around ireland anti clockwise.

[raven21]

i am making a trip this summer to the west if ireland my starting point will be liverpool, i am at the moment trying to work out the pros and cons of doing it anticlockwise can anyone offer advice?

 

[graham]

Never done it but think that with the prevailing wind then clockwise is less likely to be on the nose going up the more exposed west side.

 

[kindredspirit]

According to the ICC's Sailing Directions there is very little difference to doing it clockwise or anti-clockwise.

They say most British boats do it clockwise and most Irish boats do it anti-clockwise.

 

[graham]

In that case can I change my vote to anticlockwise? On the grounds of local knowledge is a powerfull thing.

Have you seen this Round Ireland

 

[kindredspirit]

Yep. good site.

Also have a look at Tony Howard's site
http://www.yacht-judicious.co.uk/index.html
His notes are extensive and very accurate. A very good site.

 

[kindredspirit]

David Walsh's site here
http://www.irishseakayakingassociation.com/oileain.htm#WestClare
is a very good site for tides etc on the west coast.

Its for sea kayakers but there's a lot of detailed tidal info on it.

 

[Sybarite]

People going on record attempts around the whole of the British Isles normally do it anticlockwise on the grounds of having more chance of favourable winds in the typical depressionary systems we have. I don't know if this logic would still hold good on the smaller circuit of Ireland alone.

John

 

[DavidMcMullan]

We tried it anti-clockwise 3 years ago, but got stuck at Portrush waiting for suitable weather to get around Malin Head. The winds were W to NW 4-6 and so gave us bad 'wind over tide' conditions for this tricky headland.
In the end we back tracked down the E coast instead.
David.

 

[webcraft]

Wind forward of the beam going down the W Coast anticlockwise could be more comfortable - up to a point. In light to moderate winds aft of the beam we found it difficult to keep any wind in the sails.

In an average British Summer I doubt that there is really much difference though.

- Nick

 

[ryaner]

clockwise - if you get the tide right in the irish sea its worth six to eight knots, the south coast has plenty of good harbours, bars restaurants etc. Sailed from Crosshaven in Cork to Dun Laoghaire two weeks ago (anti clockwise) 8 hour spinaker run from Crosshaven to Hook Head. It depends on how long you want to take and where on the west coast you are heading for.

 

[kds]

Hi Calador,
"worth six to eight knots,"

Not sure I understand - it increases your speed by 6 knots ? For how long ? I can't see it on the charts.

I am interested, as I have the same query as Raven.
Thanks, Ken

 

[webcraft]

[ QUOTE ]
- if you get the tide right in the irish sea its worth six to eight knots

[/ QUOTE ] . . . erm . . . doesn't this work in both directions?

It's certainly true you need to work the tides going down the Irish Sea . . . you can get 12 hours favourable tide from Ardglass to Dublin Bay if you get it right.

- Nick

 

[ryaner]

Nick has a point. Yes both ways. Reeds Almanac covers Ireland. There is a seperate Irish edition from the ISA they are at www.sailing.ie. It has tidal streams, etc. With you with a boat speed of 6knots is 6+6 over land, against put down anchor and make tea.