alderney

[betty boop]

Not sure this is a good idea but havingjust reloaded Navonics on the tablet I messed around with a trip Weymouth to Alderney, time / cost etc. now this has awoken the dragon (so to speak) and it's thinking 'what a good idea' let go. some of you may remember the last time we did this, feasible again does anyone think? I know were a few boats down this time but could be a laugh.

either way - is it feasible for a single boat to go alone? with a full tank I'd easily get there and back without refuelling so other than stupidity it sounds doable

[ian h]

I would be going with half full tanks and fill up there its cheaper

Goal for this year is at least a trip around the Isle of Wight

[betty boop]

I would be going with half full tanks and fill up there its cheaper

Goal for this year is at least a trip around the Isle of Wight

yes good point - but i think fuel price would be the least of my worries

[ColinR]

I would not go alone myself. At least 3 boats but I still maintain, with a good weather window it should be fine.

[Ianfs]

So here's the thing, its almost the same distance from Weymouth Harbour to Alderney as it is from Weymouth to Bembridge. Also it's roughly the same distance from Alderney to Weymouth as it is to go all around the IOW from Cowes to Cowes. Furthermore it is just over half as far as it was for Sprocker to get his boat back from the Hamble to Torquay.

There is though, just one very very tiny detail, you have to cross one of the most heavily congested shipping lanes in the World, sea depths reach over 200ft and there are weird undulating sea beds rising to odd shaped land masses creating zig zag shore lines. This in itself is fairly insignificant, but add this to the Moons orbit running mostly East to West and this brings in very odd tides to your passage plan.

Also there was that nutter who crossed the English Channel in a narrow boat about 10yrs ago, it was calm and he did his homework and it was all good.

So...plus 1 to what Colin said.

[sprocker]

I would definitely be up for a jaunt like that, and would only attempt it in company.

Maybe time to start planning for a boatbanter 'cruise in company' ?

[betty boop]

I would definitely be up for a jaunt like that, and would only attempt it in company.

Maybe time to start planning for a boatbanter 'cruise in company' ?

its a tricky one - I would be up for a challenge like that with like minded company, the other half is stupid enough to do it alone but would expect me to do it all - so thats a none starter. there must be others who do it, Ive read enough about cruising to the Silly Isles, trips Dover/Calais Northern somewhere to the Isle of Man and NI. Although they did die on the way back recently.

different things bother different folk, I wouldn't be too worried on shipping lanes but would be about any other number of minor events. It would have to be a 3 day trip over a 1 week vacation to allow for replanning of time return / bad weather etc. I'd be more up for it if I lived in Weymouth and looked out the window and could say 'looks good out there I'll see you in 3 days'

now the seed is planted who wants to step forward to plan and champion the idea? (As I take one step backwards as a coward )

[ColinR]

Shipping lanes are OK if you think ahead. Having crossed the channel overnight and in fog you just have to take precautions.

Crossing during the day you will see that the big stuff follows one behind the other so pick one that you think will be close as you cross and aim for their stern. We were wallowing along at 6 knots so were limited but the big stuff will alter course if they can. Common sense says yo try to avoid them though.

An all ships radio call works wonders as you approach the channel so that they know what your plans are to avoid any confusion.

I agree with Ian about the distances, we've all done as long, if not longer passages, the difference being that we tend to be close to shore. It's a big lonely place out there!

The year we planned our trip and gave it up due to approaching bad weather two jet ski's from the Rib forum did the trip. F5 to F6. Each to their own I suppose.

[jcwads]

I'm game if others want to do a cruise to Alderney. Gives us single prop boat owners the opportunity to go further afield with peace of mind!

[Ianfs]

jwads

Just a quickie, not wishing to hijack the topic but, a massive applause to you for getting the Pan Pan right. The first time one has to use it in anger, so to speak, one hopes to get it right. So many people call in a Mayday incorrectly for something other than sinking or danger to life. I have to say, if this ever happens to me I would like to have your composure. I do hope you have managed to claim on your insurance.

Oh and Betty, if I ever manage to find the "right boat" I'll join you.

PS.......easy on the comments boys, we are nearly there !