Where to practice tidal stream mooring near Southampton?

[jac]

Pah! Hammerheads are easy peasy, get yourself on the inside and you'll need new trousers in no time!

Actually don't, my boat's in there!

I has wind with tide and my berth was down of both, the stream does run for and aft, it runs at an angle - which was opposite my prop walk. Tried ferry gliding down twice using the wind to keep the bow in check - the gap between hammerheads is only just wide enough for us, bailed on both occasions - failing to even get into the basin, it was tight and I couldn't apply a burst of power to swing the bow one way and the stern the other.... So tried motoring up into it, too slow, couldn't make it into the basin again, tried a bit faster, made it into the basin, but dropping back astern tide pushed me across too far and her beam wasn't going to go into the berth, touched astern, prop walk made it worse and I was almost beam onto the end of the finger. Realising it was only going to go tits up fast I put the power down as was able to get her pointing into the tide again - Just rubbed on the rubbery bits on the end of the finger. Then approaching from the shore side I was able to keep the tide on the right side of the bows and was able to wiggle her in...Then changed my trousers

I'm on the inside of D facing C and make it difficult for myself by fighting prop walk as well. If you hear a loud crunch from 4-5 boats outside of you come and say hello.

(And bring new trousers )

 

[marklucas]

Great, thanks! It's pontooning practice we're after as opposed to bouys. Thanks for the Medina tip.

Is there anywhere specific on the Hamble that's good for practice? (all the pontoons on the Hamble appear to be private/occupied?)

B Pontoon outside Hamble Point normally has some space. Just call Hamble Harbourmaster on Ch 68 callsign Hamble Radio and ask for permission. Used it many a time when instructing. And if you want tide, I have seen 4 knots ebb on an equinoctial spring tide.

 

[eddystone]

Great, thanks! It's pontooning practice we're after as opposed to bouys. Thanks for the Medina tip.

Is there anywhere specific on the Hamble that's good for practice? (all the pontoons on the Hamble appear to be private/occupied?)

I was doing same thing about a month ago - free-standing visitor pontoon not far up Hamble - think it had blue markings on the piles but memory may be faulty and it was my first time there

 

[alant]

On the Cowes training pontoon, just be aware that it there is only 2metres of water at low tide alongside the pontoon, and a lot less off the ends towards the shore.

OK for most then.

 

[Angele]

Please be aware that most of these pontoons are in fact private pontoons, leased by various clubs. I spent three years on B pontoon, which I think is the one suggested by Angele, and we did suffer a number of bumps and scrapes from would-be yachtmasters (and dinghy sailors). Never any letters of apology if we were not on board, so a little bit annoying. To be fair to BOSS, their instructors were usually very careful and would ask permission if anyone was on board their boats at the pontoon.

Yes, but note that I was suggesting using it when there was a good length of vacant pontoon. When I pass there mid-morning on a Saturday, there is usually a spot vacated by a couple of adjacent boats, such that it would be tricky to mess things up so badly that you hit another boat (perhaps assuming at least one person on board who vaguely knows what they are doing).

 

[Resolution]

Yes, but note that I was suggesting using it when there was a good length of vacant pontoon. When I pass there mid-morning on a Saturday, there is usually a spot vacated by a couple of adjacent boats, such that it would be tricky to mess things up so badly that you hit another boat (perhaps assuming at least one person on board who vaguely knows what they are doing).

Fair enough. As an active sailor I would expect you to be aware of the need to have consideration for other boats. Not all sailing schools or instructors are so careful. as often happens, one bad egg can spoil it for everyone.

 

[Resolution]

I was doing same thing about a month ago - free-standing visitor pontoon not far up Hamble - think it had blue markings on the piles but memory may be faulty and it was my first time there

If you are wanting to do this again, please check the markings on the piles to avoid using the private club pontoons - unless you have permission from either the club or a relevant berth holder.

 

[Resolution]

B Pontoon outside Hamble Point normally has some space. Just call Hamble Harbourmaster on Ch 68 callsign Hamble Radio and ask for permission. Used it many a time when instructing. And if you want tide, I have seen 4 knots ebb on an equinoctial spring tide.

Sorry to be picky, but the HM can only give you permission to use the public, visitors pontoon spaces. So please keep off the private, club spaces unless you have permission from the club (or a relevant berth holder).

 

[eddystone]

Can't remember but fairly sure the one I used was marked as visitor (public) pontoon