The Solent.

[Guest]

Just recently there seem to have been quite a few posts by people who are just delighted to be leaving the Solent for good. Now this stretch of water may have its faults but it still can be a magical area with a wealth of lovely places to visit. It is great to sail out of its confines for a while but it is always pleasing coming back in through the Needles channel.

 

[tony_brighton]

I agree. The problem with the Solent isn't the destinations (some of which are top class) but rather the over-crowding [cause and effect?].

This weekend was a bizarre experience - it was almost empty despite fantastic sailing conditions; proved just what a nice place it can be. Rafted up 8 deep at Poole Town Quay left a lot to be desired compared with a buoy up Newtown Creek.

 

[brianhumber]

Nothing wrong with the Solent - just too many others around and stupid greedy harbour masters. I had a lovely sail to and from France, no other yacht in sight, berth was less than £5 for 13m and meal was less than £15 per person. Its a free world, I am more than happy everybody else sticks to an overcrowded, expensive stretch of water and I will enjoy where I sail to.

 

[JamesS]

We who have a berth in the Solent are indeed fortunate - delighful scenery and a wide choice of moorings for an overnight stay within a few hours sail.

I always feel sorry for those berthed at say Brighton, where weekend sailing is limited to a day sail.

The downside of all this are the crowds - we counter this by having our 'weekend' over a Sunday and a Monday, and of course the charges but as a matter of principle we will not pay more than £10 a night (alright it's still a lot) so sorry Bembridge, MDL etc.

By the way, by limiting to £10 a night or less, there is still quite a wide choice.

Cheers,

 

[tony_brighton]

Really? - I can only think of a couple for that price (Newtown was a tenner).

 

[JamesS]

A tenner - typical National Trust rip-off. I pulled up there for a lunch stop one day last year - over a £5!!!!.

If you stretch the budget to say £12.50 then I could list you about 12.

Cheers.

 

[tadpole]

£12.50 ceiling

We'd be pleased to read your suggestions - we're not too familiar with some of the Solent destinations.
Thanks

 

[Guest]

The bit I like about the solent is that you can go sailing in any weather. Was out there in an F11 last year, and if I lived anywhere else wouldn't have been able to go sailing!

 

[pugwash]

Re: Force Eleven?

Cripes, does that come under the heading of prudent? Even for the Solent!

 

[robp]

I count myself lucky to live within spitting distance of it. Somewhere different to go whatever the tide and a wealth of experiences. True, it can be expensive and it's crowded. Bit like many attractions that people flock to though.

 

[robp]

Surely one doesn't "go sailing" in a force 11?! More like sit it out and then hope to make a safe approach back in. With shallow water on all sides of you, it's lucky something didn't break isn't it?

I know it's an old one but; "I'd rather be in here wishing I was out there, than out there wishing I was in in here".

 

[billmacfarlane]

The Solent is popular for very good reasons - the main one being a great choice of harbours all within an easy sail over one tide. The main drawback as far as I'm concerned isn't the cost , high though it is , it's the lack of anchorages compared to other areas , e.g Devon and Cornwall and even Dorset.

 

[tadpole]

Re: Dorset

Hey, don't push Dorset (especially the west) too much - we like it just the way it is, beautiful and uncrowded, thanks v much :~)

 

[robp]

Re: Dorset

Right Tadpole, keep an eye on the Eastern horizon this weekend. That big black cloud of dust (or spray) will be the Solent army (or should that be Navy).

 

[JamesS]

Re: £12.50 ceiling

OK,

We're talking about a 31ft boat.

Lymington Town Quay, Yarmouth, River Hamble visitor berths, Cowes Town Quay, The Folly, Osborne Bay (free!!!), Langstone Harbour visitor moorings - I've moored there dozens of times over the past 10 years and have never been charged, Chichester Harbour - East Head (free I think), Emsworth visitor mooring, Itchenor visitor mooring.

I hardly ever go into Portsmouth Harbour so can't comment on availability there.

Cheers,

 

[billmacfarlane]

Re: £12.50 ceiling

I might be wrong but if your a visitor , anchored at East Head , you might get stung for harbour dues.

 

[tadpole]

Re: £12.50 ceiling

James,
Many thanks for those suggestions - gives us a few more options to try this year

 

[JamesS]

Re: £12.50 ceiling

You could be right, although I haven't paid in the past and the HM's boys are pretty quick of the mark.

Mind you having said that, we even got a freebie at Itchenor over the Easter week end.

Cheers