Solent Hazards
This guide is helpful, but it does not cover every potential hazard on the Solent. Before setting out on your charter, you should carefully review local charts and the latest Notices to Mariners.
The copper boilers of the S.S. Varvassi will catch the unwary every time. They are just visible at lowest astronomical tides.
The Shingles extend from west of Hurst Castle. They are exposed at lowest astronomical tides – follow the bouyage to avoid.
Inbetween Totland and Colwell Bay, avoid Warden Ledge. A rocky hazard extending several hundred meters from Warden point.
Strong tidal flows and an unmarked ‘trap’ extending beyond the spit to catch the unwary. The trap moves.
A rocky embankment outside and to the west of Yarmouth harbour. Stay well north of black rock buoy.
An arrow-shaped sandbar exposed at low tides. Follow the bouyage carefully to avoid.
When approaching Fishbourne from the west, keep an eye out for Wootton Rocks which are marked by a red post.
Go nowhere near Ryde! Ryde Sands are extensive and extend several hundred metres into what looks like clear open water.
East of the entrance to Portsmouth harbour, concrete blocks stretching a mile into the Solent from the shore.
Beware of the sand bar and shallow waters when entering the harbour; really safe access has state of tide limits.
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