Trying to do it right

[martinwoolwich]

First I know very little about sailing and sailing racing.

Second, I know that sailing people in general do not like motor boat people and I really, really don't want to upset anyone.

So here's the question. I would really like to have a look at the Round the Island Race from my boat with friends and family. I don't want to get in anyone's way and I really don't want to upset anyone.

Should I be able to do this? I'm I better off keeping well clear of the Solent during that weekend?

If it should be possible, what are the thing to do? Head for where? stand off where? at what sort of time? don't ever do what? and for God's sake don't.......?

Advice please (ps this is a serious question)

 

[rogerroger]

Hey - us raggies love the stinkies...

Anyway - having been refused entry to the RTI race as I don't have a sail number, I'm probably going to drop the hook just to the east of the fort that marks the southern end of the submarine barrier. This way I'll not be in anyone's way (unless they don't know about the barrier and try to round the fort!) and will get to see all the mayhem as boats struggle through this narrow gap against the wind, tide and all the other boats that rounded 10 mins ago now coming at them on the other tack!

I reckon if you're "on the move" trying to watch you're bound to get in someone's way and it won't be very relaxing for you...



Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[tcm]

Re: good place

that is a good place. Also put a black anchor ball up so they can see from a way off that you are staying still

 

[rogerroger]

Re: good place

believe me - there will be balls all over the place !! (don't want to spill my beer!)



Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[bedouin]

If you want to make a day of it you could watch some of the start from the western solent and then tootle back to the east to watch the finish. E.g start anchored near Beaulieu, wait till the boats have passed and then head East. For just the morning then consider somewhere near Keyhaven, for the afternoon off the forts or Bembridge.

Do check what the tides are doing. If the tides are favourable you will find the boats sticking to the deeper water - and there will be plenty of space to watch from the shallower areas. However if the tides are contrary you will find some of the boats sticking very close to the shore to keep out of the current.

If you keep well clear of the marks (Bembridge Ledge and the Forts), and fly your anchor ball then you shouldn't get in the way - it's much easier to avoid a stationery boat than a moving one.

Whatever else you do - don't try to go passed Hurst while the race is passing (at least not without several changes of undergarments).

 

[jimi]

Re: good place

Last year I was anchored in Priory Bay displaying my black ball & nearly got Tboned by some wazock trying a long inshore tack!

 

[robp]

Or for a really good view and if you can get into Yarmouth early.. Tie up there and get the bus up to the Needles Battery. Should be a stunning photo opportunity. they'll go past at 10.30 to 13.30. No chance of being in the way then.

 

[Viking]

I remember a few years back, a friend and I thought we would sail down to Cowes (from Chichester) for a spot of Tea. Passing the Forts we saw a fleet of racing boats steaming up from Bembridge and far in the back ground a solid mass of canvas off Ventor. We had completely forgot it was Round the Island Race. On the way to the finishing line we where passed by some disponded looking crews of these racing boats (we in a 28 footer). It was only when was approched the finishing line and committee boat. I realised I had not flown my ensign. So for a bit of fun we cross the finishing line punching the air wildly. In Cowes we wondered how long it take then to find our name not on the racing list.

 

[Chris_Stannard]

Depends on the speed you can make and the weather. the advice to go into Yarmotuh and bus up to the Needles Fort is good as it provides a grandstand view and there is a little cafe there for refreshments.

Otherwise you could leave at about 8.00 which is the first start and hang about in Alum Bay, which is out of the way as the competitors will all be out in the tide, or if it is calm amd you have a good seaboat you could go out just beyond the Needles reef so that you can see the competitors rounding, and if the wind is its usual South west, setting their spinnakers. If there are still lots of people coming and you want to leave that spot I would suggest you go down the Western side of the Shingles and back into the Solent via the North Channel.

Your next vantage point would be somewhere about the Ryde Bank towars the mainland since most of the boats will be keeping to the Island shore to avoid the tide, but the sight of hundreds of boats beating up the Solent is not to be missed.
If someone does come you way please keep your speed down as heavy wash will both stop a light racing boat and will shake all of the air out of the sails so that it will take time to get going again.

Enjoy your day the water is there foe everyone and thank you for asking


Chris Stannard

 

[Guest]

I do not sail the Solent but everyone should see the Round the Island once - it brings a tear to the eye just to see so many boats under sail.

p.s. Sailboats do not hate powerboats - Both disciplines do hate those loud mouth, noisy, win at all costs, bugger the rest, I can shout louder than you can in a marina , soap dished all out RACING SAILORS

 

[luckyjimbo]

Hello Martin
The short answer is "go where you like, keep out of shipping lanes, away from ferry ports" it is your privilige, use it!.
Regards
James

 

[chas]

You are absolutely right of course. I wonder what the reaction of a Court would be if a wrecked topper owner sued a powerboat skipper whose defence was "I had my balls up and was making the right noises"!

 

[Twister_Ken]

From one of the moorings off of Yarmouth, in Totland or Alum bays or behind Hurst Spit (at anchor in all three cases). Or sail down from Calshot towards the Needles keeping to the Hampshire shore, and out of the deep water channel which is where anyone whose got any race skills will want to be to have most tide under them.

You need to be up early, though to catch the real speed merchants. If not, hang around off of Ryde or at anchor in Osborne bay to get the finishers - usually from about 1300 onwards depending on wind direction and strength.