Can I cross the channel in a Cat C?

Very interesting thread but I would have thought the question "Can I afford the fuel to go?" would be more pertinent these days :)

Let us know how you get on.....
 
Cruising in company does provide some reassurance as others have said and I would certainly advocate it. However, I think it is important to understand that when it gets a bit lumpy it is very easy to lose visual, radar and even VHF contact with boats in company as conditions affect cruising speeds, course keeping etc, etc and becoming separated is not difficult. Clearly passage planning and only going when the forecast is good will help to minimise the possibility of this happening but then it is not uncommon for forecasts to be wrong....in fact over recent years they seem to be wrong quite often!!

Additionally, in the event of a breakdown or similar sea conditions may mean that an accompanying boat may not be able to offer any practical assistance aside from summoning help if needed. Without wishing to question yours or anyone else's seamanship ability the reality of rigging a tow properly in a seaway is rather different than the classroom, the text book or the calm estuary training day.

Not meaning to put you off as I think with proper planning etc it will be fine but I think that 'eyes wide open' is usually a good approach.
 
Thanks but 'tis beyond me

FlowerPower said:
Ooh, out of my depth now, but i am sure a pilot will correct me:

True airspeed plus the wind speed is useful for "when will we get there", and will be your higher figure.

Indicated airspeed is read from the pitot tube, displayed on the primary "airspeed" gauge, and varies with altitude compared to the true airspeed. Stall /max speeds etc. for an aircraft don't vary much as altitude changes when expressed in indicated airspeed, so it's a useful figure for knowing if you are about to fall out of the sky or rip the wings off.

At sea level, indicated airspeed is approximately equal to true airspeed.
At 35,000ft, 250 knots indicated airspeed is something like 430 knots true airspeed!

Better explanation here:
http://tscm.com/mach-as.pdf


.
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Oh dear, wish I hadn't asked now. My brain hurts!!
 
Many thanks for all the suggestions.
I had not thought to check insurance so will do that but feel happier knowing that there is no particular reason associated with distance from land only the sea/weather conditions.
We will definitely go with others the first time for moral support apart from help should we breakdown. When we went round Portland Bill it was very heartening so see a few boats in a race happily fishing away! Conditions were good but seeing fishermen coping in area normally spoken of in hushed tones put things in perspective.
Happy New Year and good sailing!
 
I think we worry too much! :)

My first boat was a little Norman 18 with a single outboard (plus a transom bracket for a little auxiliary). Before me buying her, she was regularly used as a fishing boat off the Cornish coast (in all kinds of weather) and if i'd kept her, I would have taken her across the channel (in the right weather).

Regardless of 'category' i'm sure you will give up before the boat does. Use a bit of common sense in the planning department and all should be fine.
 
fireball said:
Well - nobody else has mentioned it - but I'd look for flat water - which means the wind with the tide ... as the wind is predominately south westerlys that means a rising tide.
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Yep, this is important if crossing in a smaller boat. When the trip only takes 3-4 hours, it's pretty easy to schedule your crossing to get wind and tide in the same direction.
 
this predominately s/w wind.as a percentage can be as little as 26% of the time give or take a bit.do people still think this is the case ?.in the s/w of the country im not convinced it is any more.just a casual observation no graphs or stats to back my thoughts up
 
What has crossed the channel?

Over the years it has been crossed by numerous swimmers, DUKW's which are amphibious landing craft, various amphibious cars, jet ski's, rafts, concrete tanks, and all manner of oddball items.
 
Assassin said:
What has crossed the channel?

Over the years it has been crossed by numerous swimmers, DUKW's which are amphibious landing craft, various amphibious cars, jet ski's, rafts, concrete tanks, and all manner of oddball items.
Click to expand...

And at least one Bayliner that, although built prior to RCD categories, would almost certainly be C rated if built today.

Wait for a good forecast and go for it. Do it in company if you can, just for the security, but don't be put off doing it alone as long as you are well prepared.
 
The angling club I belong to go from Poole to Alderney every year. This year we had about 8 boats the smallest being a Jeanneau 6 marlin merry fisher. The weather was not ideal with us facing a force 3/4 on the way over (mostly 4) which is ok with a 5/6 coming back (mostly 6) which isn't so ok. We all made some a bit more battered than others but the feel of security you get from having others at the end of the radio and mostly in line of sight is a great boon. All that said we have agreed that next time we will weather watch a little more as it is supposed to be pleasure.....isn't it?

Were going again in May weather permitting :)

Martin
 
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