Continuing our progress south-westwards towards the Channel Islands, we opted to break the trip to France with a stop in the Solent. This would give us two shorter trips, as well as provide an opportunity to refuel in the UK, rather than France.

Another calm day gave us a chance to test out the plotter on the inland passage through the Looe Channel, rather than our usual route west south of the Outer Owers. Popular with yachts looking for the shorter trip, this clearly buoyed gap between Selsey Bill and the Pullar Bank cuts miles off the trip. From here it was a simple run into the Solent, trying to avoid the worst of the flotsam and jetsam which seems ubiquitous in these waters. Dodging the Brittany Ferry and the Condor ship which seemed to be anchored in the fairway, we headed west for the sunny shores of Cowes.

We moored in East Cowes marina, a slightly more sheltered spot than Cowes Yacht Haven since it is upstream of the Red Funnel ferries. Here we were joined by chance by Costa Bob 2, out for the day from the Hamble, as well as by new friends from Weywood Lady.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 49 nm

Total to date: 401 nm

Avg Speed: 14 knots

Duration: 3:30 hours

Wind: V 1-2

Diesel: 207 litres, 29p/l

Mooring: £26

Electricity: £3

Charts

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