Cowes Fireworks Aug 6th

[NautiSeacrets]

Despite having had a variety of boats, never actually managed to get to this - but this year looks a distinct possibility on the Rib.

Is it worthwhile?

What's the general consensus?

Possibly have a "few" screaming 14 year old girls to show the sights.

[Hightower]

The fireworks are definitely very rewarding and very worthwhile seeing. But be advised the Solent is a bloody dangerous place, as every man and his boat hit the water to see the spectacular. Even though there are restrictions on top speed, there's rarely a year goes by without someone having an accident.

[Mbryant]

http://www.southamptonvts.co.uk/nmariners.htm

The top link explains the restrictions this year, worth a read if you are planning the trip.

[C2 RIBS]

Definitely worth a look but please remember the VTS notice and speed restrictions, it can be mad out there and have seen many RIBs/Boats without lights travelling at speed or following someone with lights. Police, coastguard, RNLI, Harbour Masters and rescue groups all out there to help and keep some order.

[CJL]

Very worthwhile.

The trip back is downright dangerous! Wait till the muppets set off home and then give em at least 20mins before you set off back.

Check your nav lights BEFORE you go and then leave them on all evening.

Chris

[sarahscottiedog]

Excellent evenings entertainment, however journey back is always a concen. Need to get to Cowes early to get any hope of a half decent ancorage. Best tip I can give for the return trip is to find a LARGE gin palace and stay behind in its wake a sensible distance behind. At least this make sure your path ahead is clear, and keep EVERYONES eyes in your boat wide open for lunatics as there are MANY MANY of them out there !! Have a great evening

[biffer]

if it's a nice evening duck into osborne bay after the fireworks and ave a cuppa, you can watch all the idiots at your leisure, we fell asleep in there one year and woke up about 3.30 in the morning

[NautiSeacrets]

Excellent advice - the speed restrictions are right up Southampton Water, which I didn't realise, thought it would be more localised restrictions in the Solent area.


Where are the fireworks fired from? and therefore where is a good place to watch from............?

Like the idea of Osbourne waiting for the rush to pass too.

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by biffer

if it's a nice evening duck into osborne bay after the fireworks and ave a cuppa, you can watch all the idiots at your leisure, we fell asleep in there one year and woke up about 3.30 in the morning

sounds like we could have a little gathering there! we have thought about that too. it it worth watching from Osborne bay area???

usually we anchor alongside the front at Guarard point but maybe osborne is worth while???

they go up in the air afterall so guess its the same wherever you see it?

[biffer]

anywhere along that side from the breakwater (east cowes) into osborne is good, anyone leaving for pompey goes straight across so won't bother you and everybody else is in a banger race