Yacht Seaduction 2023

Monday, 31st July, 2017

Passage Time 6.5 hrs
Distance 38.5 milies
Wind SW av 16 knot
Gusts. 22 knot
Sea State Moderate

Weymouth to The Needles

We awoke to a positive weather window and made our decision to move on, finally, from Weymouth to Yarmouth. We had been here for 18 days, which included a week’s trip home for work, hospital and other commitments. During our time here we had enjoyed a meal out with our sailing friends from Ipswich, Liz and John, spent some fun time with Carole’s sister, Elaine and husband, Rob both in Weymouth and further afield in West Bay, Bridport (a very refreshing swim for Carole and Elaine) and Osmington (tasty carvery at The Sly Fox) and Lullworth Cove (a walk that tested the leg muscles). Carole also went with Elaine to the first Park Yoga in Weymouth which was brilliant. With Rob’s help, Chris also sorted out some fishing gear ready for the next opportunity to fish.

When we visited the marina office to settle up, it was suggested we might like to sit down before being given the final sum due. Once the dirty deed was done, we got ourselves ready for the 10 am bridge lift.

We got off our berth with no problem and joined one other boat heading out of Weymouth. Within minutes Carole had tidied away the fenders and the sails were up and the engine switched off. The wind was already blowing strong enough to fill both sails and push us along at a good speed. However, the motion of the boat through the waves was a bit rocky and rolly which caused us both to feel a little uncomfortable.

We decided to take the Needles Channel as it was more direct and a little bit better angle with the wind. The wind was SW F4-5 from Weymouth to St. Albans Head pushing the boat at a steady 6 knots. Once we had changed course for the Needles the wind started to ease, slowing us to about 5 knots but with the tidal push all the way we made good time. The tides were neaps (not turnips land lubbers) so the tidal flow was not strong. We could see the Isle of Wight once passed Durlston Head but we could not make out the Needles until about 3 miles off as our heading was in-line with them. As this was the first time through we were careful to check our charts and pick the buoys off as we passed them. The sun was shining approaching Yarmouth. Carole called Yarmouth on VHF to arrange a berth for the night. Once in the approach channel we were met by a berthing master who escorted us to our berth rafting to another yacht. This was a bit tight but we got tied on without embarrassing ourselves. We had planned this visit to Yarmouth as just a one night stopover before moving on to Gosport, so before supper, we took a walk along the pier to stretch our legs and paid a quick visit to the supermarket. After supper we tidied away and settled down for a quiet few hours with our books before bed.

Tuesday 1st August 2017

Gosport

The weather was not looking good for Wednesday and Thursday so we planned to go to Gosport where we would be more comfortable. It was Cowes Week so we called Gosport before we left to make sure they had a berth. There was no hurry leaving as we needed to wait until the tide had turned at midday to push us to Portsmouth. Once out of the harbour, Carole sorted out all our lines and fenders and the sails went straight up and the engine was switched off.

To us east coast sailors, it seems total madness in the Solent as there were several yacht races going on, large container ships going in and out of Southampton, ferries and hovercraft going to and fro and other smaller boats just sailing. On several occasions we heard very large ships give five blasts to yachts which were too close and in danger of collision. We also had a few racing yachts which passed us by very close. Most racing yachts had about 7 or 8 crew but one of the very large ones had about 12 crew all sitting on the windward side with matching suits and boots! All too soon, it was time to bring the sails in, switch the engine on and head into Portsmouth Harbour. We both agreed that today’s sail from Yarmouth to Gosport, although not that long, was one of the most enjoyable ones of this season! Carole radioed into Gosport Marina for our berthing details and with the wind continuing to blow strongly, we managed to locate our berth and tie up surprisingly well on a rather bouncy pontoon without falling in.