A delivery trip...

[Jack2312]

Hello all,

I need to move my Prelude 19 from Plymouth to Southampton over the coming weeks. My probable route, assuming suitable weather will probably be; Plymouth - Salcombe/Dartmouth - Exmouth - Lyme Regis/West Bay - Portland/Weymouth - Poole - Southampton.

How does this sound? Any critique or suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Tranona]

Coast hopping in Lyme Bay adds substantially to the distance, although Lyme Regis is a pleasant place to stop - West Bay less so. You do, however have better control over timing rounding the Bill using the inside passage. No need to go into Poole (unless you want to). Anchor in Swanage Bay or Studland to catch the flood tide which will carry you into the Solent.

 

[orangemikey]

Are you planning to enjoy the sail back as a holiday or purely as a delivery trip?
As its a small bilge keeler have you considered travel by road on a small flatbed / bilge keel trailer? (should be quicker/cheaper)
If sailing i would plan the weather/tides to go direct from Dartmouth/Exmouth to Portland/Weymouth in one jump and miss out lyme regis. This will save you a massive amount of extra time and distance.

Most of all good luck and enjoy.
I miss my lift keel prelude.... fantastic boats!

 

[rob2]

It sounds like a comfortable plan as it is based on reasonable distances for day sailing, rather than pushing on for maximum daily distance. You say you have weeks to do it, so shouldn't be a problem if you choose to stop and let any boisterous weather go through. Is this a new boat to you and are you confident about her seaworthiness? Also, do you have crew or are you planning on going single-handed?

I brought my "new" boat home to Southampton from West Mersea, fully crewed but we chose to daysail whilst we learnt how reliable the systems were and how she handled under various conditions. Apart from the engine dying after a few minutes, everything worked well and by the time we got home we'd fixed the engine - but there was quite a bit of familiarisation and maintenance going on as we travelled. It also made provisioning much simpler as we could always grab some fish and chips and a beer when we got into port for the night.

Rob.

 

[Jack2312]

Thanks both!
Thats a fair point about Swanage, much more convenient! The only reasoning behind stopping at Lyme Regis is that Lyme Bay seems a pretty big hop for a 19 footer (correct me if I'm wrong!). The trip is hopefully going to be enjoyable and as holiday-like as time constraints allow! I have considered road transport, but it seems a shame when this will probably be the only opportunity I'll have for any meaningful sailing this summer.

I'm very impressed with my Prelude; quick, steady and good fun! You hardly know that she's a bilge keeler!

 

[Jack2312]

Rob,

Yes, day sailing is the aim. She is a new to me boat, she's fairly well sorted and I've sailed her quite hard in my short time with her, so far. I intend to have crew for the majority (hopefully all) of the trip, most of the people lined up are dinghy sailors, hence sticking to day sails!

Exactly, as a 19 footer facilities are, well, rudimentary! I think it is going to be a trip fuelled on fish and chips!

Thanks

Jack

 

[PilotWolf]

I find it sad that so many people recommend moving a boat by road. If you have the time and maybe the experience or help to take it by sea then DO IT! You will learn so much about the boat and improve your skills no end.

Let's face it no one has a boat to save every penny!

PW

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

I would recommend that you have an easy first day to get used to the yacht and crew... The Yealm is lovely and definitely worth a visit! Then a short trip to either (or even better both) Salcombe and Dartmouth. From Dartmouth it is about 50 miles to Portland or 90 to the Solent; with that in mind a hop straight across Lyme bay can easily be done in one day...

Take the opportunity to explore Devon, it is a fantastic cruising area. Make sure you make the most of the tides and pick your weather window carefully. The prevailing south westerlies never seem to be there when you are going east!

I totally agree with PilotWolf; Have a great trip!

Pete

 

[Uricanejack]

I give a plus 1 to Mr Wolf.

I have gone and fetched both my first boat and my current boat.
Both deliveries were very special voyages, I'd hate to have missed.
More important was doing the trips with my kids. the sense of achievment was a big deal for them too.