Solent Myths and facts

[JumbleDuck]

However, as I am obviously alone in disliking-over size pictures - not actually a problem but the subsequent growth of all text on the page is - I shall add this foible to the list that includes lazy jacks, stackpacks, dangling fenders, and ..............

... those who wax hysterical in praising gravel pits with industrial ports on one side and Britain's answer to Kentucky on the other?

 

[Seajet]

I thought the high clewed ' Solent Jibs ' on Edwardian boats like the J Class were designed for a reason, the ' Solent Chop ' short frequency waves in wind over tide, not that high but can stop a boat on the spot, so the high clew - and a strop on the tack - help prevent waves breaking into the sail.

The largest waves I've ever encountered in the Solent were between the forts, Horse Sand & No Man's Land, in the deepwater shipping channel; probably only 6-10' high but very short and square, slopping over the coaming side and filling the cockpit.

The really largest waves I've ever been in - one going at 45 degrees on top of another - were off ' The Bridge ' in the Needles Channel after days of gales, just outside the Solent, they certainly got my attention.