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Original poster

Isle of Wight ferry…in a storm

32 replies

YetDespiteTheLookOnMyFace · 20/02/2022 08:04

Has anyone had any experience of this? Have a ferry booked for today in 50 mile an hour winds. It looks like they run unless it’s really awful. Been watching some videos and I’m panicking! Might just cancel the holiday and lose the money instead.

OP posts:
spotcheck · 20/02/2022 08:06

I think they know their stuff - if it was too unsafe, they would cancel the service.

Original poster
YetDespiteTheLookOnMyFace · 20/02/2022 08:11

I agree. But I’m not sure I want to vomit the whole way across! Or traumatise my children. I’m wondering how bad it really gets compared to crossing to France. It’s only a little patch of sea! Famous last words.

OP posts:
Archip17 · 20/02/2022 08:11

I live close by one of the ferry ports to the Island. They stopped some crossings on Friday so if they deemed it too dangerous they won't run. It's still windy here but much less so than it has been. It's a short crossing and it might be bumpier than usual but it'll be worth it when you're there. Have a lovely holiday.

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Original poster
YetDespiteTheLookOnMyFace · 20/02/2022 08:19

Thank you so much. I am a bit of an over-thinker in general. And then I start Googling! I think the winds are half what they were on Friday so I’m sure it will be fine. I’m trying to see things like this as an adventure. I don’t want my children to be wimps like me!

OP posts:
DownWhichOfLate · 20/02/2022 08:32

You’ll be fine. Do you have waterproof coats? If you do and you’re allowed, stand outside at the front. Seeing the horizon and having very fresh air will help.

Brusselsprouts21 · 20/02/2022 08:39

I used to live there and travelled a lot on and off the island. It is one hour long and the time passes so quickly. I used to be terrified of boats but even on really rocky times, you barely feel it unless you look outside. Bring a magazine or book and just keep your head down and before you know it you will be there. Enjoy your holiday

CosmicComfort · 20/02/2022 08:43

We travelled in very stormy conditions last year and actually it was fine. I don’t recall wind speed but it was a proper storm. It was a little more up and down on the ferry than normal but nothing too bad.

We went to the needles and literally had to hang on to a fence near the car park to stay upright. It was awesome.

CovidCorvid · 20/02/2022 08:48

I’ve been on a ferry to France in something like stormforce 9. Don’t know what the actual wind speed was but they shut the canteen as plates and food were flying about. I was only a kid and thought it was the most exciting thing ever! At least with IOW it’s a short trip.

gogohm · 20/02/2022 08:50

It's fine, but don't eat before boarding Grin

I've done the ferry to Shetland in a force 10, thank goodness we had a cabin and it was overnight!

BrambleRoses · 20/02/2022 08:53

I was very sick on a crossing to Ireland in the autumn bur for one hour I’d grin and bear it. It may be unpleasant though!

Birgitz · 20/02/2022 08:55

We came back earlier this week when it was quite windy. It was absolutely fine and only felt a bit choppy when we went out on deck (and even that wasn’t bad!)

BobbinHood · 20/02/2022 08:57

Some of the videos being shared claiming to be the IOW ferry in storm Eunice actually aren’t, so take anything you’re seeing when googling with a pinch of salt. They won’t run if it’s not safe.

Beth13579 · 20/02/2022 09:05

It's only an hour crossing (assuming you're going from Southampton; Portsmouth is half that)) and for pretty much half of that time you're in the relative confines of Southampton Water.
And you won't have a long drive on the other side of the Solent so if you feel poorly, you've only got to get to wherever you're staying.
I'd be nervous too, but I certainly wouldn't cancel a holiday for it.

Original poster
YetDespiteTheLookOnMyFace · 20/02/2022 09:06

I knew you lot would save the day!

OP posts:
chocolateoranges33 · 20/02/2022 09:07

I live near here and they are very risk averse. They will only sail if its safe to do. Its only 30 minutes sailing from Portsmouth or 1 hour from Southampton - you will be fine.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 20/02/2022 09:13

Many times. They won't run if there's any danger. Enjoy your holiday ☺️

wearewizardsofoz · 20/02/2022 09:17

Depends on the route. Portsmouth to Ryde is worst, limington to Yarmouth is not bad - short and sheltered. Southampton to Cowes is in the middle of those.

My in laws live in Yarmouth and we travel there all weathers. Yet to have a sick child though it has been rough at times.

If they're running the ferry it's fine safety wise.

Fuckitydoodah · 20/02/2022 09:19

I'd get some travel sickness tablets to take before the crossing. Being sea sick can make you feel rough all day.

uggmum · 20/02/2022 09:21

If you are on the car ferry you'll be fine.

I've done that journey countless times. If you get out of your car quickly you can try to get a seat at the front of the boat and you'll have a lovely view.

If it's really stormy they won't sail. They stopped the ferry's on Friday as the wind was too strong to dock.

You're not actually in open sea for very long.

If the ferry is delayed, remember to claim delay, repay. It is well hidden in the website.

I had the joy of sitting on a ferry for 2 hours in open sea when it broke down last year.

uggmum · 20/02/2022 09:22

My assumption was that you were taking the Red Funnel from Southampton.

WhatAHexIGotInto · 20/02/2022 09:23

Where are you going from? If it's Portsmouth you're on it for a very short time.

Susu49 · 20/02/2022 09:26

You'll be fine, the rough crossings and fun and as per pp, they're risk adverse and don't sail if it's bad!

Hb12 · 20/02/2022 09:30

You'll be fine. The rough bit is very short, once you're in comparatively open water.

If rough sit in the middle where you can see a window, the middle pitches/rolls less.

We are due some nicer weather this week, so don't miss out!

Original poster
YetDespiteTheLookOnMyFace · 20/02/2022 10:28

Southampton to Cowes. We are going for it! I’ll report back!

OP posts:
Campervangirl · 20/02/2022 10:41

If the weather is too bad the ferry won't be running.
I was told once by a salty sea captain 😁 that if you feel seasick lift your feet off the floor, put them on your seat, the kids will probably love a few waves if you make it fun, if you panic they'll panic, enjoy, you'll be fine

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