Threading the Needles

Bucksribster · 18 April 2018, 14:50

I remember on one of the round IOW rallies following some other ribs between the needles rocks - 'Threading the Needles' as they put it. What I cannot remember was what the state of the tide was, and which gap (i.e. which side of the middle rock) we went through.

With a high spring tide tomorrow and light winds forecast it could be an opportunity to repeat the experience. Any advice on this? Is it just a dangerous stunt, or a fun thing to do in the right conditions?

matt h · 18 April 2018, 18:17

High tide

BigE · 19 April 2018, 06:29

Humm, not something I'd do to be honest.
Also watch out for submerged objects like SS Varvassi's boilers!

https://youtu.be/vjevg8KkDXM

Fender · 19 April 2018, 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigE

Humm, not something I'd do to be honest.
Also watch out for submerged objects like SS Varvassi's boilers!

https://youtu.be/vjevg8KkDXM

The OP is talking about threading the needles not going round close to the point ( where goose rock and the varvassi have caught the odd boat out..... ) , it’s perfectly do-able, as already pointed out choose high tide ( for obvious reasons ) and watch for strong tide flow, it rips through the gap

BigE · 19 April 2018, 08:06

I know, just saying to be careful.

Fender · 19 April 2018, 08:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigE

I know, just saying to be careful.

Snowflake

Roflhat · 19 April 2018, 08:12

Great shot in the video of the boats going along

Maximus · 19 April 2018, 11:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fender

Snowflake

Veritable Blizzards prevailing!

Fender · 19 April 2018, 12:36

Crack on!!

Fender · 19 April 2018, 12:38

What wreck? BANG!! Oh, that one

jonp · 19 April 2018, 14:43

I used to take my boat through the biggest gap on all stages of the tide. There is a shallow bit on the Solent side towards the lighthouse. It's also a little shallow on the Bay side of the gap.

Bucksribster · 20 April 2018, 13:44

Well I had a look at it yesterday, but although the Solent was a flat calm, there were some big waves out by the needles - maybe a legacy of the past few days of higher winds. Not the day for messing with the rocks!

charliee · 20 April 2018, 13:53

Like Jon P, I've been thru the large gap at most tide states (excluding a spring low), I've also been thru one of the smaller ones on a high. A few years back we skied thru the gap but it was flat calm on both sides. You pay your money you take your choice.

gtflash · 20 April 2018, 23:14

I’ve always been shy of goose rock and the wreck. But the science for not hitting them seems a bit dark age. So I always have concern.

It is probably safer to go way out, but the needles are so attractive and fascinating. If anyone has a full proof goose rock and wreck avoidance method.

jonp · 21 April 2018, 01:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtflash

I’ve always been shy of goose rock and the wreck. But the science for not hitting them seems a bit dark age. So I always have concern.

It is probably safer to go way out, but the needles are so attractive and fascinating. If anyone has a full proof goose rock and wreck avoidance method.

If in doubt stay close to one of the deep hulled fishing boats that do it everyday.

gtflash · 30 April 2018, 21:51

Caution near then needles not just while threading them