Solent

rick.jones's picture

In 2016 we decided to go to Poole instead of the Solent, but as if by magnetic attraction we ended up back in the Solent, finishing the event in Lymington! So for 2017 I suggest sticking to the Solent, and using Lymington as the base. The launch and marina facilities are excellent, and it provides scope to explore such places as Keyhaven, Yarmouth, the Needles, Alum Bay, or across the bay to Christchurch.

We usually make this a week, but with scope for members to join for a shorter period if they prefer. I'm happy to organise, but it would have to be the last week in June or first week in July. It could be later in July if someone else can help with the organisation, as I wouldn't be able to attend for the whole time.

As always, let us know your interest and preferences.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

9 Comments

I think the round the island

I think the round the island race is on 1st July. I was hoping to get geared up for it this year but could join an event either side.

Any other interest?

Roly

I'm up for this event

I'm up for this event depending on final dates.

John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M

At the AGM it was noted that

At the AGM it was noted that it could be v busy on the Saturday of the start of the Round the Island race so I think a Sunday start was suggested hence keeping to the first week in July plan . This is now OK with me .

I am thinking of doing the Round the Island...any interested to crew ?

Roly

david.claassen's picture

Roly,

Roly,

What's the date? It sounds like a great idea! Are you a serious competitor or more laid-back?

David Claassen

"Logan's Run"

2006 26M

I once followed Roly out of

I once followed Roly out of Felistowe in a F6-7, he is faster then Sir Ben Ainslie!

BTW Roly if you need some crew to help slow you down I am up for it :)

rick.jones's picture

Looks like it's time to

Looks like it's time to propose some firm dates.

Let's go for Sunday - Sunday, 2nd - 9th July, based at Lymington. We will use the Berthon marina, which is large and with excellent facilities. There is a large public slipway a short distance down-river, with plenty of space to rig before launching. Trailers can be parked at Berthon.

Saturday 1st is Round-the-Island race day, but all the boats should be past Lymington by late morning - all the action takes place in Cowes. I doubt Lymington will be particularly crowded, even on the Saturday, so I think arriving and launching Saturday pm will not be a problem.

I will call Berthon and get their opinion, and provisionally book moorings. Please register your interest here as soon as possible.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

rick.jones's picture

I've phoned Berthon, and they

I've phoned Berthon, and they said they don't get too busy with Round-the-Island, as they're too far away from Cowes. I've emailed our requirements (as they asked), and they'll let me know what they can do. I don't think there'll be any problem. They don't require any advance deposits anyway.

I'm proposing that people arrive Saturday pm 1st July and launch (unless sailing in of course!). This excludes Roly who'll be doing the race - I'm assuming he'll stay in Cowes. The tides favour heading East the first few days, then West later, so my suggested itinerary is:

  • Sunday - sail to Cowes via Newtown River for lunch stop, rendezvous with Roly (maybe at Newtown, hopefully he won't have broken his boat!).
  • Monday - sail to Portsmouth Harbour, berth either at Gosport or go up to Port Solent depending on time.
  • Tuesday - sail to Chichester Harbour, berth at Northney Marina. Accessible all tides, and a couple of proper pubs about a mile walk away. I'd have liked to visit Emsworth but the tides are against getting into any drying harbours.
  • Wednesday - back to Portsmouth Harbour (Bembridge or Ryde would have been preferable but the tides are against), berth wherever we didn't on the Monday.
  • Thursday - sail to the Hamble, berth at Mercury.
  • Friday - motor up Southampton Water to limit of navigation at Eling, then to Ashlett Creek if early enough before the tide drops (3pm), otherwise Bealieu River at Bucklers Hard.
  • Saturday - sail back to Lymington for overnight.
  • Sunday - pull out and head home.

Obviously this is all weather-dependent, and like all Mac events will likely end up going nothing like the plan, but it's a start! Obviously also dependent on people's preferences. There should be time when in Portsmouth Harbour to explore some of the upper reaches, which can take you nearly to Fareham.

Let me know what you think, and if you'll be able to join, or even have any interest at all at this stage.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

Hi everyone . I'm aware that

Hi everyone . I'm aware that Rick is away and I will be off for a couple of weeks so thought I would just encourage people to put their names down for this event if available. Sailing on the solent is great because the distances are not huge.

Please declare you interest if any since Lymington could be busy on saturday night.

Also any requests where we visit.

Roly

Hello All,

Hello All,

I regret I won't be able to make the Solent or the Dartmouth events this year due to lots of stuff getting in the way.

Hopefully next year will be clearer!

Enjoy it all - I'll be thinking of you!

Regards,

John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M