Alderney to Cherbourg

[Sailorsam101]

I am planning a trip form Alderney to Cherbourg soon and want to know about the tides.

I've done Cherbourg to Aldenrey, Guernsey to Alderney and Guernesy to Alderney many many times before but never the short trip from Alderney to Cherbourg.

With the other trips it's important to arrive at the race at slack water so i normally leave Cherbourg at Dover HW-3.

But coming back to other way and not going near the race is the tide really an issue. Can i leave Alderney at the height of the flood to get the fast kick into Cherbourg or will i get sucked into the race.

I will of course give it a wide berth and the cap as well.

I welcome your thoughts.

 

[alant]

I am planning a trip form Alderney to Cherbourg soon and want to know about the tides.

I've done Cherbourg to Aldenrey, Guernsey to Alderney and Guernesy to Alderney many many times before but never the short trip from Alderney to Cherbourg.

With the other trips it's important to arrive at the race at slack water so i normally leave Cherbourg at Dover HW-3.

But coming back to other way and not going near the race is the tide really an issue. Can i leave Alderney at the height of the flood to get the fast kick into Cherbourg or will i get sucked into the race.

I will of course give it a wide berth and the cap as well.

I welcome your thoughts.

Earliest start for me, would be Dover HW + 5hrs + 30 mins. (HW + 6hrs - 30mins)
You then have 6 hrs window to cover the 20 miles.

 

[Elemental]

Earliest start for me, would be Dover HW + 5hrs + 30 mins. (HW + 6hrs - 30mins)
You then have 6 hrs window to cover the 20 miles.

I'd agree with that. Stay very close to the French coast and you have the benefit of a strong inshore east going tide that's not really visible on the TSA.

 

[LadyInBed]

According to my notes for Alderney
Slack water ( Alderney HW +2½ hr & LW +2½ hr).
The tides run to the NE between LW+2½ hr and HW+2½ hr,
and to the SW between HW +2½ hr and LW +2½ hr

To Cherbourg leave Alderney mooring at HW Dover +5:00

There is no problem with the Race as it will push you North and East.

 

[longjohnsilver]

According to my notes for Alderney
Slack water ( Alderney HW +2½ hr & LW +2½ hr).
The tides run to the NE between LW+2½ hr and HW+2½ hr,
and to the SW between HW +2½ hr and LW +2½ hr

To Cherbourg leave Alderney mooring at HW Dover +5:00

There is no problem with the Race as it will push you North and East.

Pretty much the same, I'd be aiming to leave at about HW Alderney -2.5 hrs, decent push to Cherbourg. But of course all depends on wind direction and force, Cap de la Hague can get a bit bumpy!

 

[Gelfie]

I agree with the timeing but don't stay close to the French coast as there is a strong West going stream on the last two hours of the Flood. 2 miles off untill you can see the Western entrance to Cherbourg.

 

[Skysail]

Be prepared for 13 knots SOG in places, it can be a very fast trip. Go straight across if the sea state permits, and stay close to coast as above if on the early flood.

 

[alant]

According to my notes for Alderney
Slack water ( Alderney HW +2½ hr & LW +2½ hr).
The tides run to the NE between LW+2½ hr and HW+2½ hr,
and to the SW between HW +2½ hr and LW +2½ hr

To Cherbourg leave Alderney mooring at HW Dover +5:00

There is no problem with the Race as it will push you North and East.

Oh good, my homework's been marked 100%!

Just look at a tidal stream atlas, don't need "notes"!

 

[Elemental]

I agree with the timeing but don't stay close to the French coast as there is a strong West going stream on the last two hours of the Flood. 2 miles off untill you can see the Western entrance to Cherbourg.

Yes, but the early flood gives a massive eastbound push if you hug the coast. Huge SOG's are the norm. At 2 miles off you'll miss it.

 

[jimi]

yep the inshore current is amazing!