2016 Scuttlebutt Cherbourg Cruise
- Thread starter Sailfree
- Start date
Sans Bateau
Well-Known Member
Looks like the wind will be bang on the nose all the way from Bembridge to Cherbourg, some traditions never fail.
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robp
Well-Known Member
For channelsailor. Went out of Chichester for an hour or so. Now back at Pilsea. Too much for us on the 29 footer, so we're sorry not to be able to make it across. We'll check it in the morning for a possible sail in the Solent.
SimonFa
Well-Known Member
Just got back to boat in Portland Marina to find water pump and bilge pump running. Turns out there's a leak on the input side of the to water heater, bummer. Still intending to leave tomorrow but looks like we'll be without pressurised water all weekend. Double bummer.
CPD
Well-Known Member
Hi Roger, Pipedream II here. Apologies but due to weather we will not be making the crossing. Huge apologies and many many thanks for the organisation. Have a safe trip there and back all, and looking forward to the 2017 event.
Jungle Jim
Well-Known Member
We made it to Yarmouth with wind on the nose, highest gust 38 knots, sunny but needed full wets due to spray. Wind and rain has woken me up, plan is to peer out at 04:30 and call it but if it's looking like12 hours of more of the same we will be staying local :-(
Sailfree
Well-Known Member
Well we left at 23.00 once crew joined from London and berthed at 05.00.
Unfortunately we berthed at Parkstone! with the assistance of the RNLI!!
We got out OK but could not get main to reef properly. Never hoisted main in 28kts but the reefing blocks clamped against other parts. Tried to sort it by hoisting it more fully head to wind and then lowering it by reefing lines but with sail flapping a couple of shackes came loose (never happen before but also never gone straight to 3rd reef) Wind went up to 32kts and we decided to head back as was not pleasant.
Then the engine cut out!
I had checked fuel and gauge showed full. Suspected dirty fuel or diesel bug.
Yes I know we have sails but with no engine not sure about lowering anchor let alone hoisting it. Declared a Pan Pan.
Solent coast guard were great and advised us that Poole lifeboat would assist.
We were running under bare poles at 4kts towards the shore. Got near the end of the Poole entrance channel but decided too risky in conditions. Let out a hankerchief of Genoa and headed West to safer water while awaiting lifeboat. Boat was being tossed about but one member of crew and myself changed the fuel filters, bleed the engine and got it started as well as responding to VHF. Advised coast guard that engine started but said I would appreciate Lifeboat company as not sure if it was diesel bug how long filters would last and engine was not smooth. As lifeboat launched they said OK. No sooner than putting mic down and engine cut out again!
Bleed fuel line again and got it started but within a few minutes it cut out. lifeboat on scene by now and they advised they would tow us to more sheltered waters.
Back to the tool box and decided to remove the fuel sensor to see what we could. No fuel - faulty fuel sensor.
Managed to put spare 10lt into tank with that stupid gadget (that worked well) exhibited at boat shows. Bleed engine and got it started.
By now inside Poole harbour and lifeboat agree that we slip tow and they followed us into Parkstone.
Lessons learnt - fuel gauges can stick so keep track of consumption - it always worked OK before but you do have to switch gauge on to see fuel level so not looked at all the time. My 200lt did not last long! Either last fill was not full or my consumption is a lot higher than 4lt /hr.
Yes I am a sailing boat and possibly could have made Poole under genoa but with rough sea and wind most times about 30kts I decided to declare a Pan Pan. RNLI were fantastic and cannot praise them enough.
Happy to receive comments on what you would have done but await usual criticism from those that were not there and we are a sailing boat!
Going by Ferry Saturday morning now as then driving down to Portugal. Not my week though as got car serviced prior to long journey, went to bank letting 1st office drive on return oil level warning went off. On inspection an amount of oil under car. Only live 1ml from Garage so took it back (time constraints) discovered a broken filter seal and they remarked they had a couple of these lately - had been no oil leak for first days after service.
Awaiting third incident!!
let me know who made it and we will decide where to book hotel for Saturday night!
Postscript - Filling up in 20lt batches fuel gauge is working OK as it has for last 12yrs!! Obviously possibility of it sticking on Full after a fill up is now in my memory bank.
When there is no Sh1t in life you know you are dead so I accept the problems are better than the alternative!!!
Unfortunately we berthed at Parkstone! with the assistance of the RNLI!!
We got out OK but could not get main to reef properly. Never hoisted main in 28kts but the reefing blocks clamped against other parts. Tried to sort it by hoisting it more fully head to wind and then lowering it by reefing lines but with sail flapping a couple of shackes came loose (never happen before but also never gone straight to 3rd reef) Wind went up to 32kts and we decided to head back as was not pleasant.
Then the engine cut out!
I had checked fuel and gauge showed full. Suspected dirty fuel or diesel bug.
Yes I know we have sails but with no engine not sure about lowering anchor let alone hoisting it. Declared a Pan Pan.
Solent coast guard were great and advised us that Poole lifeboat would assist.
We were running under bare poles at 4kts towards the shore. Got near the end of the Poole entrance channel but decided too risky in conditions. Let out a hankerchief of Genoa and headed West to safer water while awaiting lifeboat. Boat was being tossed about but one member of crew and myself changed the fuel filters, bleed the engine and got it started as well as responding to VHF. Advised coast guard that engine started but said I would appreciate Lifeboat company as not sure if it was diesel bug how long filters would last and engine was not smooth. As lifeboat launched they said OK. No sooner than putting mic down and engine cut out again!
Bleed fuel line again and got it started but within a few minutes it cut out. lifeboat on scene by now and they advised they would tow us to more sheltered waters.
Back to the tool box and decided to remove the fuel sensor to see what we could. No fuel - faulty fuel sensor.
Managed to put spare 10lt into tank with that stupid gadget (that worked well) exhibited at boat shows. Bleed engine and got it started.
By now inside Poole harbour and lifeboat agree that we slip tow and they followed us into Parkstone.
Lessons learnt - fuel gauges can stick so keep track of consumption - it always worked OK before but you do have to switch gauge on to see fuel level so not looked at all the time. My 200lt did not last long! Either last fill was not full or my consumption is a lot higher than 4lt /hr.
Yes I am a sailing boat and possibly could have made Poole under genoa but with rough sea and wind most times about 30kts I decided to declare a Pan Pan. RNLI were fantastic and cannot praise them enough.
Happy to receive comments on what you would have done but await usual criticism from those that were not there and we are a sailing boat!
Going by Ferry Saturday morning now as then driving down to Portugal. Not my week though as got car serviced prior to long journey, went to bank letting 1st office drive on return oil level warning went off. On inspection an amount of oil under car. Only live 1ml from Garage so took it back (time constraints) discovered a broken filter seal and they remarked they had a couple of these lately - had been no oil leak for first days after service.
Awaiting third incident!!
let me know who made it and we will decide where to book hotel for Saturday night!
Postscript - Filling up in 20lt batches fuel gauge is working OK as it has for last 12yrs!! Obviously possibility of it sticking on Full after a fill up is now in my memory bank.
When there is no Sh1t in life you know you are dead so I accept the problems are better than the alternative!!!
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colhel
Well-Known Member
I'd say you did enough to help yourselves to counter any criticism.
We're still in Poole but under less dramatic circumstances.
On another note, perhaps someone could run over to the Yacht Club and give a fresh estimate of numbers dining tomorrow tonight. I'm happy to pay for the meal to help cover any losses they may have incurred due to the drop in numbers.
We're still in Poole but under less dramatic circumstances.
On another note, perhaps someone could run over to the Yacht Club and give a fresh estimate of numbers dining tomorrow tonight. I'm happy to pay for the meal to help cover any losses they may have incurred due to the drop in numbers.
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Angele
Well-Known Member
As I understand it, they only charge for the number of covers they serve. That is why we go there. But Sailfree can confirm (and I assume he'll give them an update on numbers).
From what I can tell (posts above and/or AIS), the ones who are already there are:
LadyinBed
Dom
DJE
Chubby
Wizard
Most of the rest were planning on setting off this morning.
Anyone else made it so far?
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dom
Well-Known Member
Wizard has conjured something up! On pontoon opposite.
Sans Bateau
Well-Known Member
Sounds like you did some sterling seamanship there Sailfree, no one should criticise what you did, lee shore in 32knts!
As for the fuel, that should be a lesson for all, many years ago in more benign condition we were motoring down Little Russel, motoring as there was only about 2knts of wind. We were headed for SPP on an ebb tide when the engine refused to restart. The fuel gauge said 1/2 full, we did not need a lifeboat though, just the harbour dory, but the indecent cost me a lot of money. Not just the £75 I had to pay to the Volvo engineer to tell me we were out of fuel, but SWMBO came back from shopping telling me she had found a wedding ring she liked!
As for the fuel, that should be a lesson for all, many years ago in more benign condition we were motoring down Little Russel, motoring as there was only about 2knts of wind. We were headed for SPP on an ebb tide when the engine refused to restart. The fuel gauge said 1/2 full, we did not need a lifeboat though, just the harbour dory, but the indecent cost me a lot of money. Not just the £75 I had to pay to the Volvo engineer to tell me we were out of fuel, but SWMBO came back from shopping telling me she had found a wedding ring she liked!
KREW2
Well-Known Member
Hi Almada made it after an uncomfortable trip we are three
Mark-1
Well-Known Member
From Poole RNLI's FB Page:
Poole’s all weather lifeboat was tasked in the early hours of the morning at 02.30am (Friday September 9) to assist a 43ft yacht.
The yacht with 4 people on board was encountering fuel problems, the stricken vessel was 1.5 miles east of Poole Bar.
The lifeboat volunteers arrived on scene, checking all was okay and set up a towline, the sea conditions out in the bay were ‘lumpy’ a dark night , with strong south to south westerly winds and a 2 metre sea running.
The lifeboat brought the vessel back safely into the harbour and into Parkstone Yacht Club.
The lifeboat returned back to station and was ready for service just before 05.00am and the volunteers back to their beds to catch a couple of hours before going to work.
Poole’s all weather lifeboat was tasked in the early hours of the morning at 02.30am (Friday September 9) to assist a 43ft yacht.
The yacht with 4 people on board was encountering fuel problems, the stricken vessel was 1.5 miles east of Poole Bar.
The lifeboat volunteers arrived on scene, checking all was okay and set up a towline, the sea conditions out in the bay were ‘lumpy’ a dark night , with strong south to south westerly winds and a 2 metre sea running.
The lifeboat brought the vessel back safely into the harbour and into Parkstone Yacht Club.
The lifeboat returned back to station and was ready for service just before 05.00am and the volunteers back to their beds to catch a couple of hours before going to work.
LadyInBed
Well-Known Member
Snark - Topcat47 in, assume all safe and sound.
Sailfree
Well-Known Member
Can someone advise YC of likely number please. Include me & 1st officer as we will be catching the 07.30 ferry from Portsmouth.
Thanks
Call me ferry Boy
Thanks
Call me ferry Boy
Angele
Well-Known Member
I can't do so easily, from my desk in London, but it sounds like a minimum of 18 (including the two of you and me). Up to 24 if any/all of Babylon, SimonFa and Rotrax make it.
LadyInBed
Well-Known Member
When is the latest they need to know, Saturday morning ok?
LadyInBed
Well-Known Member
Channel Sailor (+2) now heading for Yarmouth.
Sailfree
Well-Known Member
I have e mailed Julie at the YC warning her that due to weather/strong winds the numbers will be reduced. I said approx. 24 but said someone will confirm numbers asap. Approx number say Friday and confirm number Saturday afternoon.
I have also e mailed Denis at Normandy wines that someone will collate numbers at Cherbourg and let him know.
If someone can take over the organisation at Cherbourg I would be grateful and if Brittany Ferries fuel gauges work hope to see you all on Saturday.
We have been lucky with weather over the last 10yrs I have been arranging this cruise so bad weather sometime has to be expected.
