Wind against tide in the Solent

H

harry potter

Well-Known Member
Joined
21 Jun 2010
Messages
438
Visit site
Nice to know other people suffer. It is not even springs.

. . . .

THE Hovertravel service between Ryde and Southsea has been suspended this morning (Friday).

Staff said although the shore side weather was calm, the wind was against the tide and meant the middle part of the route was extremely rough.

Hovertravel has advised customers to call 01983 717717 for updates.

. . . .
 
harry potter said:
Nice to know other people suffer. It is not even springs.

. . . .

THE Hovertravel service between Ryde and Southsea has been suspended this morning (Friday).

Staff said although the shore side weather was calm, the wind was against the tide and meant the middle part of the route was extremely rough.

Hovertravel has advised customers to call 01983 717717 for updates.

. . . .
Click to expand...

It was a South Easterley, long fetch up to Spithead where they run, quite unusual. In the prevailing wind, the fetch would be a lot shorter.
 
I have been in the Solent chop in a kayak coming back from the island, one of the only times that the thought of not making it came to my mind, it took ages to get to shore, I wasn't deciding my direction, i had to inch my way across the tide, side on to the chop would have had me over. Learnt a lesson that day!
 
Sandy said:
I've only been seasick in the Pentland Firth, but looking forward to the Karori Rip.
Click to expand...

A bit like a smaller more vicious Portland Race. I have never been caught in it, but those who have assured me that they discovered that adreneline was brown.

Chart diamond says 5.6 KTS at spings. If the air pressure in the Tasman-the West side of the Strait-is different by any significant amount to the Pacific side, those tidal speeds can differ a lot. Pressure differences are NOT uncommon! The wind is funnelled through the Strait, giving Wellinton its " Windy Wellington " nickname.

All in all, to be treated with respect.
 
Last edited:
Not familiar with the Cook Straight I have never had the pleasure of visiting.

So I looked it up. Quite impressive stats and requires a special endorsement. Weather conditions can even make the tidal current flow backwards. Now that's impressive.
Storm force 25 times per year.
I've seen the Video of the "Suliven" heading out off Wellington. Not sure if her Skipper had the endorsement. Clearly didn't he give a rats ass. She Made it. Mind you she was familiar with the Minch.

Not sure if it trumps Pentland on a bad day. Not that it matters both best avoided. :)
 
NZ Nautical almanac.
Cook Strait: The tidal streams in and around Cook Strait are unreliable and mariners are warned to exercise every
precaution when navigating in the vicinity. The streams often run in one direction for eight to 10 hours, but cases have
been reported of them going for 18 hours or more. When the streams have been running in one direction for an extended
period, it has been found that the opposite stream is much weaker or, on some occasions, hardly noticeable.
The maximum rates shown on the chart which are normally attained during spring tide conditions are also liable to be
encountered at any other time. In the vicinity of Karori Rock and Cape Terawhiti rates of up to 7 knots are frequently
experienced, but as a rule do not last for more than about an hour. Small vessels are warned to keep well clear of tide rips
as they may lose steerage way and may, in extreme cases, capsize.

Otherwise known as here be Dragons!
 
I saw one off Osborne Bay on Saturday afternoon. No idea what it was doing over there - maybe it got lost :)
 
Get used to seeing more hovercraft in the Solent, I believe they are going to start another service from near the hovercraft museum in Gosport, over to the island................... nope, its not the 1st April!! ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

Barton Seagoon
Containers fallen into the Solent
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
wonkywinch
wonkywinch

Share this page

Top