Channel Crossing

[Moose]

We may cross the channel (weather permitting etc.) In the next 2 weeks for the first time.
Chichester-Cherburg
What do I need?
Any ideas on when to leave etc.
and
Where are all the rocks?

This is only a idea at the moment

Moose

 

[Guest]

If you need to borrow safety gear, I may be able to help, need it back for 22/3 though

 

[ChrisP]

If you need to ask where all the rocks are IMHO the first thing you need is to attend a day skippers course. Postpone the trip until you've passed it then ask again.

What do you mean the sea gull in front's walking !!!

 

[Viking]

Go out to the Nab Tower (left side of the Isle of Wight) wait for a ferry then follow it!

 

[iangrant]

Moose
Hoping this is a wind up? If it's not, and you really do just go, you will frighten yourself stupid with all the moving things (ships) in the middle and all the lights buoys and concrete walls (Cherbourg) at the other end.. Oh and I'd look really carefully at the tide tables for Chi bar depths or in a Southerly wind you won't be going at all...

Ian

 

[Renegade_Master]

Previous MBY had passages & waypoint on all the popular crossings to France. cant remember the issue. However as ChriP says should take you Day Skip/ICC before considering it.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A>

 

[miket]

As with others I assume you are winding us up.
I see your bio says flight engineer, so guess navigation is not exactly new to you.

Chichester to Cherbourg is very straight forward, the exit from Chichester being the trickiest bit.
Weather is by far and away the most important factor for the crossing.
Look at the Synoptic Charts on this site for 3 or 4 days prior to leaving, and also check your findings with Marinecall or similar.
Try to avoid anything over F4 if this is your first time, especially if wind is against tide.
Also remember that you need to get back too, so check weather "x" days ahead.

Ensure engines and nav' gear all working well.

Don't cruise flat out. If you have a max' of 30 kts, IMHO 20/22 kts will be nice relaxed and economical cruising speed.

Why not consider cruising with a more experienced companion, the first time?

 

[Guest]

IS your insurance valid, I have heard of some policies that stipulate there must be three or more boats together, just a point to consider. I am waiting for my terms and conditions from Marden Insurance for this very point, it's OK to say you can go here there and everywhere, but if your boat is Cat C like mine, I need to know where I stand.

 

[duncan]

Navigations limits

these will depend on your proposal Grumpy...........

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

My proposal is Channel Islands, Northern France - Brest/Elbe Limits, BUT my boat Cat C, is only catagorised to I believe 3 miles offshore. Perhaps someone can explain the Cat A - D coding shown on the boat for any of us that are new to this. I would hate to crash and for them to say OK we covered you for there, but your boat was not catagorised to go there so tuff luck.

 

[sailbadthesinner]

where are all the rocks??
hahahahahhahaaha nice one


you are joking??

Ok brain let's just do this and I can get back to killing you with beer.

 

[iangrant]

Re: Navigations limits

RCD Categorys:

A Ocean >F8 >4m (wave height)
B Offshore >F8 <4m
C Inshore <F6 <2m
D Sheltered waters <F4 <0.5m

Thsi is for yachts I think it's the same for power.
Hope this helps

Ian

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

What is the definition of Inshore and Offshore, if mine is Cat C can I go Offshore to France (in company)

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

Yes. but only if they move Europe this way a bit. Cat C, technically, says no more than 4 miles offshore. As the shortest crossing is about 24 miles, you'll need to have France moved about 16 miles closer. Doubtless you have some piece of safety equipment to achieve this.

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

There is no room left to get any booze on board anyway /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif So infact it is totally pointless being insured to go there. Guess I will have to be a 'coastline creeper' /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif Shame I was looking for forward to a quick blast across on a fine day.

 

[stebinnersley]

I crossed the channel last week as part of a longer trip, crossed at problem the widest point North Britany (L’Aberwrac) – Falmouth – we had no problems, however I am very experienced, if you are asking where rocks are etc you sound a little naive (with respect), I would get someone who knows what they are doing to cross with you.

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

Doubt you'd have the fuel range in any event. And while some of the old codgers round here doubtless used to do this trip in coracles, I wouldn't fancy it in a 20 footer...

 

[jhr]

Re: Navigations limits

I'm no expert, but if I were you, I would certainly make absolutely sure that you and your insurer are mutually clear about what is and what is not covered - including whether or not the RCD category of your boat invalidates cover when you get beyond 3 miles offshore.

I suspect that you will be covered but that there might be acrimony about settling a claim if you had done something deliberately stupid or negligent. After all, a Channel crossing on a calm day would be a lot safer than going over the Bridge at the Needles in a S. F5 with an ebbing tide - yet the latter is allegedly within the capabilities of your boat and the former is not. As ever, with the sea, it's all down to common sense, experience and instinct.

All my experience of insurers is that if they can find a way not to pay, then they will - and that after the event is not a good time to start trying to negotiate the terms of the cover. Get your retaliation in first!

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

I was thinking more of following a ferry over from Dover, I have a 45gal tank, so it should get me across safely, if I was allowed, and the weather was exceptionaly calm, very rare I know. I tried to contact the RYA for an answer but as ever they are never in the office, I know they are busy but we have paid for a service that they can't give, even posting you a book is a major operation! Not impressed so far.

 

[kimhollamby]

Re: Navigations limits

Grumpy,

RCD has got no connection with 'inshore' or 'offshore'. The advice you have had here is good; namely that you should check with your insurance company.

RCD categories refer to mean wave heights and insurance company is far more interested in your experience and the type and size of boat. Your inexperience, the boat's small size and its relative vulnerability will all be areas of concern. Forget cruising in company being a safeguard as far as insurance is concerned; you are considered as responsible for your own boat and will be judged on those merits.

kim_hollamby@ipcmedia.com