Cowes to Weymouth
06/09/06 11:21 Filed in: UK
As the fair tide out of the Solent westbound would not begin until round 11:00 the harbour launch was called for a quick run ashore for breakfast and to get some lube oil.
Had a quick chat with "Blue Note" also moored on the pontoon. They had an unsual Aries windvane of which only about 12 were made.
I quite liked Cowes. It has the feel of a busy working port and has a charming little town centre. This being the Solent I had expected eye-watering mooring charges but at £8.50 on the visitor pontoon it was quite reasonable.
The tide out was quite something and partially made up for the lack of wind. Motorsailing was required yet again. Our passage down the needles channel was benign and the view close up on the needles really stunning.
The Needles
Another View from Further Out
Lulworth gunnery range was in use necessitating a longer passage than the direct route.
About two miles south of Weymouth harbour entrance the engine suddenly lost about one third power and would not respond to extra throttle. I suspect another fouled propellor as the engine has been wonderfully reliable and given no cause for concern.
It must be getting later in the season as I am able to moor alongside in "The Bag". The water looked reasonably clean so it was on with the swimming trunks and goggles and into the water to check the propellor. Sure enough it was fouled again. This time with long strands of thick weed which I cleared in three dives. I must get a bicycle helmet to protect my head as I will likely have to do this again.
Weymouth mooring cost £16.00.
Had a quick chat with "Blue Note" also moored on the pontoon. They had an unsual Aries windvane of which only about 12 were made.
I quite liked Cowes. It has the feel of a busy working port and has a charming little town centre. This being the Solent I had expected eye-watering mooring charges but at £8.50 on the visitor pontoon it was quite reasonable.
The tide out was quite something and partially made up for the lack of wind. Motorsailing was required yet again. Our passage down the needles channel was benign and the view close up on the needles really stunning.
The Needles
Another View from Further Out
Lulworth gunnery range was in use necessitating a longer passage than the direct route.
About two miles south of Weymouth harbour entrance the engine suddenly lost about one third power and would not respond to extra throttle. I suspect another fouled propellor as the engine has been wonderfully reliable and given no cause for concern.
It must be getting later in the season as I am able to moor alongside in "The Bag". The water looked reasonably clean so it was on with the swimming trunks and goggles and into the water to check the propellor. Sure enough it was fouled again. This time with long strands of thick weed which I cleared in three dives. I must get a bicycle helmet to protect my head as I will likely have to do this again.
Weymouth mooring cost £16.00.