Solent Cruise in company (September 2026)
At nearly 900Nm on Merlot's log for 2026 cruising season (which was a very good season), it would seem there was not much left to visit. But there is time to fit in one more cruise, early September before boats start lifting out. The WSC Solent Cruise 2026 was planned. As many boat owners must have been thinking the same, the response was very good, with at one point ten boats showing an interest. The date was set for the Friday 4th September, leaving Weymouth at 0800. Aiming to be at St. Albans head for about 1030, just as the tide turns east. Giving six hours of tide from St. Albans, plenty of time for Yarmouth.
As I was booking in at Yarmouth for more than five boats, it became a rally booking. One benefit was a 10% discount and another was that they would know which boats to expect and group us all on the same pontoon.
This is what makes social sailing fun, when the harbour looks out for you and looks after you, making it easy.
There was a strong wind warning overnight on 4th September with a south-westerly F6 predicted for the morning. As the wind was due to ease at about 0900, we delayed our departure until then.
With a strong SW and a swell from the same direction, the first leg to St. Albans was quick and lively. During this leg I received a phone call from Yarmouth, asking if we still intended to visit that day. When I said we had left Weymouth and were on our way, they were surprised to say the least and said they thought we wouldn't have set off! I then gave them the names of the boats so they knew who to expect: Crystella, Dulcibella, Carpe Diem, Double Vision and Merlot. Still a rally with five boats. Arriving at about 1400, we had the afternoon and evening to enjoy Yarmouth.
We met up in the Kings Arms for a quick social drink and to plan our next leaving time for Itchenor in Chichester Harbour. 27Nm it was important that we had a full tide in our favour and we needed it.
We wanted to be entering Chichester Harbour on the last of the flood tide so leaving time was 1000 1030 Saturday 5th September.
Very busy around Cowes, Southampton and Portsmouth approaches, with what seemed like hundreds of yachts racing, other small boats, the many ferries and big commercial shipping. Cruising chutes and spinnakers were useful in very light winds with gentle sailing.
Arriving at Chichester Harbour entrance we were greeted by a few more racing yachts and many at anchor. Weaving our way through we arrived at the delightful Itchenor Harbour, with its visitor walk ashore pontoon. However, as this is a fast flowing river, mooring needed some careful thought.
We were also booked in, with reserved boards in place on the pontoon. This didn't quite work, as a local boat moored in Crystella/Merlot slot, covering the reserved board. Dulcibella then had to raft on the intruding boat. Crystella, Double Vision and Merlot ended up moored on the wrong side of the pontoon. Nutcracker joined us on Sunday.
Sunday 6th September was a rest day, and a lovely walk to Bosham and a very good Sunday lunch at The Anchor Bleu. Couple of beers in the sunny garden and a gentle walk back What a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Monday 7th September saw us leaving early heading for Bucklers Hard. At 25Nm we needed the tide but we couldn't arrive too early as we needed enough clearance to cross the bar in the Beaulieu river entrance. As it happened, a westerly meant lots of tacking and we arrived at about the right time. Safely moored up with the help of Ray and the harbour master, Beaulieu and Bucklers hard is a really nice harbour. Dulcibella, Crystella and Merlot made up the flotilla with Nutcracker following on the next day. Double Vision needed to be back in Weymouth so skipped Bucklers Hard. I believe Charles and Bill had a good sail back.
Tuesday 8th September started with heavy rain but no wind. Leaving Crystella in Bucklers Hard (later to meet up with Nutcracker). Dulcibella and Merlot motored in a flat calm sea back to Yarmouth (even in the rain it was pleasant).
Wednesday 9th September, Merlot needed to be back in Weymouth so, accompanied by Dulcibella, we sailed and motor/sailed into a westerly F4 close hauled all the way past St. Albans, being forced out by the firing range. Just past St Albans, we were given a course and distance to clear the range only to be given a new course much further out by a different range boat later on as the wind veered NW. We had a strong wind on the nose from Ringstead so motored the last hour. Merlot made the 1800 bridge lift with time to spare and Dulcibella safely moored up and put the kettle on shortly after we arrived at the waiting pontoon. All in all a very enjoyable sailing in company with good sailing and great company, visiting some of the best harbours in the Solent. Look forward to doing it all again.
Last updated 18:06 on 26 September 2026