Best time for CI crossing this weekend

[EugeneR]

Having spent most of my boating time around the coast, I always assumed tidal flow to be lowest around low or high tide, but recent trips had me confused as, for example, high tide Cherbourg certainly did not mean low flow up/down the channel.

This week I am working 6am to 12pm so not much time for research and planning, so forgive asking advice here instead.

I am planning to go to Guernsey and beyond for the next week or so, leaving Saturday. Should I simply plan to be in the rough bits / races eg Alderney when tidal flow is lowest and, if so, is Navionics' tidal flow indications at that location reliable for that purpose, all in BST etc?

 

[andy59]

The highest tidal flow around the CIs is either at high or low tide strangely , last couple of trips I have aimed to be at Alderney at mid tide with wind in the same direction if possible and its been fine . Hopefully others with more knowledge than me ( not hard ) will be along with better info . Have a good trip .

 

[Wavey]

Others more knowledgeable than I might disagree but a fellow Broom owner in Jersey suggested that for a first time crossing head for Cherbourg and overnight there first. Shorter crossing from the Solent and with Cherbourg being much closer to the CIs it's easier to time your arrival and avoid the rough stuff.

Would be very interested if you fancy doing a write up afterwards. The CIs are on my to-do list for next year although first time across given SWMBO's limited experience and me still being a bit rusty in some areas I'd probably be looking for another boat to tag along with.

 

[Bazzer]

Have you looked at any tidal flow charts, either electronic or chart format ?

Navionics do a good App, another good one is tideplanner for apple. they show the tidal flows and then you can match the wind to see what the weather maybe like ?

 

[smitjah]

Time of slack water around the CIs varies depending on where you are - it's a large area, and you need an accurate tidal atlas, be it electronic or paper. The tides around Alderney and The Little Russell (close in East of Guernsey) run hard, so timing is essential in these areas. You will be on neaps next week which makes a big difference, though it's still preferable to go with the tide rather than against.

 

[superheat6k]

I have been studying closely the opposite route for Saturday. Neap tides, and tide will be fair through the Alderney Race from ~ 9 AM, so I would suggest good for you from around 2 - 3PM, so allowing say 4-5 hours to get to the Race then departure some time around 10 AM.

Wind forecast looking OK at around 3 possibly 4 variable direction presently.

I am leaving St Helier at ~ 7AM with a 30 mile trot to the southern end of the Race so I expect to be cruising at ~ 12 - 15 knots, with ETA off the Needles around 3 PM.

 

[Keith-i]

Slack water in the Race and Swinge is at half tide Braye. I would suggest you aim for the ebb around half tide which should carry you down to Guernsey.