Bristol channel first time advice

[meakinsl]

First posted on motorboat forum as didn't know this one existed til someone mentioned it.........

Hello, doing first ever crossing of the Bristol channel at the weekend and
was after a bit of advice. Done a lot of sailing in the Solent but recently
moved to Swansea and going out on a fiends powerboat at weekend (30ft single
engine) and the plan is to leave friday morning, lunchtime stop at Lundy
and then on to Padstow returning sunday morning.

By my reckoning we should have tide with us on trip down and be arriving
Lundy around 12-1 when will still have 2-3 knots tide running east to west.
We were going to anchor in the SE corner on the island just north of a
lighthouse that we have seen on the chart - is that a good anchorage if the
tide is still pushing you on shore ? Are there any buoys to pick up instead
of anchoring ? Weren't intending to go ashore but hope to get the rods
out for an hour or two.

Main concern of trip is coming back on the sunday as there is the odd forecast
around that indicates an easterly breeze is going to kick in, perhaps up
to 20knots. What I don't know is at what wind strength does it get a dodgy
to cross the bristol channel from padstow to swansea - tide will be against us
bit will be wind with tide so guess a swell could start running from the
side.

Any thoughts on crossing much appreciated as bit of unknown to us - thoughts
are we can head out see what it's like and head back if need be.

Many thanks,

Lawrence

 

[Gwylan]

Looks like they've all gone away!
Yes you can anchor in the bay on SE corner of Lundy - subject to any serious winds. Not too deep into the bay or you will bounce about something rotten.

Watch your timing for arrival and departure from Padstow if you want to be inside the lock!
Have fun.

 

[graham]

There are now some moorings for visitors in the anchorage bay at Lundy but it is wide open to the East.

For your first trip on the Bristol Channel it sounds a bit ambitious to me you could just have a look around the Gower to get the feel of the boat and the local area. Theres a great anchorage for Easterly winds in behind Worms head.If the wind does become fresh then you wont have such a long trek to get back.