Channel Crossing beguining of feb

[stebinnersley]

I am picking up my new boat from benodet France, at the end of this month, and taking it to North Wales, a rather hefty maiden voyage. I have never crossed the channel before, any tips?

I will be departing Brest - Penzance. Any info about penzanace would be usefull, i have all the charts, almanacs etc, but local knowledge would be useful.

Penzance to Milford Haven (maybe stop off at Padstow) any info on this leg of the journey.

Then Milford Haven - Caernafon, North Wales.

Any info on this journey would be appreciated. Also what is the sea state like in the channel and also the bristol channel, at around a 4-5?

Bringing back a power boat.

 

[qsiv]

An interesting maiden crossing ....

I wouldnt leave Benodet in the dark as a first timer, although well lit the gate between the two offlying rocks is narrow. Once clear of Les Glenans the passage up to Audierne is simple if rather uninteresting. It is always rougher than you might expect off Pte de Penmarch (just like any tidal headland I guess). Make sure the passage at the Raz is taken very close to slack water, particularly near springs or if there is the merest hint of wind over tide. The Raz itself is straightforward in day or night. DOnt be tempted to cut too many corners around Camaret and its offlying reefs. If you dont have to go to Brest then Cameret is a better departure - but it's not comfy if the wind is blowing in. The passage up to Brest is straightforward, but surprisingly lengthy.

I've never had an issue with the Chenal du Four (or any of the other Ouessant passages), but do respect tides and wind over tide chop - it can be intimidating in fog if you dont have radar. Last year we went south with only 30m vis and calm, and returned North at night with 30 knots from the west, good vis, a bit tumbly and 18 knots over the ground. The TSS off Ouesant can seem even busier than the Channel - you will probably not get embroiled in the Channel TSS, so ships will potentially be coming from all directions, although they should be starting to line themselves up for the entry.

As for Penzance and points North and West - I'll let someone local to that area fill in as my West Country knowledge runs out before Penzance!

 

[bumblefish]

Out of interest, is this a new boat or second hand and if the latter did you expereience any 'problems' buying abroad and can you give any helpful advice that might help smooth the process? Nothing to do with your question, just self interest.

 

[Goldie]

Re: Penzance

Hi,

Penznce is OK, but access to the wet dock is restricted to HW-2/+1. Miss this and the choices are dry out, or lie to one of the waiting buoys laid outside the harbour. It might be an idea to check beforehand if they're there all year or if they are seasonal. Either way, the bay is open to strong winds from SSW to ESE and potentially uncomfortable on a buoy. Another option is Newlyn. Have large fenders to hand and expect to lie outside a fishing boat, but the harbour staff have always been very helpful. If the wind is S or SE, why not consider St Mary's Pool in the Isles of Scilly? Good luck with your trip.

 

[stebinnersley]

Re: Penzance

I also need fuel in all these ports, is this available in newlyn?

 

[halcyon]

Concider Falmouth as a alternative to Penzance, no limitations on entering, time or weater, and full facilities all year.
Padstow's not reliable, very weather dependant.

Brian

 

[Apetts]

Did trip Conwy - Torquay- Conwy last summer in sailing yacht.
Penzance was fine but gate opened later and closed earlier than in pilot,work on 1hr each side oh HW. Fuel was available by hose. Watch trip round lands end. I would have liked to take photos of following sea on outward trip but dare not let go of wheel!! Wind only F5. Go outside Longships. Return trip wind F2/3 sea still confused.

Padstow is a nice place but again gate opened late and closed early. Final approach to hbr, from red bouy - keep very close to rocks and wall, channel only a few feet wide and bank rises almost vertically. Fuel was available in cans from Hbr Master.Tel 01841 532239 don't miss the gate most of area outside hbr dries.

Milford Haven is a good port, both Milford Marina and Nayland 3 miles further in. Milford marina is across road from supermarket and rail station if you had to leave boat.Fuel at both marinas and good servicing if needed.
I didn't go into Fishguard but met people who had horrendous experience in gale there. Little or no protection. From Milford you should make Holyhead or the straights.

Have a good trip

 

[hlb]

I would try to make Falmouth my land fall. Much safer and more facilities. Failing that Newlin is more accesable than Penzances even if a bit more fishy fied! and it's only a mile or two away.

<font color=blue> Haydn

 

[jonjo]

Have you ever sailed offshore in winter before?

It is really cold and numbs the body and brain. Then factor in that you will be learning about the boat's systems and discovering what does not work.

If time/finances allow try to get some short shake down hops into this voyage.

I think a pro delivery outfit would charge £1500+ for this challenge and for some good reasons!

 

[tcm]

Hi stephen.

This sounds quite an adventure! Is it a joke? I'll pretend it isn't.

Actually, it sounds almost too much of an adventure. I hope you'll be ok. Of course, you might well be a very hardy seafaring types, so I shouldn't be worried. But I've been across the channel quite few times, tho not the long passage over winter, and not in (i'm guessing from the size of the engines) a boat about 25 feet long?

You need a crew of two minimum, three better.

Firstly you: need unsmashable steel thrmos flasks and plenty of food that is eatable out of a packet, without trying any cooking. It wil be blimming freezing, so (forgive me if i'm teaching u to suck eggs) thermals an absolute must, even drysuit or wetsuit also an idea to have on boat. Decent wellies, and so on. Did i say it will be freezing? Balaclava helmets, the thin ones for motorbikes are quite good. Have two or three of these.

Second the boat. Needs a liferaft for starters. Second abvious questin - it's gotthe range? Should be ok for 120 miles plus reserve. Cripes, though, the thing is new to you and this is one big trip.

Up to Brest is er 60- miles or so, then to any of penzance (tho tide limit) and falmouth easier, but you'll know before setting off if you can make it to penzance - because you will want to set off just before first light to maximise daylight hours. This might force the trip on particular days, so you get a nice tide, neaps wil be best.

Oh, all these ports have diesel. But best advice? - get a big car and tow it. If not an option, get some decent crew. Have er fun! And if you don't have fun all of the time (you won't) then at least be safe.

For starters, you need that big reeds almanac which has all the info you asked for about diesel...which is why i wondered if it was a joke posting. But I suspect that it isn't. The Motor Boat forum may have advice bout the specific boat, maybe other owners.

If the boat is 25 feet long, anything over a forecast 4 will be too horrible i think.

 

[kimhollamby]

I would urge you to perhaps think again about doing this in February, especially if you do not have experienced help (as in very experienced help of the well qualified in engineering and navigation kind that doesn't go green when hanging upside down in an engineroom or locker).

You will either move on a high (pressure), in which case less wind (which is what you will need particularly if your boat is circa 25ft or so and/or unproven) but then it will be freezing. Or if it is milder you are likely to be facing a lot of wind.

First question: what is your boat and how many miles has it logged? You have to work on the basis that new craft will need bedding in and that there is a fault waiting somewhere. Why not take a couple of trips to France to do a little local boating before the big move?

As for the route on UK side, agree with other posts about Falmouth. Then if you had the range straight to Milford Haven. From there North Wales harbours are a long single hop away. Again this is another pointer towards a more timid approach given your lack of distance experience; virtually all of the legs you are looking at are on the long side with few alternative harbours.

Finally don't just think in terms of wind strength; you also need to consider tides. That is why Brittany and Bristol Channel need caution because both have big tides = strong currents. Even a F3 blowing against a strong current can cause smaller craft a lot of trouble.

Loads of good advice on this thread - tell us some more and I'm sure they'll be further useful posts.

kim_hollamby@ipcmedia.com

 

[Gunfleet]

aye to that. Also in my experience winter lasts until May.

 

[qsiv]

I've certainly done winter crossings of the Channel before - and would agree. I was in a modern well tested boat with throroughly establised systems. We had fresh breezes (the waves over the foredeck reached the gooseneck which is 9 feet above the waterline) and we never had more than about a 6. We also had the benefit of good speeds and a heater in the cuddy - when we had to take to the cockpit and tack we cooled down really quickly - with good quality 3 layer clothes and really good gloves. Between the two of us onboard we also had close to 30 000 miles experience. I wouldnt undertake it in a new boat, with short days, cold weather and the probability that the shoreside backup facilities may not be fully running.

 

[mtb]

Re: dont

Considering the vast experience and knowledge base on here

Don't
Get it put on a lorry and brought over , think about the costs re fuel time and all the other expenses. Now think about the possible repair bills on route .
I'm sure if you compare the actual cost of transporting to guestemate of bringing !
you'll see there wont be much in it and then there's stress .

Mick

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats/>http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats/</A>

 

[stebinnersley]

Wow,

Thanks for the interest in this thread, didn't expect such response.

I will clarify the situation.

The boat is a new Beneteau Serie 9 (30ft) 2xengines, kitted out with every piece of nav and safety gear, including epirb, liferaft, GPS, Plotter, Auto, 2 VHF, Radar etc. In addtion to the electronic and paper charts I Have bought eery chart from Plymouth to North Wales!!!!

I understand it will be cold but the eberspacher should help!!!.

I am being aided by a French skipper for the leg of the journey to the UK from france.

I am currently finishing a Yachtmaster qualification, but have over, 15,000 sea miles under my belt as skipper. But mainly around Ireland, IOM, Scotland etc.

I understand how i phrased the initial question looks like i have bought a boat and suddenly decided to jump on it and head for Home!!!!

I have all the necessary equipment etc, and sea experience but never been around the south coat, so was after some local knowledge, about which are the best harbour etc, Reeds can only describe a certain amount, so was looking to you guys for some local knowledge, which i have recieved a plenty!

I will take your advice and plan for Falmouth. Then hopefully from there Milford Haven, not into port hopping that is why I am making 120+ miles legs, obviously weather permitting, the boat should be cruising at around 17kn, again weather permitting.

When I get the boat it will have neen run in and have more than 50 hrs on it. As well as a service kit and all the tools as a man can use.

Not taking this trip lightly, but thank-full for all your local knowledge any more is appreciated.

 

[tcm]

oh phew.

Penzance is ok, locked in nicely, right in the middle of the town and so on. I would not be frit of going there, and save a few miles going the wrong way the next morning against tide. Falmouth is the insurance if there's a problem that delays you, but penzance saves quite few miles and there buses and trains for the skipper.

 

[hlb]

But Newlin is much better for quick in and out. (No Lock Gate) and the diesel is there. Bit scruffy I must admit, but there you go. Padstow is also an excelent stop if wind is not pushing the sea and boat over the bar. Then a much easier trip over to Milford Haven and they will send you a Christmas card as a bonus! The entrance to Milford Haven would easily take a double deck bus, so no problems there then. The next bit round to the Lyn Pernynsular. (Thats the old spelling) I cant comment on much. But there are a few islands that need a wide berth unless can sneak through them on good day with plenty of blow up charts and things. Then maybe Fishguard but definately Pwhelli for easy fuel if cant make Hollyhead. Buy fuel from the ship refueling place with loads of reducers on the six inch pipe!!

<font color=blue> Haydn

 

[stebinnersley]

That seems to be the plan I have devised, just wanted local knowledge, which has been supplied in detail, thanks.

Just hoping for the weather, around the 30th of this month

 

[kimhollamby]

Please come back and tell us how you got on...have a good trip and sorry for the misunderstanding.

kim_hollamby@ipcmedia.com

 

[stebinnersley]

Will do, should be an interesting trip this time of year, would make a good article for the magazine!

"When not to make a long distance voyage" !!!!!!