ip485
Well-Known Member
Yep, nice walk to the ferry, definitely a taxi or the bus back!
Yarmouth or Cowes or neither
- Thread starter Daydream believer
- Start date
Daydream believer
Well-Known Member
I have not discounted anywhere yet. I do not know the area. I just want somewhere with easy access, pontoon berth, NO mooring, & easy access to the family where they can have a good time.
I am beginning to lean towards Cowes, but will investigate Bembridge, when i get a moment, Especially as access from Cherbourg is better from the east end of the Island. I have always worried about the rumours of danger of navigation past the Needles- unless that is just the Solent crowd trying to put visitors off.
Although all they need to do if they want to do that is display some prices ?
Stemar
Well-Known Member
The Needles Channel can be thoroughly nasty and has drowned many a sailor, but it's simple and straightforward enough in sensible conditions, though the overfalls around the Bridge can be uncomfortable. The main thing to be aware of is that the tide can set you onto the Shingles on the ebb, but you don't want to try to punch an ebb through Hurst anyway - you'll just end up going backwards.
If the weather turns nasty, I'd stay well to the west of Shingles Bank and go through the North Channel, a cable or so off the shore. It can get a bit bumpy off Hurst Castle, so being out in the deep water makes for a more comfortable life.
If the weather turns nasty, I'd stay well to the west of Shingles Bank and go through the North Channel, a cable or so off the shore. It can get a bit bumpy off Hurst Castle, so being out in the deep water makes for a more comfortable life.
Ohlin Karcher
N/A
I would just go to Cowes, Yarmouth is tiny, there is nothing to do or see, especially for several days with family.
ip485
Well-Known Member
"I have not discounted anywhere yet. I do not know the area. I just want somewhere with easy access, pontoon berth, NO mooring, & easy access to the family where they can have a good time.
I am beginning to lean towards Cowes, but will investigate Bembridge, when i get a moment, Especially as access from Cherbourg is better from the east end of the Island. I have always worried about the rumours of danger of navigation past the Needles- unless that is just the Solent crowd trying to put visitors off.
Although all they need to do if they want to do that is display some prices ?"
Great. Personally I would caution against Cowes, there really isnt anything there, but that is obvioulsy just my view. It all looks rather sadly a bit dishevelled these days.
Please do consider Bembridge (and I really dont say that with any vested interest). The entrance is very well marked, rock solid in just about any imaginable weather, very well marked and problem free. Obvioulsy just read the information on their web site first. There is a bar that crosses the channel out to the fort which is essentailly the only restriction and their web site gives real time height over the bar. Probably without knowing your draft a good four hours each side of high water will do the trick. If you arrive early or late so to speak it is very easy to loiter in the bay to the west, you will get a good 4G signal and watch the water rise on the tide guage or of course give them a call on the VHF.
The approach from the East is also obviously a lot easier than around the Needles in anything other than a monster blow from the East, and you will have had to weather than crossing the Channel anyway., so if you have, an EWasterly approach will seem a doodle anyway, and as soon as you get into the lee of Bembridge it will all carm down nicely.
If I can be of any further help please do PM me.
I am beginning to lean towards Cowes, but will investigate Bembridge, when i get a moment, Especially as access from Cherbourg is better from the east end of the Island. I have always worried about the rumours of danger of navigation past the Needles- unless that is just the Solent crowd trying to put visitors off.
Although all they need to do if they want to do that is display some prices ?"
Great. Personally I would caution against Cowes, there really isnt anything there, but that is obvioulsy just my view. It all looks rather sadly a bit dishevelled these days.
Please do consider Bembridge (and I really dont say that with any vested interest). The entrance is very well marked, rock solid in just about any imaginable weather, very well marked and problem free. Obvioulsy just read the information on their web site first. There is a bar that crosses the channel out to the fort which is essentailly the only restriction and their web site gives real time height over the bar. Probably without knowing your draft a good four hours each side of high water will do the trick. If you arrive early or late so to speak it is very easy to loiter in the bay to the west, you will get a good 4G signal and watch the water rise on the tide guage or of course give them a call on the VHF.
The approach from the East is also obviously a lot easier than around the Needles in anything other than a monster blow from the East, and you will have had to weather than crossing the Channel anyway., so if you have, an EWasterly approach will seem a doodle anyway, and as soon as you get into the lee of Bembridge it will all carm down nicely.
If I can be of any further help please do PM me.
Channel Sailor
Well-Known Member
Yarmouth is convienent for a yacht and crew. Fairly central at the Western end of the IOW to for access around the area. It is small though. Choice of places to eat out limited. Nice walk south along the river Yar.
Personally I prefer Bembridge to Yarmouth but they both have their merits. Though Bembridge has tidal restricted access and personally I would not go there in strong winds from the N-NE. I am not sure about lights in the approach channel at night either (others may know about that)
Cowes, well maybe it should be said that grass grows in Cowes high street when there is not a major regatta on. It can look pretty on a summer day when fully dressed with bunting and streets thronging with yachties. Better communications, more shops, supermarkets, more pubs and sailing clubs. Pontoon life there is completely different to sleepy Bembridge.
I have enjoyed a quiet cottage holiday for a week on the south eastern side of IOW. Train to Sandown to Ryde, good a walking /cycling area, public hovercraft to Portsmouth seafront and fast cat ferry to Portsmouth for shopping.
Personally I prefer Bembridge to Yarmouth but they both have their merits. Though Bembridge has tidal restricted access and personally I would not go there in strong winds from the N-NE. I am not sure about lights in the approach channel at night either (others may know about that)
Cowes, well maybe it should be said that grass grows in Cowes high street when there is not a major regatta on. It can look pretty on a summer day when fully dressed with bunting and streets thronging with yachties. Better communications, more shops, supermarkets, more pubs and sailing clubs. Pontoon life there is completely different to sleepy Bembridge.
I have enjoyed a quiet cottage holiday for a week on the south eastern side of IOW. Train to Sandown to Ryde, good a walking /cycling area, public hovercraft to Portsmouth seafront and fast cat ferry to Portsmouth for shopping.
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Stemar
Well-Known Member
One thing to be aware of is that the approach to Bembridge is a bit bendy and changes regularly. It isn't a problem, but look at the chart and work out which buoy is which. Skipping one is likely to end in tears, especially if you're a bit late on the tide. Little local shallow draft fishing boats taking short cuts don't help the stranger!
maby
Well-Known Member
You amaze me! It could be said of the entire IoW that "there isn't anything there" - but there seems to be more in Cowes than almost anywhere else! I quite like the town, but I seriously hate coming into the harbour in a boat - far too much to dodge and currents that are trying to make you hit everything in sight!
sgr143
Well-Known Member
The OP's boat draws 1.8m, so it's very likely that by the time there's enough water over the bar for him to enter, there'll be quite a few shallower draft yachts making their way in and out of the channel - so just follow the crowd! That's another reason for booking one of the "premium" finger berths - our boat only draws 1m, so we can get in about 3.5hrs before HW (4hrs if I'm feeling lucky...) and find plenty of vacant moorings; on a popular w/e, the OP may be some way back in the queue.
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ip485
Well-Known Member
Yes, I think my point is Cowes is great on a regatta day for example - nice buzz, nice atmospehere, but I always struggle to find any nice resteraunts, interesting shops, nice walks etc - maybe just me.
As to the entrance into Bembridge last week (as ever), the route in is very well bouyed, so yes, dont be tempted to take any short cuts, just follow the bouyed channel. As you enter the "lagoon" it is a very hard right parallel with the bank which is the only point that could catch you out.
As to the entrance into Bembridge last week (as ever), the route in is very well bouyed, so yes, dont be tempted to take any short cuts, just follow the bouyed channel. As you enter the "lagoon" it is a very hard right parallel with the bank which is the only point that could catch you out.
Stemar
Well-Known Member
I'm reminded of an allegedly true story about a fin keeler trying to find their way through some shoals. The skipper says, "That boat over there's a lot bigger than we are, just follow them." A few minutes later, the helm realises something. "Skipper, that boat we're following, isn't she a Southerly?" "What of it?" "Err, they have lifting keels ... Oh, we've stopped"
ip485
Well-Known Member
Yep, I draw a fraction over 5 foot, but ar 50 odd feet in length everyone thinks they can follow us, unfortunately this is not always the case! The joys also of having a long keel.
richardbrennan
Well-Known Member
If your intending a trip to Gunwharf, I would consider a couple of nights in Pompey. Gunwharf does have a marina, but it's small, noisy and very expensive, but there are two good marinas on the Gosport side, Haslar and Premier's Gosport marina, and the Gosport ferry runs at least every 15 minutes from very early to very late. My personal choice would be Haslar, however I am biassed as it's my home berth, but I think the facilities are better than at Premier, there's a lot less wash and virtually no tide through the berths. They are very friendly and helpful and it's manned 24 hours.
Apart from the wealth of retail opportunities and restaurants at Gunwharf, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the Historic Dockyard and Submarine Museum.
From Pompey, it's less than an hour to Bembridge and you can time it easily to ensure you approaching with sufficient water, about two hours to Cowes and three to Yarmouth assuming you catch the west going tide.
Apart from the wealth of retail opportunities and restaurants at Gunwharf, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the Historic Dockyard and Submarine Museum.
From Pompey, it's less than an hour to Bembridge and you can time it easily to ensure you approaching with sufficient water, about two hours to Cowes and three to Yarmouth assuming you catch the west going tide.
richardbrennan
Well-Known Member
If you think there's no decent restaurants in Cowes, I suggest you try No 3 which is almost opposite the ISC. It's tiny, well used by locals, and you will need to book especially at the weekends. For that matter, the ISC itself does good food, but again I must admit bias as I am a member.
Ohlin Karcher
N/A
+1, eat at Hardys or Trinity's, hop on the ferry to visit the Historic Dockyard, or stay in Gosport if your daughter is interested in submarine warfare
ip485
Well-Known Member
Thank yo u for the recommendation, definitely on the list for next time. Much appreciated.
Wiltshire
New Member
We were regular visitors to Yarmouth and Cowes when we kept our boat on the Solent. Yarmouth is a pretty little place with some nice walks or cycle rides in land and some pleasant pubs. It gets very busy on a warm summer weekend and expect to be rafted 3 or 4 deep but it is generally all quite jolly. Very occasionally you will get somebody rafted amongst the masses you who just doesn't seem to get the fact that when the place is rammed we all have to be a bit flexible about arriving and leaving. As others have said the currents in the harbour can be "interesting" and I would avoid entering and leaving when they are in full flow.
Cowes is good but offers something quite different. There is much more to Cowes and you can walk/cycle to Osborne House or even better sail round to Osborne Bay with the family and anchor for lunch and a swim. We favoured East Cowes Marina as it is a bit quieter. There is a water taxi to West Cowes or you can take the floating bridge. For the kind of trip described I would probably favour Cowes as it offers more flexibility over berthing and generally more all round access to the Island for a 3 or 4 day stop. The Beaulieu River is a shortish sail across the Solent from Cowes and would be another family trip for the day or afternoon. As for the Needles; if the weather is bad my advice is don't do it. Of course you may be braver than I am. As already noted you can come in via the North Channel if necessary.
Cowes is good but offers something quite different. There is much more to Cowes and you can walk/cycle to Osborne House or even better sail round to Osborne Bay with the family and anchor for lunch and a swim. We favoured East Cowes Marina as it is a bit quieter. There is a water taxi to West Cowes or you can take the floating bridge. For the kind of trip described I would probably favour Cowes as it offers more flexibility over berthing and generally more all round access to the Island for a 3 or 4 day stop. The Beaulieu River is a shortish sail across the Solent from Cowes and would be another family trip for the day or afternoon. As for the Needles; if the weather is bad my advice is don't do it. Of course you may be braver than I am. As already noted you can come in via the North Channel if necessary.
richardbrennan
Well-Known Member
Hardys is no more, it's been taken over by Trinity's. The old Trinity's restaurant on the lightship now specialises on seafood.
James_Calvert
Well-Known Member
Don't be put off Cowes.
It's a convenient port of passage and we were always happy to spend a night or two there when our boat was Solent based. For your size of boat, ours is similar, it is easy to find a berth without booking in advance.
We've always liked using Cowes Yacht Haven. It's got two basins, the N one tends to be reserved for racing events, and the S is normally available for general visitors. Give them a call in advance just to check arrangements on arrival. There's a long visitors pontoon you can berth on the outside of, the inside is preferable, or you may be directed further into the basin. All the berths are alongside, no fingers. Facilities are good, you have direct access to Cowes high street with a multitude of brand name shops as well as a useful supermarket which sells ice. The Island Sailing Club bar balcony is a great spot to overlook the comings and goings across the Solent as well as into the Medina.
Yarmouth and Bembridge are lovely too in different ways, as others have said. Yarmouth has the non refundable prepaid finger berths. Their many other berths are alongside, with rafting as necessary. The pontoon next to the breakwater is not walk ashore.
I'd be inclined to go whichever is most convenient for your daughter's cottage. The island is quite large and whilst the bus services are excellent it still takes a while to get about, even with your own transport.
It's a convenient port of passage and we were always happy to spend a night or two there when our boat was Solent based. For your size of boat, ours is similar, it is easy to find a berth without booking in advance.
We've always liked using Cowes Yacht Haven. It's got two basins, the N one tends to be reserved for racing events, and the S is normally available for general visitors. Give them a call in advance just to check arrangements on arrival. There's a long visitors pontoon you can berth on the outside of, the inside is preferable, or you may be directed further into the basin. All the berths are alongside, no fingers. Facilities are good, you have direct access to Cowes high street with a multitude of brand name shops as well as a useful supermarket which sells ice. The Island Sailing Club bar balcony is a great spot to overlook the comings and goings across the Solent as well as into the Medina.
Yarmouth and Bembridge are lovely too in different ways, as others have said. Yarmouth has the non refundable prepaid finger berths. Their many other berths are alongside, with rafting as necessary. The pontoon next to the breakwater is not walk ashore.
I'd be inclined to go whichever is most convenient for your daughter's cottage. The island is quite large and whilst the bus services are excellent it still takes a while to get about, even with your own transport.
LadyInBed
Well-Known Member
I was starting to think that I had missed out on somewhere on the IoW. I have just looked up Gunwharf Quay and it's on the mainland!
When I visit the IoW, one place that I avoid is Yarmouth, to me it is expensive and still in the dark ages, sorry is I offend.
Not relevant to the OP but in the W of the Solent I go into Lymington (Town Quay) otherwise I go upto Newport as I only draw 1.5mtrs, comparatively cheap and the hub for busses.
If I were the OP and solo (I nearly always am) coming in from Cherbourg I would anchor or pick up a buoy in Newtown Creek for the night to rest up then move on to Cowes on the next E going tide.
