WEST SOLENT CRUISE _ From Keyhaven

The Keyhaven River and its creeks (known as lakes) offer the opportunity of sheltered tidal sailing as well as different routes out into the more challenging western Solent. We will be guests of Keyhaven Yacht Club which will  kindly provide changing facilities, shelter, bar etc.although we will need to respect and co-operate with the other programmed events of the club.

The programme for the day will be decided on the day in the light of forecast and actual weather, wind direction and sea conditions.  High water is at about 16.10. If conditions are suitable, we may sail to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight , enter Yarmouth harbour and proceed through the swing bridge up to the the navigable limit of the Yar, some 3 miles further on. We would return by the same route but will need to time our arrivals to reach the bridge at the designated opening times (14.00 and 16.00 respectively.) Outboards will be useful. There are other possible destinations such as Newtown or Lymington.There is  a high water  stand of about 2 hours which means that there will be a good depth of water in the river and creeks around Keyhaven  all afternoon if conditions preclude a trip across to the island.. A provisional programme is as follows:

Trailed boats will be met on arrival from 9.30 onwards. Boats should be unhitched and cars removed to the adjacent New Forest District Council car park as soon as possible – you will need £6.50 in coins (no notes or change given by the machine and nowhere in Keyhaven to change notes for coins) to park your car. On arrival visitors will be directed to the best place to rig  - there will be plenty of room on the gravel hard at this time - .and  told where to leave road trailers and launching trolleys.

11.15 Briefing / signing in at the clubhouse

11.45 Sail out of Keyhaven River

13.45 -16.00  Yarmouth and River Yar

17.15 Return to Keyhaven

Visiting boats to Keyhaven will be liable for a launching fee for use of the hard - mostly gravel with a shallow slope (possible to recover a Wanderer single-handed). This could be as high as £11.50 which is the ‘official’ rate but is much more likely to be a ‘club’ rate of about £5.00.While there are usually plenty of boats around in the Solent on a June weekend   this is essentially an unescorted cruise and you are reminded that sailing, as with other sports and pastimes can be a hazardous activity. Those participating in this event do so entirely at their own risk and it is your decision whether to sail..

Keyhaven is best approached via Milford-on-Sea. Follow signs to Keyhaven and after passing The Gun Inn, do not enter the NFDC car-park at this stage but take the next turning left, past Hurst Castle Sailing Club to Keyhaven Yacht Club. Please do not enter the club car park but pull up temporarily on the south side of the approach road near the club, leaving the entrance to the boat compounds clear, and you will be given further instructions.

The western Solent can be rough, especially in wind over tide conditions and the water is still cool.. Please wear appropriate sailing gear – personal buoyancy is compulsory and wet or dry suits may be advisable. You should be sufficiently experienced to  sail in tidal conditions  in winds up to F4-5. An alternative means of propulsion such as oars and/or outboard, an anchor and a means of reefing or reducing sail are strongly advised. Please bring your own  packed lunch as well as refreshment for when you are on the water.

If  you plan to attend, please email me at andypeter1949@hotmail.com  (or phone 01590 682442) giving your name, boat number and a mobile number in case it becomes necessary to change arrangements. Also please let me know, if you subsequently change your mind about coming.

If the weather forecast nearer the time looks unpleasant, please telephone me on the  above number between 7.45 and 9.15 am  on Saturday to check whether we are going ahead.

Hoping that you will be able to join us.

Andy Peter   W198

Tel:  Home:01590 682442    Mobile (new): 07542 201003

Forest Cottage, Pitmore Lane, Sway, Lymington. Hants.

SO41 6BW    e-mail: andypeter1949@hotmail.com