Im going to take the boat round from Lymington to Mudeford tomorrow as we are staying in a beach hut for a week (no jokes about the weather please...) - Im trying to work out the best time to do this based on 1) Tides through Hurst, and more worryingly - the direction and speed of the Run at the entrance to Christchurch harbour. I know there are a few locals here, so any guidance would be much appriciated. Im only sporting a 15HP outboard, which is fine for most conditions, but i dont want to hit "the run" and start going backwards....
A great time!! Have done what you are doing several times....
I would not worry too much about hurst ,just slow down and stay close to the castle to avoid any rough water.
Mudeford while it can be fast you will be fine. I'd want to be in by 12 to avoid the lowest of the tide and current. Stick between the bouys and watch for waves behind you that could catch up (but unlikely given the weather forecast).
I always run up the beach on the inside of the ferry pontoon to off load .
You might want to check your tide times: Easytide is showing the first HT for Christchurch Entrance on 27 August at 8.45 BST with the second HT (which is the higher of the two at just over 1.5m) at 11.47 BST. You should therefore be able to get in any time until after lunch (unless you eat particularly late! ).
Matt, you've got 1m above chart datum even at 1400 BST, so 1300 BST should be fine with a margin for error as well. With the forecast wind light and from the West, the waves should be slight so there should'nt be any problem.
Matt checking belfield Tide, I would honestly say you do not want to be much after 12.00 as the "RUN" will be starting to run out and as its springs you could easily get 6 - 8kn of tide against you after about 12.30..
Enjoy Mudeford, some great cruising if you cannot get out, you have the Avon and the longer navigation of the Stour to explore..