Dockhead
Well-Known Member
I did Ijmuiden to Dover this year, and have done that trip many times over the years. I can send you my waypoints if you PM me an email address. On a 54 footer it's a fairly easy overnight; I don't know about your boat. It's a fairly complex route as there are shipping lanes, oil platforms, shoals, TSS's, etc. etc. Nevertheless, this is shorter and faster than following the coast -- IF you have the right wind. Very often, however, that will be directly upwind, in which case you will need a different route, or else wait for the wind to shift.Hello and Ahoy !
I am about to buy a 32 foot sailboat in The Netherlands (in great shape, certainly blue water capable and at a very good price as the owner is no longer able to sail her and wants her to find a good new home) which will likely stay there over winter (I am a Dutch Native living in Ireland), get her ready and then be sailed across to Malahide Marina, probably end March/early April.
I have been researching routes but could not find a "best/preferred option". My senses tell me that sailing down the Dutch/Belgian/French coast and then up to the SW UK coast and around into the st Georges channel/Irish sea towards Malahide is a good option as I see tides may benefit me on that route. Alternatively go across directly from IJmuiden towards Ramsgate and then "hug" the UK coastline may be shorter, but not sure about feasibility.
I guess in the end tides and weather will be a big factor in which routes to choose, but I'd expect there are a few established ones (depending on weather). I used to sail a lot many years back and am currently studying and dusting of the rust on theory, but would like to hear form anyone with some experience. I do plan to bring at least one crew to allow a non stop route (weather permitting)
Any ideas/suggestions are very much welcome.
If you have a fair wind and adequate crew, you don't need to stop in Dover. You can just carry on to the Solent or wherever. We often do it that way. Ijmuiden to Cowes is under 300 miles; less than two days in our boat. Leave Amsterdam in the morning, lock out into the North Sea by early afternoon, two nights at sea and you're there the next morning. It's a pleasant passage in good weather, but requires a lot of attention in the North Sea, and good navigation.
Following the coast down to Dunkirk is another way. There are pleasant stops on that route, but there is a lot of traffic, fishing boats, fishing gear, shoals, obstacles -- it's longer. But could be better if the wind precludes you from making straight for Dover.
I have even done this crossing also by going straight across to Great Yarmouth and then working my way down the English coast. For wind reasons. That was when we had a S wind predicted to shift to W, which it did, and we had a very nice sail.
There are a few ways to do it, and the wind will determine which is best. Plan the trip to make the predicted wind shifts work for you. Dover is a MUCH nicer landfall than Margate. You can no longer anchor in the harbour, sadly, but there's a new marina which is simple to use.
Along the South Coast your biggest problem will be days with West winds. You will want to budget time to wait that out, or you can also do a long tack to Brittany, and then tack back, if there are stubborn Westerlies. The more time you have the better, as that will give you flexibility to wait for fair winds. There is quite a lot of bad weather in the season you mention, so you also may well have to wait out bad weather.
