Word of warning - close shave

[Magic_Sailor]

I had a minor close shave on Saturday outside Cowes.

Heading South across the channel moving whatsname zone - a large container vessel heading West to round West Bramble. I underestimated his speed - he was going very fast (faster than usual I'd say) and I continued across the channel expecting him to pass astern but he kept turning South straight at me. By now I estimate I was about 50 yards from the Prince consort NCM - my dilemma was do I continue for the shortish distance with him continuing to come towards me or do I turn back - but I was convinced he would begin to turn North - in which case I'd be much worse off as I'd be turning into his path with a much greater distance to go before I reached the safety of the South Bramble SHM.

In the end the Harbourmaster man came over and told me (and others) to turn back and the vessel proceeded at speed - missing Prince Consort by only 20yds. He continued a long way West before beginning his turn North and East to Southampton Water.

I understand that this was probably due to the tide state at that time but thought it was worth posting as I'd never seen any of those things before.

SWMBO wasn't amused.

magic

 

[Oldhand]

Was it the CMA-CGM Andromeda? If so, she is largest container vessel to ever visit Southampton Container port.
The track you describe is not unusual and when taken one begins to wonder if they are heading down the West Solent rather than up Southampton Water. They are not often near maximum draft when visiting Southampton but in shallow water draught increases with speed and the speed you describe may have been necessary to make the turn to the Thorn Channel without having a tug pull the stern round. Her maximum static draft is 15.5m but around 12.5m is more normal and only just low enough for the dredged channel. I can't see why draught would be the deciding factor for the track taken.

 

[[2068]]

Scraping the paint off Prince Consort is further South than usual, but they do go a fair distance west before turning North to go through the gate between W Bramble and NE Gurnard.

They are a bit scary up close!

 

[Magic_Sailor]

Yes it was that vessell - big bu&&er.

I understand what you say but I do go back and forth a lot and had not seen it quite like that before - so just thought it worth mentioning.

It wasn't that close but SWMBOs voice went up an octave! ;-)

Magic

 

[DJE]

As we were returning from Chichester to Portsmouth yesterday there was a very large container vessel stationary in the Eastern Solent for at least two hours. It looked like she was somewhere near the Ryde Middle. Anybody know what was going on there? I suppose she could have been in the anchorage North of the Ryde Middle but I haven't seen a ship like that anchored there before.

 

[widgeon]

That was CMA-CGM Andromeda at anchor just East of Ryde Middle. I heard Southampton VTS tell her that the pilot was due at 1415. She was in the spot where large Aircraft Carriers and Heavy Lift ships often anchor.