Over-sleeping and setting off 2hrs late was not the best start to the trip. This meant that we had to battle the fierce tides across the entrance to the Solent and at the Needles. However, the journey along the south coast was much easier, if a little dull on the scenery front. We found a great little camping spot just past St. Catherine's Point for the night though. An early start was made on the second day so as to make best use of the strong tides, helping us make a speedy leg up to Bembridge. After a leisurely lunch and a tea from a local cafe, we hopped onto the pushing tide once more and sped our way up to Cowes. The tides here were really fast, maybe over four knots, and after breaking out behind a port maker buoy to let a speed ferry pass, we utilised the three and a half knot tide flowing down the Solent to make an amazingly fast final leg down to Yarmouth and then across to Keyhaven - in just two and a half hours. Our average speed worked out at eight kilometers per hour, or 4.5 knots! Not only were the tides in our favour, but the weather during the trip was fantastic too - lovely sunshine, and not too hot. Perfect!
