davedpc
Well-Known Member
Been throu the needles several times in the past in smaller boats but can it be done still as I believe one of the needles has collapsed? Dave.
Threading the needles
- Thread starter davedpc
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Talbot
Well-Known Member
depends on the state of the tide and your definition of smaller boat!
BrendanS
Well-Known Member
You can do it, but I'd suggest you go there at low tide, take photos and careful observation, and be careful when you go back at high tide in flat calm to do it.
Andrew_Fanner
Well-Known Member
Sea Kayak and a copy of Wight Hazards.
BrendanS
Well-Known Member
Or a lot of local knowledge, a double stepped hull, leg tilted up as far as poss and xx+knts so you are only drawing a few inches! But I didn't say that.
The same applies to go across the nearby banks, on occasions, increasing speed is one way of getting across the shallow bits. Takes a bit of bottle though, but the view of the sand underneath makes it worth the odd jaunt
Steps back and waits to get flamed
The same applies to go across the nearby banks, on occasions, increasing speed is one way of getting across the shallow bits. Takes a bit of bottle though, but the view of the sand underneath makes it worth the odd jaunt
Steps back and waits to get flamed
office_sailor
Well-Known Member
AFAIK the last time one of the needles collapsed was several centuries ago - the arch rock in Freshwater bay collapsed a few years ago - could this be the one you were thinking of? As others have said, Wight Hazards is the bible for this sort of adventure...
I've seen a few Ribs doing it from Alum Bay, but from up on the cliffs there always seem to be a very significant number of local lobster pots and marks out - not really the place to get a fouled prop!
I've seen a few Ribs doing it from Alum Bay, but from up on the cliffs there always seem to be a very significant number of local lobster pots and marks out - not really the place to get a fouled prop!
Nick_H
Well-Known Member
had a look on the jet rib over the summer, and it can be done on that size of boat in fairly calm water, but would never attempt it in anything bigger or even moderately lumpy water.
terryw
Well-Known Member
The rock which collapsed was the Needle Rock, but not in your lifetime.
Last year I saw a 35 ft plus motor boat go through at some speed. Often been tempted but SWMBO refuses to let me (still, saves me having to bottle out at the last moment and lose face)
Last year I saw a 35 ft plus motor boat go through at some speed. Often been tempted but SWMBO refuses to let me (still, saves me having to bottle out at the last moment and lose face)
Gludy
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Or a lot of local knowledge, a double stepped hull, leg tilted up as far as poss and xx+knts so you are only drawing a few inches! But I didn't say that.
[/ QUOTE ]
I could not resist - what happens when you have an engine go down! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Or a lot of local knowledge, a double stepped hull, leg tilted up as far as poss and xx+knts so you are only drawing a few inches! But I didn't say that.
[/ QUOTE ]
I could not resist - what happens when you have an engine go down! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
BrendanS
Well-Known Member
exactly the same as if it failed at any other time. Why?
Hurricane
Well-Known Member
There always seems to me to be a bit of confusion here in the term "threading the needles".
If you just mean going between the wreck and the lighthouse - thats easy - but you must keep clear of Goose Rock AND keep close in.
BTW have you ever been out there at low water springs when the wreck's boilers break the surface?
As far as I understand - "threading the needles" means actually going between the first set of rocks - I'd do it in a dinghy or a small RIB but anything more valuable and IMHO you'd be nuts.
If you just mean going between the wreck and the lighthouse - thats easy - but you must keep clear of Goose Rock AND keep close in.
BTW have you ever been out there at low water springs when the wreck's boilers break the surface?
As far as I understand - "threading the needles" means actually going between the first set of rocks - I'd do it in a dinghy or a small RIB but anything more valuable and IMHO you'd be nuts.
MYStargazer
Well-Known Member
It can be done. I used to live very close by.
Be careful of the "VARVASSY" wreck to the SW of the most westerly rock... It is clearly charted but gets 'em every year in the Round the Island.
Be careful of the "VARVASSY" wreck to the SW of the most westerly rock... It is clearly charted but gets 'em every year in the Round the Island.
BrendanS
Well-Known Member
Yes, I've seen the boilers break surface.
I wouldn't recommend anyone threads the Needles (first set of rocks) unless they really know the area exceptionally well. But at high tide in calm conditions it's fine.
I wouldn't recommend anyone threads the Needles (first set of rocks) unless they really know the area exceptionally well. But at high tide in calm conditions it's fine.
davedpc
Well-Known Member
Used to go through regularly about ten years ago in a 19ft with outdrive tilted. If you go on a flat calm against the flow you can move very slowly. If the skeg touches the chaulk which is fairly forgiving just shutting down the power will push you back into deeper water. Wnen I have been through in the past the water has been crystal clear and the bottom clearly visible. The sandstone only extends about 20ft and your over.
Andrew_Fanner
Well-Known Member
Used to be a shot somewhere in the fora of a lifeboatman standing on one of the Varvassi's boilers during the RTI race. Very impressive. I'm surprised no insurance company has paid for the wreck to be flattened.
