Southampton to Isle of Wight on a sib

[RascalsCastles]

Would you recommend going from Southampton to IOW on a 3.6m Yam 360s or is that just asking for trouble?


Thanks

[Vandad]

you have two problems;

1. Weather
2. Traffic

and even if you think you can put up with choppy waves, don't underestimate the traffic in that section -

What I would suggest is to try and find 2 -3 other SIBs to go together.

[xs 400]

echo going in a group.

other helpful information, what engine have you got? what safety equipment? how many in the boat?

[Ribtecer]

On the right day with the right engine, I can't see why not.

I have done it from Calshot to Cowes in my 3.10 Avon Rover, it can be busy you just have to use your loaf.

I am not advising you to do it, I am just saying it is very doable but its certainly not a family day out.

Toby

[NeilH]

Does it have to be Southampton to Cowes? Lymington to Yarmouth is a much easier trip - less distance, less big ships, etc.
Cheers
Neil

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Ribtecer

I am not advising you to do it, I am just saying it is very doable but its certainly not a family day out.

I'd say that's a fair assessment. I've done Portsmouth to Cowes in a Quicksilver 310 a few times without any drama, but it can be hard going in anything but a flat calm.

Be aware of the types of hazard you're likely to come across and pick some decent weather and you should be fine.

[rik_elliott]

I did it several times in an Avon 380 with a 15hp on it. Usually absolutely fine, but one time there was chop and it was a lot more hard going. I was annoyed at my girlfriend hiding under the spray dodger as I got soaked - but justice reigned when she fell in when helping drag it up cowes beach. The moral - it's totally doable on a nice day, but if the wind picks up its NOT fun.

[wetny]

Originally Posted by NeilH

Does it have to be Southampton to Cowes? Lymington to Yarmouth is a much easier trip - less distance, less big ships, etc.
Cheers
Neil

I have gone from Lyminton to Yarmouth a few times in small sail boats. As said, lot less traffic, shorter distance. Avoids a lot of hassle. Launched at bath road Lyminton. Videos here.


Sailing on the Solent Sept 15th 2012 - YouTube

Sailing To Isle Of Wight 2nd June 2012 Flying Fifteen - YouTube

[bestman]

We did Bucklers Hard to Cowes town centre a couple of weekends ago.

Crew comprised me, wife, three year old, five year old and dog. Bit lumpy on the way out, flatish and flat out on the way back.

Good day had by all - with the possible exception of the dog.

Can't speak for other SIBs but the Aerotec seems very capable with a 15hp on the back.

[whisper]

If you ever want to make the crossing to Cowes I'm sure that we can arrange it, I don't mind either taking part or chaperoning in the RC585 and I'm sure others will help out too

[Gaz]

Some general rules: plan your route, watch the weather, pick the right tides, pick the right time of day (leave enough time to get home again, or to allow for snags), take all the necessary safety, navigation and communication equipment (including personal protection from the elements), let someone know what you are up to, and take at least 2 engines (in other words, in the size and type craft you are using, take a least 2 boats).

Many moons ago, when I was in the military, we would take SIBs (granted, a bit larger than yours) from Poole Harbour to the Isle of Wight (and beyond: I seem to remember some teams actually circling the Isle of Wight before heading back to Poole again, but that is a long day out).

As I mentioned, one of the golden rules was always to have at least two engines, in case one packed up (either twin engines on one boat, or two boats with single engines).

Although the best rule to follow is common sense (enhanced by having someone along with plenty of experience).

I think you would be surprised what you can achieve when all the right things are in place - you just need to eliminate as much risk as possible.

.