Freshwater Bay

Biggles · 15 April 2006, 15:14

Hi,

I'm looking at circumnavigating the IOW over the weekend. For somewhere new to land I've been looking at Freshwater Bay.
I gather that entrance to the Bay should be through the centre but avoiding the very centre of the Bay.
Can anyone tell me if its possible to land and on what side. I've looked at Google earth and there appears to be a slipway at the far end of the beach but most boats seem to be anchored up in the West of the Bay just behind the underwater rocks and in front of the village buildings. One of my friends doesn't have a drysuit so he really needs to not get wet.
We will probably be there about 1300 hrs on Monday which is near Highwater and its forecast to be 8 MPH Westerley winds. Looks good.
Anybody know of any facilities in the village. Good pubs for lunch and refuelling.
Regards Nick R.

SOLENTER · 15 April 2006, 15:44

I would give Feshwater bay a miss if i were you
Yarmouth for fule enough for the trip
Bembridge for lunch or RVYC at Wootton Creek
Have fun

Biggles · 15 April 2006, 15:53

Hi,

Yeh I agree Yarmouth is better but just wanted to try somewhere different.

I should imagine Yarmouth will be packed on monday.

I'll consider refuelling at Yarmouth then moving on to Freshwater.

Andy Moore · 15 April 2006, 16:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Hi,

Yeh I agree Yarmouth is better but just wanted to try somewhere different.

What about the harbour in Ventnor?

Biggles · 15 April 2006, 16:21

Andy,

Thats one of the backups. But I've been to Ventnor before and fancy somewhere new.
It just seems like everytime I go round the IOW I cut straight across from the Needles to St Catherines point. A few people have mentioned Freshwater on RIBNET but there aren't many details of landing points etc.
On the pictures I've seen Freshwater looks nice. Might even be somewhere to retire to eventually. I'll never know unless I go.
But if everyone says its a big no no then I'll give it a miss. I should imagine the weather conditions, in particular the wind play a big part in landing at Freshwater. Monday looks good though.
Regards Nick R.

Andy Moore · 15 April 2006, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

On the pictures I've seen Freshwater looks nice. Might even be somewhere to retire to eventually. I'll never know unless I go.
But if everyone says its a big no no then I'll give it a miss. I should imagine the weather conditions, in particular the wind play a big part in landing at Freshwater. Monday looks good though.

I wouldn't fancy landing at Freshwater directly from a RIB. You can get a swell in there in even very settled weather. It could be done, but I wouldn't like to leave the RIB on its own. (Very) local knowledge required.

Andre · 15 April 2006, 17:03

Great place to visit but not necessary by rib unless you have a tender on board

I have spent a few Easter breaks at the Sandpipers Hotel and must say Freshwater Bay is a fantastic place

Here are a few shots taken during our 2002 break and the bay has not really change today. These photos will give you some idea of the area

Biggles · 15 April 2006, 17:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andre

Here are a few shots taken during our 2002 break and the bay has not really change today. These photos will give you some idea of the area

Guess I'll not be landing if its like that. But there again if its like that I probably won't be going round the IOW.

Andre · 15 April 2006, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Guess I'll not be landing if its like that. But there again if its like that I probably won't be going round the IOW.

I have gone round the IOW on a few occassions and would be rather concerned on a 4 mtr rib specially this time of the year.

If the weather is reasonable tomorrow 3 ribs from Littlehampton will go around the IOW, refuelling in Yarmouth

hannah · 15 April 2006, 18:42

went round IOW last year in worst conditions i've ever seen ... Glad we had company (benc), but still was all good fun and made excelent time aswel

Have fun!!

Biggles · 16 April 2006, 19:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andre

I have gone round the IOW on a few occassions and would be rather concerned on a 4 mtr rib specially this time of the year.

If the weather is reasonable tomorrow 3 ribs from Littlehampton will go around the IOW, refuelling in Yarmouth

Turn back time will be when we reach the Needles. It seems to be a good indicator of the prevelant conditions from there to St Catherines point.

Trouble is whenever I do some planning to go round it never works. Weather is always against me. When its a spur of the moment thing it usually works.