Richardsons Yacht Services Ltd.

05/06/2026

24/05/2026

PBO Tips: Lee bowing defined

If our destination is directly to windward we’ll have to tack towards it.

The diagram shows we have a 7-knot wind on the nose and a 2-knot tide running at right angles to us, and later on in the passage the tide will change and run in the opposite direction.
This is all theoretical, but it will demonstrate the principle of what is usually called ‘lee bowing’.
With the wind dead ahead, we can start on either port or starboard tack.
If we start on starboard (A) we’ll have the tidal current on our lee bow and it will push us back towards the rhumb line – the shortest straight line to our destination.
But if we go on port (B), the tide’s on our windward bow and will push us away from the rhumb line.
What isn’t quite so obvious is the effect of the tide on the wind direction that we’ll feel onboard.
The vector triangles in the diagram show how a 7-knot wind when combined with a 2-knot tide at right angles will create a ‘resultant’ or ‘tide-induced wind’ of 7.3 knots (the red arrow).
But the important thing is it’s a much better angle, so we’d get a bit of a lift if we started out on starboard. And in our ideal theoretical world we’d be in a much better position when the ‘tide-induced wind’ angle changes with the tide.
But on course (B) we’d be headed when the ‘tide-induced wind’ changes direction.
Of course, in the real world it’s not so simple. The apparent wind direction can alter, so it then makes even more sense to keep close to the rhumb line to take advantage of any wind shifts, and the ‘tide-induced wind’ effect drops off at slack water as the tide turns.
But the principle of keeping the tide on the lee bow is worth remembering when planning a passage. It might not seem to gain you much, but the alternative of being pushed off in the other direction can be quite dramatic.

Picture copyrighted Dick Everitt/Practical Boat Owner and should not be used without permission

23/05/2026

23/05/2026

Don’t forget both of our chandleries are open over the bank holiday weekend -
Island Harbour & Cowes
Saturday & Monday 9-5

Sunday 10-4 Island Harbour

Sunday 10-2 Cowes

We look forward to welcoming you 🛥️⚓️🐚🚤⛵️

23/05/2026

Bank Holiday weekend at The Cockle ☀️

Live music outside across the long weekend with David Priddle Duo on Saturday (1pm–5pm) and Claydon Connor on Sunday and Monday (2pm–4pm).

With sunshine forecast, it’s shaping up to be a great few days by the river for food, drinks and music.

Restaurant bookings recommended: https://thecockle.co.uk

17/04/2026

Pop along if you can! ☀️⛵️

23/03/2026

Somehow we’ve ended up on The Apprentice! Tune in tonight at 9pm on BBC One to check it out! 🎥

15/03/2026

Meet the Team: Dave Lycett 👋

Dave is our amazing courier who travels around the Island each week, visiting Bembridge and Norton Grange to give talks, as well as welcoming coach groups who come over to experience our Two Ports Cruise, Cowes Harbour Tour and new Needles Cruise.⛴️

Dave has been part of the Solent Cruises family since 1987 - nearly 40 years! Every year he says he’s going to retire, and every year he comes back. We think the job has well and truly stolen his heart.🫶

Before joining us, Dave had quite the varied career, including being a restaurant owner and chef. These days, he’s known for his friendly face, warm welcome and always being on hand with a smile and a positive outlook on life.

If you’ve met Dave at one of his talks or out on the Island, you’ll know exactly why he’s such a valued part of the team!😊

26/02/2026

Hi all! Just a quick reminder that our Chandleries in both Newport and Cowes will be open on Sundays again ☀️