Hamble to Bembridge I.O.W. - Day 83

Hamble to Bembridge, Isle of Wight - Tuesday 2nd August 2011 - Day 83

At 10.00 we left the pontoon at Hamble Point Marina which had been our base while in the Solent area and I was leaving a very happy man as I had achieved all I wanted to do and more.  The Solent is a lovely area to sail, all the marinas have very good facilities with excellent helpful staff.  There are some wonderful bars, restaurants and yacht clubs.  Your friend is the tide and with the reading of the Solent Tidal Rates bible you can be assured of fast passages. All other boat users and there are lots of them are very capable on the water, with a very good knowledge of shipping's rules of the road.  Beware of the Bramble Bank and the ferries, fast craft and big ships but this all adds to the enjoyment.

Bembridge at low water

We had full main up as we motor sailed down Southampton Water on a fine clear sunny day towards the entrance to Portsmouth harbour where we turned due south past the old wartime forts which still stand as a reminder of how we protect of maritime traditions.
By 14.00 we were off the entrance to Bembridge which is on the eastern side of the Isle of Wight and passing the tidal gauge which showed a depth 3 metres, indicating the shallowest depth within the channel.  This is a very tricky entrance and great care has to be taken as there are dog-legs in the channel and you do not cut off any of the corners or you will be aground.

Duver marina

The marina staff directed us to mooring alongside 'Merlin' which made us the third yacht out in the raft.  By 16.00 another yacht came outside of us, so four in the raft which shows this is a popular place to visit.  We walked ashore along the causeway above the mud flats exposed by the outgoing tide to the Brading Haven yacht club where we had a good steak/fish cakes meal.  We then walked to part of the village up a very steep hill to the Vine pub which was busy. On leaving we hailed a passing cab to take us back to the marina, we had to direct this guy the way to go and for a five minute ride we were ripped off by the price.  A poor end to a lovely day.