Wind against tide in the western Solent

[SaltyDan]

I'm planning to do Gosport to Lymington next Sunday. With a predicted F4 SW and neaps, what should I expect in terms of the infamous "Solent chop" while taking the ebb down the western section with the wind over tide?

I'm a 22ft sailing yacht.

 

[Stemar]

If it is really a 4, then it'll be a bit bumpy, but I wouldn't expect anything a 22 footer couldn't manage, but I'd want LJs to be worn, and to be clipped on if you have to go forward. It so much isn't the chop that's the problem, but the unexpected wake from the mobo that went past 5 minutes ago, when it and the chop gang up on you.

We had a Snapdragon 24, and would reckon that a 6 was OK to do it, but would be uncomfortable, but a 7? Not from choice, but still doable if we had a good reason to.

 

[Stemar]

Just on other thought - if you have an outboard, you may have a problem with the prop lifting out of the water from time to time. The northern side of the W Solent is generally shallower, with less current, so probably less bumpy.

 

[flaming]

Shouldn't be too bad in a 4. Though you shouldn't forget that if it's still hot and sunny there will likely be some thermal enhancement of a SW in the Solent. Add a force to the forecast if it's been sunny all morning and there are bubbling heat clouds over the mainland.

The good news is that if the worst of the chop is normally confined to a fairly small area between Egypt point and Gurnard ledge, and the further west you go the flatter it will get. You can avoid the worst of it by going to the North shore, where it is generally flatter.

 

[winch2]

I appear to have the Egypt Point PZ on the brain today. Neaps mean it shouldn't be too bad but just be mindful if the sea breeze strengths as ur going thru the Precautionary Zone and a Biggun is about to turn, it can get pretty short and high off there even on neaps and you dont want to get trapped. Keep em peeled and if in any doubt go behind.

 

[SaltyDan]

Thanks Stemar. I have a 15hp inboard. I guess motoring against the wind closer inshore to avoid the worst of the lumpiness is always an option. Its the first day of a trip with a friend, and I'm keen to continue to Poole the next day in what's forecast atm to be nice conditions. Still too far away to have confidence in a forecast of course, but some idea of the point at which wind over tide starts to get uncomfortable would be good to have in advance!

 

[SaltyDan]

Thanks flaming and winch 2. Very helpful advice!

 

[wonkywinch]

Looking at Windy, you might want to keep away from the IOW coast as the island is more hilly than the New Forest so there will be a bit more venturi effect along that coast with the wind running parallel to it. Maybe do the trip early to catch the last of the ebb and get there before the flood really builds and the day gets too hot?

 

[johnalison]

Thanks Stemar. I have a 15hp inboard. I guess motoring against the wind closer inshore to avoid the worst of the lumpiness is always an option. Its the first day of a trip with a friend, and I'm keen to continue to Poole the next day in what's forecast atm to be nice conditions. Still too far away to have confidence in a forecast of course, but some idea of the point at which wind over tide starts to get uncomfortable would be good to have in advance!

Don't motor against it - motor-sail which is much more comfortable and often faster.

 

[DJE]

Did it in those coditions many times (year's ago) in a 16ft Wayfarer dinghy. It was wet! Usual approach was to tack in close to the shore where it was a bit smoother then tack out again until it was too rough then tack back again. Often we would grin and bear it and tack from one shore to the other. But we were in our twenties in those days.

 

[Blueboatman]

A 15hp ticking over, with main up and a bit of jib should push through the seesawing hobbyhorse effect that short seas can otherwise have on short lighter sailing boats .
Just make sure you use the full benefit of 6 hours worth ( or so) of ebb..it’s free power n progress !

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Shouldn't be too bad in a 4. Though you shouldn't forget that if it's still hot and sunny there will likely be some thermal enhancement of a SW in the Solent. Add a force to the forecast if it's been sunny all morning and there are bubbling heat clouds over the mainland.

The good news is that if the worst of the chop is normally confined to a fairly small area between Egypt point and Gurnard ledge, and the further west you go the flatter it will get. You can avoid the worst of it by going to the North shore, where it is generally flatter.

Staying north is a good plan. Having had the course from D ( near the platform) to 1 (Black Rock) this evening, I can assure the forum that the wicked race just NE of Black rock is still there, and still deeply unpleasant in a 20ft boat.

Oh, and Hamstead Ledge is best avoided if you dislike a drenching.