Channel Crossing

[geoffatstanpit]

I did it (Christchurch - Cherbourg) in my Parker 21 and I've done Hamble - St Vaast several times in a Seal 22. It is quite a long way and there's not much to see but with a decent wind on the beam it's absolutely no problem. But twice I've had pouring rain, no wind at all and a deadline. 15 hours with the motor going is more than mortal man can put up with.

Never do it to a deadline!

 

[Sans Bateau]

Welcome to the forum Mr Rock!

Reading the thread, looks like you better get started on a passage plan!

 

[Sailfree]

Frank Dye sailed from UK to the source of the Nile on one trip and on another sailed to Iceland all in 16ft Wayfarer. For the last Worlds 3 boats sailed to Holland across the North Sea before taking part in the racing /cruising programme of event.

I race a Wayfarer as well as having owned boats of 36/38/43' at various times.

Firstly going with wind on the nose is no fun and less fun in a smaller boat. I would take the advice given above and go on a June Day in daylight with calm conditions and either a westerly or easterly wind of F3-4. I would avoid Fog.

I am not sure what speed your boat goes under engine or its range but I would be tempted to avoid a flat calm crossing as I have had my prop foul with fishing nets/ropes/water ski tow rope on about 5 occassions. The channel is a dirty stretch of water. My boat does about 3000mls per year though.

Comfort and length of boat is linked to the pitch of any waves and inevitably a smaller boat is more lively!