Weymouth to Newport by boat

Pilotage Plan from Weymouth, Dorset, GB to Newport, Isle of Wight, GB

Route Overview:Embarking on a journey from Weymouth to Newport offers a delightful blend of coastal beauty, fascinating maritime history, and strategic navigation along the picturesque southern coastline of England. This route is particularly suitable for intermediate to experienced sailors due to the tidal influences, navigational challenges, and potential weather changes you may encounter.

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Departure: Weymouth

Weymouth Harbour serves as an excellent starting point for your adventure. Before setting off, check the weather conditions as they can change rapidly in this region. Weymouth is not only known for its lovely beaches but also its vibrant waterfront filled with restaurants and shops that you may want to explore before departure.

Shelter Options:

• Inside Weymouth Harbour should there be unexpected weather changes.

Navigation Considerations:As you exit the harbour, be mindful of the tide times. The significant tidal streams around Lyme Bay can impact your speed and direction, so plan accordingly and ideally aim for a departure on a rising tide.

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Leg 1: Weymouth to Lulworth Cove

This first leg is approximately 10 nautical miles. As you head west, you’ll pass the stunning Chesil Beach, a natural phenomenon that provides a unique landscape. Navigation can be tricky along this stretch, so keep a watchful eye on your charts and electronic navigation aids.

Points of Interest:

• Chesil Beach: Perfect for a brief stop. You can enjoy a walk along this 18-mile long pebble beach.
• Lulworth Cove: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cove is surrounded by beautiful cliffs and offers opportunities for hiking and exploration.

Hazards:

• Be cautious of the overfalls and tidal streams around this area, especially when approaching Lulworth Cove.

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Leg 2: Lulworth Cove to Studland Bay

As you continue your journey, navigate around the scenic coastline to Studland Bay, which is about 7 nautical miles from Lulworth. This area is known for its natural beauty and tranquil waters.

Shelter Options:

• Studland Bay offers safe anchorage if conditions worsen. Its sandy bottom is excellent for anchoring, providing good holding.

Points of Interest:

• Old Harry Rocks: These chalk formations are iconic and visible from the water, making for fantastic photo opportunities.

Hazards:

• Keep a watchful eye on the navigational buoys as the water can be shallow in some areas, posing risks to unwary sailors.

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Leg 3: Studland Bay to Poole Harbour

Your next destination will take you on a short 4 nautical mile leg to Poole Harbour. Known as one of the largest natural harbours in the world, Poole is bustling with maritime activity and offers lots of attractions.

Shelter Options:

• Within Poole Harbour, you’ll find a multitude of safe anchorage options, including areas around Brownsea Island.

Points of Interest:

• Brownsea Island: This island is a nature reserve and provides access to beautiful trails and wildlife, especially the red squirrels.

Navigational Aids:

• Be alert to the busy commercial traffic in Poole Harbour. Follow the established shipping channels and heed the port flags and local notices.

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Leg 4: Poole Harbour to Newport

This final leg is approximately 20 nautical miles across the Solent towards Newport. Timing your departure with the tides is essential as you navigate across this busy waterway.

Points of Interest:

• The Needles: These iconic cliffs at the western edge of the Isle of Wight are a must-see. Take a moment to enjoy the stunning scenery before heading towards Newport.

Navigational Considerations:

• Use of electronic navigation tools is encouraged as the Solent can be busy with ferries and other crafts. Maintain good communication with the VHF on Channel 16 for safety.
• Watch out for the tidal currents entering the Beaulieu River which can affect your approach to Newport.

Shelter Options:

• Once you reach Newport, you can safely dock at the Cowes Yacht Haven or other local marinas if weather conditions become adverse.

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Local Regulations:Always adhere to the local regulations regarding fishing and anchoring. The Solent and surrounding areas are well-monitored, so familiarize yourself with the relevant guidelines to ensure an enjoyable trip.

Essential Apps:Along this route, it’s beneficial to utilize navigation apps. Highly recommended is Savvy Navvy, which simplifies navigation with its user-friendly interface and comprehensive charts. Other apps such as Navionics and SailingSumo can complement your preparations.

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Taking this route will not only provide a thrilling sailing experience but also the opportunity to explore some of the finest and most beautiful areas of the southern coast of England. Enjoy the journey, and safe sailing!