Solent University Sub-Aqua Club

UK Diving - Wight Spirit.

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Weather

If the forecast is looking a little dodgy, the final decision to go or not go will be by using the 6pm shipping forecast of the night before. While every attempt will be made to contact you, it is important that you check to see that the trip is still on. Remember we dont dive past a F4 unless it's a very sheltered site. You'll find any change of plans on here or the forum.

Parking

It is a public car park, so change needed as there are no local shops nearby, which also means sarnies & drink etc. needs to be bought in advance. No local cashpoints either and the skipper has to be paid BEFORE leaving the pontoon, so you must have enough to pay him before getting on the boat.

A public pontoon, which means security is important, boat space limited and kit has to be transported along walkway. Trollys a very good idea for those with twinsets etc.

On return another small chore of washing club kit on the pontoon, but worth doing it so that you dont get a smelly drysuit next time out.

Wight Spirit - Basic Info

Albums & Reports

Wight Spirit is based in Lymington Hampshire and skippered by the extremely knowledgable Dave Wendes. It's often joked that some skippers wrote the book, but in this case he really did, with what has become almost a bible for the wrecks around the Western side of the Isle of Wight more here

The boat itself is a Starfish 34 with a 350hp engine that happily chugs along at 14 knots, although we know that it will go a LOT faster if he floors it.

Coded for MCA class 2, she can run 60 miles from a safe haven and takes up to 10 divers. The addition of a lift is more than welcome for those twinning up and its boasts a fair size cabin and the all important toilet. You can read more about the boat and a brief idea of some of the stunning dives here

What do I need?

Bring it on!

Yes literally, bring everything you need on the boat: plenty of fluids, lunch and if it's hot bring a hat, sun-screen and shades. Water reflects UV light, so you really have to slap it on.

As we will be diving several miles away from the van, there is no scope to go back and change anything. For this reason it is extremely important that you make sure you have ALL kit needed before the boat leaves. Inevitably you forget something or it will take longer than you thought, so always turn up early if you are using club kit .

Kit needs to be assembled and made ready on shore.

Then taken along the pontoon to the waiting boat

If it's on the chilly side then a coat or fleece and again a hat, but more a beanie or thinsulate type. If you are using a wetsuit, then bring a coat to prevent windchill. As space is at a premium, no boxes are allowed on the boat, instead loose kit goes in a mesh bag.

Finally dont forget that you will need to pay all costs for the day and that includes boat, air, whatever you've agreed with your driver and any share of the parking costs, so bring enough.

Camping?

The camp site is very close to Lymington, just past Pennington Cross. It's an open field, but does have toilet and washing faciities,

We'll be running a BBQ on the Saturday night, so if you need drink etc. then bring it along.

Worth bearing mind that parking in Lymington is £6.50 a day, so we'll be maxing out the Transits and leaving cars at the camp site. For location of the site and more detailed information including how to get there, go here.

4th & 5th June 2009

23.08.2008

26th & 27th July 2008

8th June 2008

19.08.07

12.08.07

08.07.2007

Archive

Getting There

Finding Lymington

Head out from Southampton towards Lyndhurst, then Brockenhurst on the A337. Worth looking at the map, because it can get a bit messy, but you want to head for signs saying "marinas" using the small turning at the bottom of the High Street. You might also see signs for the the Royal Lymington Yacht Club or RNLI station. Dont worry if it looks like a big car park, because that's what it is. For those with sat-navs you want SO41 3SE

If you are still struggling go here

Finding the Pontoon

Directly opposite the slipway is the RNLI building and we will be getting kit ready in the car park alongside.

The boat will come alongside the Harbour Master's Pontoon, but will only be there for about 30mins and in that time it needs to be loaded.

training, diving & having loads of fun at