Yesterday was an ideal sailing day but not for the faint-hearted. With a steady force 4-5 from about SSW forecast and an East-going tide I set off with a single reef in the main. My intention was to go a bit further East than usual and make Bembridge before turning back with the tide.
Setting off at 0730 Misty really sped along with very little chop and I was off Bembridge by 1000. By that time a really heavy swell had developed and Misty was thrashing through the waves on a broad reach. What to do next? Looking North towards Portsmouth there are three forts, (there is also another just off Bembridge, Fort St Helens but that is close inshore), so why not sail back via each of the others?
1024 - No Mans Land Fort
1042 - Horse Sand Fort (similar design to the previous)
1110 - Spitbank Fort (slightly different design)
Looking towards Southsea pier from Spitbank.
The history bit:
"The four Solent forts were built for the protection of Portsmouth and it's harbour from sea attack and bombardment. The most likely "enemy" was the French. At the same time, land forts in Gosport and Portsdown were also built to counteract any other land or sea attack. They were never used in anger and have become known locally as "Palmerston's Follies" after the Prime Minister of the time. Horse-Sands, No Mans Land and St Helen's were constructed between 1865-80. Spitbank was started two years later in 1867. Another fort, on Ryde Sand, was abandoned after construction had started due to unstable foundations."
More at:
After rounding Spitbank the tide had turned making for a choppy but exhilarating trip back West on a single tack. Silhouettes are in their element with a reefed main and steady Force 4.
No Mans Land Fort was converted into a hotel but has had a troubled recent history owing to its owner's bancruptcy and a stand-off occupancy against the bailiffs. BBCs TVs 'South Today' recently took their cameras inside for an interesting look around:
