Was anyone out in the Solent today?

[Reggie]

We're relatively new to Ribbing and open boats in general after coming from cabin cruisers (much prefer our Ribeye!) but we've only been owners since last October and have been wearing full winter sailing gear up til now.

We're out in the Solent tomorrow (Sunday) and just wonder what the air temperature is like and whether we can at last get into shorts and fleeces!

What are people wearing? With limited space on board we dont really want to be carrying full outfits for 7 people unless really needed.

If anyone was out today then advice would be greatlfully appreicated as Sunday looks pretty similar.

Thanks

[Fender]

We were on the solent today, cracking weather and didn't need anything other than t shirts and shorts ( and life jackets as required ) , there's forecast a bit of a easterly tomorrow so maybe with the wind and vessel speed it might justify a fleece / jacket whilst underway. going to Newton creek for lunch tomorrow, should be a great day

[Andre]

we were out today and cruised from Southampton to Alum Bay and back via Yarmouth for fuel. A good picnic lunch in Alum Bay

shorts, shades, cap and a Musto windbreaker and lifejacket. a good day and the seas were kind

[solent spence]

We needed jackets on the way home from Gunwharf, but it was a good sunset! Shorts were on for first time this year.

[GuyC]

We were out on Saturday - still in wet weather gear albeit with less underneath. We passed (going in the opposite direction because you don't pass anyone in a Pac 22 in the same direction) a few people with shorts and no top. One thing we did notice is that gloves would have been useful in the morning as our hands were cold. There is a bit of 'Be Prepared' in my approach to boating.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Reggie

With limited space on board we dont really want to be carrying full outfits for 7 people unless really needed.

I know the climate is better at your end of the country, but i'd take some convincing that you don't "need" appropriate clothing on board anyway. The weather changes, boats break down, wind chill at 30 knots is pretty significant, helmsmen make mistakes soaking everyone - which makes the windchill much worse, trips get delayed and either have you at sea longer than planned or starting your return as the temp is dropping...

[ShinyShoe]

Oh dear. Me and Poly agree on something again... Can someone mark the date in the diary...

So yes I might have been out in just a mankini -- I'd want plenty extra layers just in case.

Was out on a dinghy sailing yesterday (about 300 miles north of the Solent) Air temp in low double figures. I put the drysuit on! Certainly wasn't renaming the boat Betty Swollox.

I've been hailed on in June, with nothing more than a light shower predicted. Air temp was 9C that day at sea level.

Layers are the answer to most problems.

I do have two sets of gear - heavy weather and light weather. The light still includes a waterproof, and a thin fleece. It wouldn't be enough in winter but is adequate for the days where the weather is perfect. (June 31st!).

[Fender]

As it turned out............all that was needed was swim suits and sun cream

[BettySwallocks]

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

Betty Swallox

Oi, that ones taken.
Well nearly 😉