Creek, Beaulieu river, Yarmouth and Lymington. All very different, and we never tire of them. Being able to go at any time helps 'crush' wise, and we particularly avoid the mayhem of Bank Holidays and Cowes week. For sure it can be busy at any time, but, in our view, that adds to the "charm" of the area (see Jimi's recent post!!). Solent boaters are generally a sociable lot (Jimi's pal excepted!), and make visitors welcome.

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[tome]

Totally agree with you Nicho. I've been sailing in the Solent for 25 years and have seen many changes over that time, but it still has its charm and character. I'd add Ashlett creek to your list.

Sometimes this forum creates the impression that it's full of bad tempered people and over-crowded. The reality is that, like boating people everywhere, sailors are generally pleasant, helpful and well mannered. Sure it gets crowded during summer weekends but even this can be fun - squeezing into Yarmouth where there's always a space found for you.

There's the occasional loud mouth and a few inconsiderate crews but I wouldn't let this tiny minority put you off visiting. It's a great area with many interesting ports, rivers and anchorages and I feel lucky to have it on my doorstep - especially this time of year when it really is quiet.

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[nicho]

In my years in the Solent, I've only ever had one "spat", and that was in 2001 when we had our motor cruiser. We were returning from Torquay with the intention of having a couple of days in Yarmouth. We arrived lateish Saturday afternoon, when there were many boats (of all types) coming from East and West and arriving together. There was quite a traffic jam approaching the harbour entrance and we all filtered into one line, each giving way in turn. I was a few yards behind a yacht, with another pretty close behind. My wife said "have you seen that boat?" "Yes, of course" I replied, presuming it to be the yacht in front that she was referring to. "Are you sure you've seen that boat?" she asked again "Yes!" I snapped..."No THIS one" she retorted. To my shock, a yacht (around 37/38'), was less than a foot from my port side, overtaking at a fair rate, which then pushed it's way into the small gap in front of me. I hit reverse hard, and 500 hp stopped our boat dead in the water - the yacht missed our bows by a whisker. The yacht behind (with perhaps less than 10% of our power) could not stop so quickly, and had to swerve hard to portgetting rather too close for comfort to the Lymington ferry that had just departed. Complete mayhem followed as boats behind all tried to miss each other (I don't think any contact was made).

I was completely apoplectic, and shouted some abuse that even I was later ashamed of (though not so much!!). My rage was made worse when he put a single digit up at me. Having been so wound up, I could not later (luckily) remember the boats' name, or I swear I would have found him. Later that night, my wife spotted him in the Wheatsheaf, but decided not to tell me, for she feared my actions!!

I have rarely been so wound up, but it was very much a one off in my experience, and I find most Solent boat skippers are more than polite and courteous



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[jimi]

In the 5 years UI've been sailing on the Solent I've only ever had one 'real' incident (upon which the boatrage thread was (very) loosely based). I've generally found eveyone very pleasant and helpful EXCEPT at rafting up time. I got really pissed off one night when c. 1300 hours a boat rafted up on us, whilst we were asleep, the noise was atrocious, so I got up, helped them secure themselves and went back to my kip. They departed early in the morning leaving one of my stanchions bent in double and no forwarding note. Another time a charter boat insisted on rafting up on me despite being told that I was about to leave. These really have been the only incidents in the last 5 years .. not too bad really.

However I must share this incident with you.
A friend of mine was leaving Cowes when he notices an incoming yachts anchor is a bit loose on the stemhead, he gesticulates at it and shouts as loud as he can "Anchor!". This shout was misinterpreted by the skipper who promptly saw red and put the helm hard over with the intent of ramming my pal. This motion disturbed the thin balnce of the already precarious anchor causing it to fall, upon the chain coming taut, the 7 knots forward motion of the yacht causes a firm digging in of the anchor ... I leave the rest to your imaginations! /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

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[Eudorajab]

Where abouts in the solent are you ??

John

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[Twister_Ken]

>upon the chain coming taut, the 7 knots forward motion of the yacht causes a firm digging in of the anchor<

Somewhat akin to a handbrake turn, one imagines.

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