Speeding into Cowes

[Guest]

Just got my copy of MBM to read they are going to get tougher on speeders in Cowes, glad to hear this as last time we were there, 2 weeks ago we had to moor outside of the visitors pontoon.

As we had tied up, boats were passing at I would say 9 to 10 knots, hence boat jumping all over the place, not very comfy when trying to eat/cook etc.
I hope this is a warning to others to calm it down a bit, iv'e had many a boat overtake me going into Cowes this summer, in the 6 knot area with not a care in the world, hope this will teach them when they get caught,as yet iv'e never seen the HM stop anyone for this.
I also hope this feature in MBM is not just a cheap way of showing a bit of authority.

Paul js.

 

[kimhollamby]

Suspect there is quite a lot of intent there. Don't know if you remember but we carried a news item in the mags and on the web about how a recent prosecution failed on the Medina (for drunk in charge I think I remember) due to lack of magistrate's understanding of situation. If they are throwing the great and good out on the harbourmaster's launch it sounds as though they are trying to pave the way for greater success in court...

 

[Guest]

Nice to get the first reply from you ( KIM O GREAT ONE), it was the same weekend Calm Voyager was there, didn't see who was aboard, suppose I should have moored inside the Marina, but it's far cheaper on the outside for a short time, just enough time for a quick lunch, then back to Lymington, lovelly day out apart for the bouncy bit when tied up.

 

[oldgit]

Re: Speeding in the Medway

Perhaps somebody could nail a notice to the lock gate at Gillingham Marina reminding the occupants that you do not use WOT until you go past Garrison Pt.The speed limit applies to all craft no matter how expensive.You upset two bottles of my best beer.(the stuff you keep hidden until your are alone)

 

[kimhollamby]

"O great one"? Must have got the wrong Kim. Sad to say not me aboard two weeks back but I am due out in Calm Voyager this week, after working out where to rig 14 GPS antennas amongst other things. So if you see CV lost somewhere in the Solent in the next few days, pray don't tell anyone.

 

[kimhollamby]

Re: Speeding in the Medway

I didn't upset any of your beer! Haven't been into Gillingham since 1999. We stopped to a dead crawl past Garrison inbound late one evening that year and had to go slow all the way down to Sheerness thanks to fog on the way out a couple of days later. Can imagine there are some boats that bust limits there, however...

 

[Guest]

Have got the right Kim, no offence intended at O GREAT ONE, some years back at LBS I wanted to speak to Paul Berger, only managed to get to him after crawling my way by people wanting to see you, the reason for talking to him was that, we used to own the HISTAR 42 that they featured one year in MBM, chartering in Majorca.
Paul js.

 

[duncan]

Re: Speeding in the Medway

I think you wil lfind that some of the commercials have exemption from the limit on lower reaches of the Medway, esp. some of the trawlers.
Just an observation.

 

[kimhollamby]

No offence taken, I promise. Yup, you've got the right one and I remember the Hi Star too. Those were the days when Chelsea Harbour was stuffed full of the overspill from the London Boat Show, mostly Taiwanese constructed boats that were so big they had to enter the lock with carpets down both sides instead of fenders!

For thr first time in many a year I'm not pinned to one stand at London but the ybw.com admin machines will be on MBM so perhaps I'll catch you there if you are visiting?

 

[david_steward]

Re:Garrison Point?

I think that the speed restriction on the lower Medway applies at Folly Point (on the Eastern end of Hoo Island). Upstream is 6 knots, and below is unrestricted. This does mean that boats leaving Gillingham must potter along for at least half a mile before opening up. Even this seems difficult for some of them.

Dave S

 

[markc]

I too had to moor there a couple of weeks ago - bouncing around all bloody night long - I've had a better nights sleep in the outer harbour in Calais tied to a buoy! Never again!

One of the worst culprits appeard to be the harbour taxis..same with you?...they'll be above the law I suspect.

Mark

 

[Guest]

The water taxis seem to be on the plane all the time, had to do a bit of a quick move myself, beat Phantom 46 for a spot, had to cut across front of rag and stick, NOW THAT MAKES A CHANGE!.

 

[Guest]

Re:Garrison Point?

Dave, shouldn't your last line read "some of us"

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I agree that its very uncomfortable on the outer pontoon and that the 6knot limit should be enforced but you're never going to get a quiet night there - the jetfoil ferry docks nearby and that pushes a huge wash and the car ferry turns around just across the river.
I always ask for an inner pontoon berth or if one's not available, go upto E Cowes

 

[Scubadoo]

It's amazing even when the Rags & Stick men run on engines they still expect you to get out of their way no matter what.

RM.

 

[Scubadoo]

Totally agree with you, there seems to be one rule for leisure boaters and another for commerical. I also feel not just in Cowes that Ribs and speedboats (around 12-16ft) seem to do any speed they like, but pretty sure the day I do the same I would get a fine.

As soon as the JetFoil turns round it sends a wash through the marina, not good. It might have been better to have a solid wall, but I guess this could cause more problems else where.

RM.