Do I need a VHF Radio to sail in the Solent?

I have a Juno 560, 18' lift keel trailer sailer. I used to sail (with my wife and three young boys) from Itchenor and generally around Chichester Harbour, occasionally venturing to Priory Bay when the forecast was settled.

We have recently moved to Warsash and will now be sailing in even more congested waters.

I have always resisted buying a VHF radio as I think of my type of sailing as just 'Big Dinghy Sailing' and not 'Proper Yachting'

I am only really interested in safety so: How much safer would I be with a VHF radio and is it worth the cost of the radio and the annual license?

In an emergency a VHF puts you in direct contact with the coastguard and in a rescue situation you could speak to and recieve instructions from the lifeboat coxwain or helicopter crew.Probably a handheld would be appropriate for you.People have been sailing safely long before VHF radio became popular.The important thing is to channel your money and effort into making your boat as seaworthy and reliable as possible making an emergency less likely.

no doubt you carry flares etc. to attract attention in an emergency. You might be surprised to find how handy one is though, valuble info on weather and shipping movements, arranging moorings, etc. They are also annoying, well many of the people using them are.

Tom

Many people seem to be using mobile phones these days especially close to land as is the case in the Solent.

A good set of flares is essential.

But a VHF does give you another way of getting help if you need it.

Dear Namesake, Our radio has only been used for receiving weather updates in the year since we moved up to the Solent. The almanac gives all the phone numbers of the harbour authorities etc,but I think I would still want at least my hand held in case I should ever need to deal direct with a helicopter or lifeboat during an emergency such as a 'casevac'. It's not just the cost of the equipment and licence(s), but also the cost of the training course before you can legally use it.Flares are essential.

7 or 8 years ago, like you I could see no point in fitting VHF to my 21 footer pottering out of Chichester.

One day a friend set out planning to round the Nab Tower for a days sail - nothing remotely ambitious. I set off about the same time heading for Bembridge, planning a lunch stop in Whitecliff Bay on the way.

Over lunch the weather closed in a bit - half a mile vis or so - nothing to worry about.

Returning towards Bembridge Ledge buoy, the Lifeboat launched headed out to me, and then went on east into the mist. It returned about half an hour later, again circling me, then went off to the NE.

I thought no more of it until I heard the news that evening.

My friend had sent out a Mayday, as he was taking on water and sinking fast. The transmission had ended (water up to the electrics?) before the CG had got a fix on his location. Had I known, I could have told the Lifeboat where to look.

They did not find him.

I never sail without VHF now.

This sad tale tells it all. Its like insurance, you hope you will never have to use it - but!

A mobile phone is better than nothing, but is no substitute for a VHF whether a fixed set or Handheld. Appart from weather info, you can also monitor shipping movements. There's also the possibility of someone who knows the area better warning you if they see you heading towards trouble. The Coastguard and Lifeboat can direction find your VHF transmission to locate you. I consider a VHF to be part of the essential equipement along with Lifejackets, Flares, Compass, Torch etc.

anywhere but the Solent where there's far to much chattering for anybody to be listening.

Tom