Eastbourne - IOW - Weymouth May 2019

We were absolutely shattered after the journey from Ramsgate so stayed two nights at Eastbourne. Whilst passage planning to the next stop on the Isle of Wight I also did the next leg to Weymouth.

Another long journey and another early start, we dropped our moorings at 04.50 as we had to be in the lock before 0500. It was worth it for the sunrise as we came out of Eastbourne. The sails were up and we were sailing as soon as we left the harbour. We even hit 9 knots, which is very fast for us, but we were getting a good push from the tide. The wind lasted for two hours and we had a cracking sail for before we had to switch the engine on. This was a feature of the day as the engine was on and off another couple of times.

Sunrise at Eastbourne

It did not take us long to reach Beachy Head, when you look at the lighthouse it makes you realise how high the cliffs  are.

Blue skies and fresh winds.

Sadly the wind died just as we were passing the Rampion Wind farm off the coast of Brighton, which coincided with the tide changing so we really slowed down. However, we would have had to have slowed down eventually as we had tidal gate to meet and couldn't arrive too early. But after the wonderful sail we'd had, 3.5knots in an hour seemed really slow. The tide was back in our favour for going down the Looe Channel. Going this way saved many extra hours. We went through the buoys marking the safe passage at 7 knots and by this time the wind was against the tide.

Last time we were at Brighton they were still building the wind farm.

As we were going round the Isle of Wight the tides ,as planned, were very much in our favour but there was a distinct lack of wind. When the wind did kick in again we were just by Cowes. As it was once again wind against tide it was very lump and very slow. It took two hours from Cowes to Yarmouth. That really slowed down our overall journey time.

During in our time at Eastbourne and as we were going down the side of the IOW we were treated to a Spitfire flying by. Its hard to get a decent photo.

When we arrived at Yarmouth we were moored up alongside our friends Ann and Steve from China Girl. We had a well deserved shower, quick bite to eat and then a drink on China Girl. As we were too tired to go out for a meal that night we arranged to have breakfast the next morning. So a good time was had by all.

Trying to get a picture of the two Cruising Association Burgees flying side by side.

Rascal laying alongside China Girl.

Although we would have enjoyed staying in Yarmouth an extra night, the tides and weather were both right. We couldn't leave before 13.00 as once again we had a tidal gate to meet. This time it was going past the Needles. The sea was very calm and we had some lovely views of Hurst Castle and the Needles. We did try to sail, but there was very little wind and at two knots we were going too slow. If we'd were on a sorter passage we would have maybe sailed slowly, but we didn't want the tide to change on us.

It was a good journey to Weymouth and the sea was so calm we could make tweaks to navigation as we went along. The Lulworth firing range wasn't operational so once again we could cut a corner, we also were able to go nearer to the overfalls by St Albans Head. We didn't go in the buoys marking the overfalls but could go quite close to them.


Normally when we enter a harbour a ferry or large ship comes out, a ship anchoring in front of us was a new one.

Coming into Weymouth is lovely as you go through the town. It really is a very busy harbour. Sadly the batteries of my camera died as we were coming in so not as many photos as I would have liked.

Nothe Castle

Entrance to Weymouth.

When we arrived at the waiting pontoon to go through the bridge a yacht had moored slap bang in the middle. The owner came across saying 'I've been a bit selfish with my mooring haven't I?'
I smiled sweetly and nodded thinking he'd move it down, but no he helped us to moor where technically we shouldn't, then informed me he was waiting for his pint to out of the pub. I'll not say what I thought. Its not often you get such selfish boaters. We elected to go to the  marina beyond the bridge as we felt the harbour would be very busy over the bank holiday (it was), also the toilets are wonderful at the marina. For those who think I have an obsession with toilets and laundry rooms - I have. So I think I will compile a star chart to see which is the best. Just to let you know Weymouth is winning! The facilities here are special because you actually have your own private bathroom comprising of toilet, sink and shower. Its lovely.

We knew we would have to have a few days in Weymouth as the next decent tide to get round the Bill of Portland was 29th May. However we like Weymouth and as always had a few jobs to do. Plus the fact I had laundry!

We can also highly recommend Bennetts fish and chips.

Sailing Information

Sovereign Harbour to Yarmouth IOW - 75.7 nm
Journey time 13 hours 55 minutes
The average speed comes out about 5.5 knots per hour.
Cost per night £30.87 without electricity.
Reasonable toilet faculties - clean and plentiful.
Near by ASDA


Yarmouth to Weymouth - 41.2 nm
Journey time 6 hours 37 mins to the harbour
The bridge opens every two hours - last opening 8pm but in the summer they add a 9 pm opening.
Average speed 6 knots.
Laundry - £2 per wash, £1 a dry - but that is only 20 minutes and you cant alter the temperature. So in essence you need £3 to dry.
Tesco Express about 5 minutes from the Marina, Aldi about 10 minutes, ASDA a bit further.