1st and 2nd August

[mark101]

Seriously contemplating bringing the RIB down to Southampton on 31st July for a weekends boating in and around the Solent.

Other half was born on the IOW and lived in Wooton until 16, so looking to take a trip across hopefully on the Saturday and also hoping to see these infamous forts which I have never managed before.

This is all weather dependent but can you guys recommend the most suitable slip and visitor mooring for this proposed trip. Mercury perhaps?

Anyone else planning on being around?

Cheers


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[ColinR]

Hi Mark,

As you say weather dependant but I may well be up for that.

Mercury is a good slip but pricey. A longer run out but a free slip is Crosshouse Quay up the Itchen in Southampton, just under the big bridge on the left as you look up river.

Hythe is good, but steep and Calshot is a good slip but takes ages to drive to, ask Ed!

Hamble Point is closer to the sea, again ask Ed as he used it a couple of years ago on the round Island trip. Being MDL it will be a similar price to Mercury but more exposed to a SW wind.

[mark101]

Hi Colin

Thanks for the quick response.

To be honest, I want the most hassle free experience, so given the cost of actually getting down to Southampton and the fuel during the weekend, I don't want to be cutting corners on a mooring/slip just to save a couple of quid.

With that in mind, would Mercury be the most suitable do you think? I know the slip is there and also some visitor pontoons (only one night).

Boat is only 5.1m (5m if MDL ask), so unlikely to be too extortionate.

Hope it happens (weather wise). It would be good to do in company.

Cheers




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[Ianfs]

Hi Mark

Colin's recommendations are spot on as always.

I've used Mercury a few times, its easy to get to, the ramp is accessible and there are pontoons nearby, easy peasy springs to mind. Parking is easy and the café/bar/restaurant is ok. Only issue is launching at low spring tides, not much water to float you, apart from that all good.

[ColinR]

Given all that then Mercury all the way. They will do the overnight berth and there is a campsite next door. Also the food is good.

[mark101]

Thanks Guys.

Weather permitting, then Mercury it is.

Going to travel down and launch Friday (so two nights on pontoon), ready for the off on Saturday.

Will not be camping however. One advantage of working away is the amount of FREE hotel nights I receive and Southampton is full of IHG and Hilton Hotels.

Must visit two of my favorite pubs again - Jolly Sailor and Rising Sun, neither of which I have done by boat - yet.

Thanks for the advice and hopefully see you there!


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[mark101]

How's the weather looking this weekend Locals? It's looking marginally better from my forecasts (temp and rain wise).


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[ColinR]

Sunday maybe the better of the two. Windfinder is saying F4 on Saturday but only F3 on Sunday.

Looks decidedly possible for an outing.

[mark101]

Well, we're still pencilled in with half days booked for Friday so we can launch that afternoon and save the hassle of a Saturday launch!

Fingers crossed.


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[mark101]

Ok, all booked in for Friday and Saturday night at Mercury, so it's on. If any of you are about, give me a bell (you have my number). If the weather is decent, you'll find me in Wootton, if not I will be slumped in the Jolly Sailor.


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